CFO

Syntax Talent Solutions; New York (NY); On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Syntax Talent Solutions is representing a mission-driven nonprofit in New York City seeking a hands-on CFO to own finance and operations across a 20+ site network. You will partner with the CEO and board to ensure financial strength and program alignment with the mission.

You will manage accounting, budgeting, audit, reporting, and endowment activities, while leading system improvements, HR processes, and risk management in a lean environment.

Qualifications

• Senior finance leadership experience in a nonprofit or complex org.
• Proven track record with budgeting, forecasting, cash management and reporting.
• Experience leading audits and Form 990 preparation with external auditors.
• Strong board-facing communication and financial storytelling.
• Experience with endowment management and investment policy.

Responsibilities

• Lead the full nonprofit finance function including GL, close, reporting and cash flow.
• Own audit process and Form 990 coordination with external auditors.
• Present quarterly financials to the board and committees.
• Explain P&L and budgets with clear, data-driven narratives.
• Partner with investment advisors on endowment assets and policy.
• Oversee operations: insurance, HR processes, contracts, systems and compliance.
• Manage HR payroll/benefits & PEO relationships for 20+ sites.

Skills

Financial leadership

Nonprofit accounting

Board communications

Audit management

Endowment management

Risk management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

CPA strongly preferred

MBA/MPA preferred

Tools

Payroll systems

HRIS

Accounting software

Job description

Join a mission-driven nonprofit at a pivotal moment, taking full ownership of a sophisticated finance and operations function while directly supporting youth development. This is a hands-on, highly visible CFO role working with a Wall Street-caliber board, a $10M endowment, and a national network of member organizations. You'll bridge the worlds of NYC elite stakeholders and under-resourced communities, ensuring the organization remains financially strong, operationally sound, and aligned with its mission.

About the Role:

As CFO, you will lead the entire finance function, overseeing accounting, budgeting, audit, and reporting for a complex nonprofit organization. You will serve as a key strategic partner to the CEO and board, translating financial data into clear insights that drive decision-making. Alongside finance leadership, you will own a broad operational portfolio, including systems, insurance, major contracts, HR processes, and national-scale efficiencies across 20+ member organizations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the full nonprofit finance function, including general ledger oversight, monthly close, financial reporting, and cash flow management.
• Own the annual audit and Form 990 process end-to-end, coordinating with external auditors and ensuring timely, accurate submissions.
• Serve as primary liaison to the Finance, Audit, and Investment Committees, preparing materials and presenting quarterly financials and analysis to the board.
• Walk board members through the P&L, statement of activities, and budgets, providing clear, data-driven narratives and supporting robust financial discussions.
• Partner with investment advisors (e.g., JP Morgan) on endowment management, including asset allocation, fixed income and equities strategy, cash management, and adherence to investment policy.
• Lead operational improvements across systems and processes, driving efficiencies in software, insurance, HR, and equipment for a 20+ member organization network.
• Oversee the full insurance portfolio (D&O, E&O, property, liability, cyber), major contracts, vendors, office and facilities, and compliance across a national footprint.
• Act as HR point person, managing the PEO relationship and overseeing payroll, benefits, 401(k), onboarding/offboarding, handbooks, employee relations, and documentation for seasonal, 1099, and W-2 staff.

Key Requirements:

• Significant experience in a senior finance leadership role, ideally as CFO or equivalent in a nonprofit or similarly complex organization.
• Demonstrated ownership of a full finance function, including budgeting, forecasting, cash management, and financial reporting.
• Proven track record leading organizations through audits and Form 990 preparation with external auditors.
• Strong board-facing experience, including presenting financials and leading discussions with sophisticated, finance-savvy stakeholders.
• Deep fluency in financial statements, nonprofit accounting, and the ability to translate complex financial information into accessible insights.
• Experience overseeing operations functions such as insurance, contracts, facilities, compliance, and systems/process improvement.
• Hands-on leadership style with the willingness to roll up sleeves, work without ego, and operate effectively in a lean environment.
• Clear commitment to and enthusiasm for youth development and working with under-resourced communities.
• Experience managing or advising on endowment or investment portfolios, including asset allocation and investment policy.
• Background working with Wall Street or institutional investors or similar high-caliber financial stakeholders.
• Prior experience supporting a national or multi-site organization, driving economies of scale across multiple entities.
• Exposure to managing PEO relationships and complex staffing models (seasonal, 1099, and W-2).
• Familiarity with risk management frameworks and nonprofit governance best practices.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field.
• CPA strongly preferred and may position candidates at the top of the compensation range.
• Advanced degree (MBA, MPA, or related) preferred but not required with strong experience.
• Demonstrated continuing professional education in accounting, finance, or nonprofit management.