Description
The Finance Lead operates at the center of a “hub and spoke” model in which outsourced accountants, investment advisors, HR, and grant management partners must function in coordinated alignment with the Foundation’s mission and standards. This role offers a unique opportunity to join a Foundation poised to enter the next stage of growth. The Finance Lead’s work in the operating functions of the organization will ultimately make a difference for recipients and the work they do.
The Finance Lead plays a dual role supporting the Foundation’s financial management and investment operations during a transformative growth phase. This role is not limited to maintaining accounting processes, but extends to strengthening them, building resilient processes and controls that ensure accuracy, transparency, and trust across all financial transactions.
With assets over $500 million and growing, the Finance Lead serves as the connective tissue between internal leadership and a network of specialized outsourced partners, the role translates complexity into coherence. The Finance Lead ensures that information flows cleanly, financial decisions are well-informed, and execution across vendors, advisors, and consultants remains seamless and well-coordinated.
Requirements
Experience:
5 to 10 years of progressively responsible experience in nonprofit finance, accounting, or investment operations required. Experience in a foundation, mission-based, or tax-exempt institution is strongly preferred.
Strong knowledge of GAAP, nonprofit financial management, and private foundation tax compliance.
Experience coordinating audits, managing budgets and conducting financial modeling and analysis.
Familiarity with investment operations, including working with Outsourced Chief Investment Officers, investment advisory committees and mission-aligned investing.
Proficiency with accounting and payroll systems and strong Excel skills.
Skilled at synthesizing financial information for diverse audiences, including staff, board and committee members.
Demonstrated ability to maintain internal controls and liaise with outsourced accounting and HR providers.
A hands-on operator who is comfortable owning both the analytical and transactional dimensions of finance and accounting in a small-team environment while supporting the Operations Director who sets the strategic direction.
Key Competencies
Job Knowledge & Expertise: Understands how financial, operational and investment systems interact and continuously looks for ways to streamline processes, mitigate risk and enhance clarity.
Project Management & Organization: Exceptionally detail-oriented, with the ability to track multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and consistently produce accurate, high-quality work.
Critical Thinking and Judgment: Demonstrates strong critical thinking and sound judgment in resolving problems, making timely decisions, and knowing when to escalate issues. Demonstrates discretion with confidential matters.
Flexibility & Adaptability: Comfortable shifting priorities and handling emerging needs in a lean, evolving organization. Remains flexible and open to new ideas and is able to adjust effectively to changes in work processes, team dynamics, and organizational goals.
Communication and Relationship Management: Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to build and maintain strong, trust-based relationships with diverse external and internal stakeholders, balancing responsiveness with professionalism and discretion, ensuring timely deliverables and alignment with organizational standards.
Initiative & Work Ethic: Proactively anticipates needs, takes ownership of tasks, and is able to work independently and collaboratively, applying feedback to improve performance.
Teamwork: Comfortable in a collaborative, team-oriented environment and works in support of shared goals. Builds positive working relationships, contributes to an inclusive workplace and is open to feedback and new ideas to resolve challenges and improve outcomes.
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or related field required.
MBA or CPA is highly preferred.
