Chief Financial Officer

NRECA; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 500,000 - 615,000; Full time

Job summary

NRECA, the national trade association representing over 900 electric cooperatives, seeks a strategic CFO to lead the transformation of the finance function. This executive will guide a 64-person Finance and Accounting Department, steward a $290 million budget, and translate complex financial data into practical guidance for the CEO and Board.

As a senior member of the leadership team, you will drive planning, controls, and ERP optimization, partnering across the enterprise to align people,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in Accounting or Finance; Master's preferred with additional training in finance information systems.
• 10+ years of progressively senior management experience in finance and accounting.
• Experience in FP&A, controls, budgeting, and financial reporting.
• Experience with nonprofit/government contracting and ERISA is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and execution of strategic planning to enhance NRECA's financial position.
• Direct the finance department to engage enterprise-wide and align capabilities.
• Drive technology and ERP enhancements to increase productivity.
• Oversee accounting policies, internal controls, audits, and tax compliance.

Skills

Strategic thinking

People leadership

Communication

Financial analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Workday ERP

Job description

Position Summary: At NRECA, we power more than just communities—we power progress. As the national trade association representing over 900 consumer‑owned electric cooperatives, we play a vital role in shaping the future of energy across the country. Our employees are united by a shared mission, a collaborative and inclusive culture, and a commitment to innovation and service excellence. Recognized as a “best place to work,” NRECA fosters an environment where ideas are valued, impact is visible and careers can thrive.

Job Description

NRECA seeks a strategic leader to serve as a collaborative member of the senior leadership team and to lead the continued transformation of NRECA’s finance function. The executive will support a strong culture and high‑performing team that engages across the NRECA enterprise, optimizing people, processes, and technology. With stewardship of NRECA’s $290 million budget and leadership of a team of 64 across the Finance and Accounting Department, the CFO will translate complex financial information into clear, practical guidance and support organizational decision‑making.

Highlights Of Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of strategic planning to enhance NRECA’s financial position.
• Direct the finance department to engage enterprise‑wide, aligning capabilities and capacity.
• Drive technological innovation in a highly regulated service environment.
• Ensure strong financial functions including controls, planning, forecasting, balance‑sheet and cash‑flow management, audit, and taxes.
• Oversee Strategic, Sourcing and Procurement (SS&P) strategies and operations.
• Lead data‑driven budgeting and financial forecasting to support organization‑wide decision making.
• Maintain consistency of accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls with highest standards of integrity, transparency and compliance.
• Supervise cash management and Treasury functions.
• Collaborate with building operations on the leasing of NRECA’s building space to maximize long‑term leasing and minimize vacant space risk.
• Optimize and integrate Workday ERP accounting and budgeting system enhancements to increase productivity.
• Stay informed on new accounting concepts, SEC rules, GAAP, tax laws and NRECA policies to ensure compliance.

Salary Range: $500,000 - $615,000 annual salary and a 20% incentive opportunity. Final compensation determined by individual qualifications, experience, and internal equity.

For more information about life at NRECA, please visit www.Electric.coop.

Qualifications

Formal Education Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or related field.
• Master’s degree preferred, along with additional training in finance‑related information systems and functional procedures.

Experience And Certifications Required

• 10+ years progressively senior management experience in finance and accounting.
• Broad finance background with strength in accounting and FP&A.
• Prior public accounting experience as well as nonprofit, government contracting, and ERISA experience is a plus.

Strategic Thinking & Setting Financial Strategy

• Develop and lead a finance strategy that drives the transformation of a complex organization.
• Serve as a strategic thought partner to the CEO, senior leadership team and Boards.
• Seek and analyze data to support decisions and create strategic alignment.
• Entrepreneurial and creative, developing new, innovative ideas.
• Effectively drive continued innovation.

People Leadership

• Attract, recruit, motivate and develop top talent while fostering a strong organizational culture.
• Ensure alignment of resources, talent, processes, and technology.
• Lead by example and drive continuous improvement.

Relationships and Influence

• Build strong relationships, advise others and communicate clearly and persuasively.
• Translate complex financial information into clear, practical guidance.
• Exhibit strong judgment and diplomacy, challenging assumptions constructively.
• Create a sense of purpose, meaning, and mission for the team.

Executing for Results

• Enterprise leader with sufficient technical depth to devise and delegate decision‑making processes.
• Set clear and challenging goals and drive results.
• Develop strong implementation plans and execute strategies effectively.
• Demonstrated experience strengthening finance systems, processes, teams, and organizational design.

Essential Physical Requirements

• Require close visual acuity to analyze data, transcribe, view a computer terminal, and perform extensive reading.
• Occasional exertion up to 20 pounds, frequent up to 10 pounds, negligible constant; job rated light work for a predominantly sedentary worker.

Disclaimer Statement

The preceding job description has been written to reflect management’s assignment of essential functions. It does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

Additional Requirement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.

NRECA is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you need special assistance or an accommodation while seeking employment, please e‑mail [e-mail] or call: 703‑907‑5992 (Arlington) or 402‑483‑9275 (Lincoln).

Pay Transparency Non‑Discrimination: NRECA will not discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay.

E‑Verify: As a Federal Contractor, NRECA is required to participate in the E‑Verify Program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States.