Advise the Chief Operating Officer, CEO, and other senior leaders on all aspects of financial planning, budgeting, cash flow management, investment priorities, and long-term financial strategy.
Work directly with the Finance & Audit Committee of the Board of Directors to communicate critical financial matters and provide clear, insightful analysis.
Lead the development of financial models and conduct scenario analysis to support strategic decision-making for new initiatives, partnerships, and growth opportunities.
Translate complex financial information into a compelling narrative of mission impact for internal and external stakeholders.
Architect Scalable Financial Systems and Operations:
Oversee all day-to-day accounting operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and banking relations, ensuring timeliness, accuracy, and efficiency.
Lead the annual organizational budgeting and planning process, collaborating with department heads to align resource allocation with strategic priorities.
Develop, implement, and maintain a robust system of internal controls, policies, and procedures to safeguard organizational assets and ensure financial integrity.
Continuously evaluate and improve financial and operational processes, leveraging technology and automation to increase efficiency and scalability.
Ensure Unimpeachable Integrity and Compliance:
Lead the annual external audit process, serving as the primary point of contact for auditors and ensuring a timely and successful outcome.
Oversee the preparation and timely filing of all required financial reports, including the annual IRS Form 990.
Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local financial regulations for nonprofit organizations, as well as grant and contract requirements.
Develop and implement a comprehensive risk management framework to identify and mitigate financial and operational risks.
Build and Lead a High-Impact Finance Team:
Lead, mentor, and develop the finance and accounting team, fostering a culture of high performance, continuous improvement, and collaborative problem-solving.
Promote ZERO’s core values of being humble, hungry, and smart within the team and across the organization.
Establish and monitor team performance and development goals, conduct annual performance appraisals, and champion opportunities for professional growth.
Requirements
Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field is required.
Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in finance and accounting, with at least 5 years in a senior management role.
Significant experience in the nonprofit sector, with a deep understanding of nonprofit accounting, financial reporting, and compliance.
Proven experience serving as a strategic financial partner to executive leadership and a Board of Directors.
Demonstrated success in leading an annual budget process, managing external audits, and overseeing the preparation of the Form 990.
Strong leadership skills with a proven track record of managing and developing a high-performing team.
Exceptional analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate data into actionable insights.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively present financial information to non-financial stakeholders.
Proficiency in accounting software (QuickBooks and Sage Intacct preferred) and Microsoft Excel.
CPA, MAcc, MBA, CMA, CGMA, or similar certifications or degrees highly preferred.
Experience gained in a high-growth organization with both external audit and in-house financial management experience.
Experience leading the selection and implementation of new financial systems or ERPs.
Familiarity with cloud-based systems used by ZERO, such as Google Workspace, Raiser's Edge, and Slack.
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.