Chief Financial Officer

People Architects; Cleveland (OH); On-site; AUD 199,000 - 327,000; Full time

Job summary

The Chief Financial Officer position is with a Cleveland, Ohio nonprofit organization seeking a seasoned financial leader to guide strategy and drive responsible growth. The role reports to the CEO and oversees budgeting, reporting, compliance, and audits while partnering with the Board on strategic decisions.

The ideal candidate will have extensive nonprofit finance experience, strong GAAP knowledge, and a track record in grant accounting and fund management, with experience guiding and

Qualifications

• 8+ years of accounting/finance experience with GAAP expertise, grant management, and fund management experience.
• 5+ years of experience managing and directing a professional finance team.
• Proficiency in financial software (Excel, QuickBooks, and more).
• Nonprofit experience required, additional government experience desired but not required.
• A CPA designation or advanced degree is recommended but not required.

Responsibilities

• Lead financial strategy, planning, and reporting in compliance with GAAP.
• Manage budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow to support long-term stability.
• Drive process improvements, strengthen internal controls, and safeguard assets.
• Oversee financial statements, audits, and regulatory filings, including tax returns.
• Ensure accurate fund accounting, grant compliance, and financial reporting.
• Serve as liaison to auditors and Board committee.
• Mentor and develop the Finance team, fostering a supportive, high-performing environment.
• Collaborate with senior leadership and Board members to inform strategic decisions.
• Lead budget meetings and communicate financial updates clearly and effectively.

Skills

GAAP expertise

Grant management

Fund management

Nonprofit experience

CPA recommended

Advanced degree

Finance team leadership

Accounting software

Education

Accounting/Finance degree

CPA designation

Advanced degree

Tools

Excel

QuickBooks

Job description

The Opportunity

Our client, a nonprofit organization in Cleveland, Ohio is seeking an experienced, dynamic, financial and accounting professional to join its leadership team. This role offers a unique opportunity for an accomplished financial leader who thrives in a fast-paced, changing, high-growth environment to shape the organization’s future and make a meaningful impact on the economic advancement of Cuyahoga County. Supported by dedicated Executive and Board leadership, the Chief Financial Officer will play a critical role in driving the organization's financial strategy and operational excellence.

The Position - Essential Responsibilities and Functions

The Chief Financial Officer will guide financial and investment strategy, ensure fiscal integrity, drive sustainable growth, and support community impact goals. The CFO will report to the CEO and will lead all financial operations, including budgeting, reporting, compliance, and audits.

Responsibilities of the Chief Financial Officer include:

• Lead financial strategy, planning, and reporting in compliance with GAAP.


• Manage budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow to support long-term stability.


• Drive process improvements, strengthen internal controls, and safeguard assets.


• Oversee financial statements, audits, and regulatory filings, including tax returns.


• Ensure accurate fund accounting, grant compliance, and financial reporting.


• Serve as liaison to auditors and Board committee.


• Mentor and develop the Finance team, fostering a supportive, high-performing environment.


• Collaborate with senior leadership and Board members to inform strategic decisions.


• Lead budget meetings and communicate financial updates clearly and effectively.

Desired Candidate Profile:

We are seeking a candidate who is an accomplished financial executive, capable of operating in a fast-paced, dynamic, mission-driven environment. The CFO should be a strategic thinker, experienced working directly with non-profit boards. The ideal candidate will demonstrate thorough knowledge of and be highly skilled in financial reporting and record keeping, annual budgeting, cash flow management, external auditing and reporting, and grant accounting and fund management.

The ideal candidate is also highly skilled in interpersonal communications, relationship development, and management of change. In addition, the CFO will build upon a positive and creative work culture and should possess superior leadership skills in the management, motivation, and development of professional staff.

Qualifications:

Education and Skills

• A college degree in accounting or finance, or a combination of academic study and experience.


• 8+ years of accounting/finance experience with GAAP expertise, grant management, and fund management experience.


• 5+ years of experience managing and directing a professional finance team.


• Proficiency in financial software (Excel, QuickBooks, and more).


• Nonprofit experience required, additional government experience desired but not required.


• A CPA designation or advanced degree is recommended but not required.

Critical Leadership Competencies and Personal Attributes:

• Strategic thinking/Visioning: able to define and communicate the big picture in an inspiring way.


• Adaptability/Agility: able to adjust to meet the pace of a fast-changing environment.


• Innovation/Creativity: able to find better ways of doing things.


• Decision Making: able to make effective, timely judgments.


• Communication: able to make compelling presentations to internal and external stakeholders.


• Organization/Planning: able to plan, organize and direct the team with a focus on key priorities.


• Collaboration: able to form positive and productive working relationships.


• Development of Others: able to coach people to improve performance and prepare for future roles.

We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. People Architects and our clients are equal opportunity employers and do not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status.