Chief Administrative Officer

CNE; Mission (KS); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

CNE is seeking a mission-driven Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to lead financial stewardship, strategy, and operational excellence for a nonprofit serving individuals with autism and families. The CAO partners with the CEO and Board to ensure financial sustainability, transparency, and strategic growth in support of the mission.

This role requires exceptional technical expertise—Excel, financial modeling, forecasting, budgeting—combined with a genuine heart for the community.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field (CPA preferred).
• 7–10+ years of progressive financial leadership experience, preferably in nonprofit, healthcare, or human services.
• Advanced Excel, financial modeling, multi-year projections, budgeting, and cash flow forecasting.
• Experience managing teams and developing leaders; strong nonprofit regulatory knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute long-term financial strategy aligned with organizational mission and growth goals.
• Lead multi-year financial modeling, projections, and scenario planning.
• Advise President and CEO and Board on financial performance, risk management, and strategic opportunities.
• Support expansion initiatives, program growth, and capital investments.
• Oversee annual budgeting process and rolling forecasts.
• Develop detailed financial models to support grant funding and reimbursement strategies.
• Monitor KPIs and provide data-driven reporting to leadership and Board.
• Ensure GAAP nonprofit accounting compliance and Form 990 preparation.
• Oversee revenue streams (government contracts, grants, fundraising) and cash flow management.
• Lead, mentor, and develop finance and administrative staff.
• Oversee financial systems, accounting software, and reporting tools; seek automation where possible.

Skills

Advanced Excel

Financial modeling

Budgeting

Cash flow forecasting

Leadership

Nonprofit financial regulations

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Finance or Accounting

CPA preferred

Tools

Accounting software

Reporting tools

Job description

The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) is a mission-driven executive leader responsible for the financial stewardship, strategy, and operational excellence of a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving individuals with autism and their families. The CAO partners closely with the CEO, Board of Directors, and leadership team to ensure financial sustainability, transparency, and strategic growth in support of the organization’s mission.

This role requires exceptional technical expertise—including superior Excel proficiency, financial modeling, forecasting, and budgeting—combined with a genuine heart for the organization’s work and the community it serves.

Job Duties

Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Financial Leadership

• Develop and execute long-term financial strategy aligned with organizational mission and growth goals
• Lead multi-year financial modeling, projections, and scenario planning
• Advise President and CEO and Board on financial performance, risk management, and strategic opportunities
• Support expansion initiatives, program growth, and capital investments

Financial Planning & Analysis

• Oversee annual budgeting process and rolling forecasts
• Develop detailed financial models to support program expansion, grant funding, and reimbursement strategies
• Monitor and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs)
• Provide clear, data-driven reporting to leadership and Board

Accounting & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards
• Oversee preparation of financial statements and Form 990
• Manage annual audit and maintain strong internal controls
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and grantor regulations

Revenue & Funding Oversight

• Monitor diverse revenue streams (government contracts, Medicaid/insurance reimbursement, grants, fundraising)
• Partner with Development team on grant budgeting and reporting
• Optimize reimbursement processes and cash flow management

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop finance and administrative staff
• Build a high-performing, accountable finance team
• Foster cross-department collaboration and financial literacy across the organization

Systems & Technology

• Oversee financial systems, accounting software, and reporting tools
• Leverage advanced Excel capabilities and financial software to improve analytics and reporting
• Identify opportunities for process automation and operational efficiencies

Skills Required

Requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field (CPA preferred)
• 7–10+ years of progressive financial leadership experience, preferably in nonprofit, healthcare, or human services
• Demonstrated expertise in:
• Advanced Excel (complex formulas, pivot tables, modeling, scenario analysis)
• Financial modeling and multi-year projections
• Budget development and oversight
• Cash flow forecasting
• Experience managing teams and developing leaders
• Strong knowledge of nonprofit financial regulations and reporting

Work Schedule

This is a full time, in person position. Typical work hours are 8:00 – 4:00, Monday – Friday.

Additional Info

Core Competencies

• Mission-driven with a genuine passion for serving individuals with autism and their families
• Strategic thinker with strong analytical and technical skill
• High integrity and commitment to financial transparency
• Strong communicator able to translate financial data into actionable insights
• Collaborative leader with emotional intelligence and people-first management style