Vice President of Finance

Humane Society for Southwest Washington•Vancouver, WA

1h•$125,000 - $140,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Humane Society for Southwest Washington (HSSW) seeks an experienced finance leader and CPA to shape its financial future and strengthen the financial and operational foundation for its animal welfare services. Reporting to the President and serving on the Executive Leadership Team, the Vice President of Finance leads financial reporting, planning, budgeting, forecasting, and stewardship, and provides clear analysis and practical recommendations for organizational and business decisions. The role partners with the Associate Director of Finance and Facilities Manager to strengthen financial operations and oversee facilities, fleet, and technology investments. HSSW has an annual budget exceeding $15 million, more than 170 employees, and over 1,200 volunteers, with services across shelter campuses, community veterinary services, mobile clinics, behavior and training, and a thrift store. The primary workplace is HSSW’s Vancouver campus, with regular travel to Longview and other HSSW locations. Occasional evening and weekend work is required. Essential functions include computer-based work, reviewing financial records, communicating with staff and stakeholders, and visiting facilities. Work at shelter and clinic locations may involve exposure to animals, noise, allergens, cleaning products, and other conditions associated with animal care environments. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field.
At least 10 years of progressively responsible accounting and finance experience, including financial leadership and staff supervision.
Strong working knowledge of GAAP, accounting operations, close processes, internal controls, and financial reporting, with the ability to oversee work and provide hands-on support.
Demonstrated success in operating and capital budgeting; revenue, expense, staffing, and cash-flow forecasting; financial modeling; and multiyear strategic planning.
Experience evaluating program costs, pricing, and sustainability across multiple programs or revenue sources.
Strong people leadership and executive collaboration skills, including coaching and developing managers and teams, setting clear expectations, and communicating financial information effectively to staff, executives, and Board members.
Exceptional organization, analytical skills, judgment, discretion, and follow-through; ability to manage competing priorities and develop practical solutions that improve accuracy, timeliness, and efficiency.
Advanced proficiency in Excel and financial systems, with the ability to improve reporting and processes.
Commitment to HSSW’s mission and an inclusive, respectful workplace serving employees, volunteers, and community members.

Nice To Haves

Active Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license.
Nonprofit financial management experience, including donor-restricted funds, grants, annual audits, and Form 990 preparation.
Municipal contract, retail, or veterinary service experience.
Experience supporting Board finance or investment committees.
Experience with MIP or comparable accounting systems, iCompleat, and Ramp.
Experience providing executive oversight of facilities, fleet, or outsourced IT services, and evaluating budgets, investments, and risks.

Responsibilities

Oversee financial operations in partnership with the Associate Director of Finance, including review and management of daily accounting operations, selected accounting and analysis duties, workload coverage, and internal controls.
Ensure timely and accurate financial statements and management reports, and translate results, budget variances, and risks into recommendations for the President, executive team, and Board.
Maintain internal controls, documented procedures, approval practices, and financial systems that safeguard assets and support reliable, efficient operations.
Oversee annual audit preparation and coordinate with external auditors and tax professionals on Form 990 and other required filings; address audit findings and implement improvements.
Ensure accounting and financial reporting comply with GAAP, nonprofit standards, donor restrictions, grant requirements, and municipal contract terms.
Partner with Development on accounting for contributions and pledges, restricted funds, fundraising forecasts, and donor and grant reporting.
Manage cash flow, banking relationships, liquidity, and reserves; coordinate investment decisions with advisors and Board committees under approved policies.
Coordinate with HR and operational leaders on payroll accuracy, staffing costs, benefits budgeting, purchasing, and the financial implications of contracts.
Manage insurance coverage, broker relationships, renewals, and claims coordination; assess coverage needs and risks, and maintain business and required operational licenses.
Lead annual operating and capital budget processes with department leaders, establishing assumptions, deadlines, responsibilities, and review practices.
Develop and update multiyear financial plans, rolling forecasts, staffing and cash-flow projections, and scenario models to guide program decisions, capital investments, and sustainability.
Evaluate the financial performance and sustainability of shelter services, community veterinary care, behavior and training, ReTails, and other programs and business activities.
Develop cost-of-care and cost-allocation analyses, pricing recommendations, and financial models for municipal contracts, service fees, new programs, and proposed changes.
Partner with department leaders to evaluate program and business plans, including service levels, revenue assumptions, staffing needs, and costs; recommend practical, sustainable options.
Serve as staff liaison to the Finance and Investment Committees and prepare and present accessible financial information and recommendations to the Board.
Improve financial reporting and dashboards, and help department leaders use budgets and financial information in planning and daily decisions.
Lead and manage the Associate Director of Finance and Facilities Manager, supporting their leadership of the finance and facilities teams through goal-setting, coaching, feedback, staffing, workload management, training, and performance management.
Build dependable team practices, cross-training, and coverage plans that support accurate work, continuity, and staff development.
Participate in executive team planning and decisions, communicate openly, work through differences constructively, and follow through on shared commitments.
Identify issues early, assess options and tradeoffs, manage competing priorities and projects, and support inclusive practices and a respectful workplace.
Provide executive oversight of facilities, fleet, and technology through the Facilities Manager and outside IT provider; establish priorities, budgets, and service expectations and support reliable operations, preventive maintenance, and capital planning.
Partner with department leaders and qualified vendors to evaluate investments, coordinate major projects, and address safety, cybersecurity, and business continuity needs.