Chief Financial Officer

SEIU- ESF; Northampton (MA); On-site; USD 134,444 - 165,367; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employer-paid health benefits

Home stipend

Cell phone stipend

Job summary

SEIU Education & Support Fund is seeking a transformative Chief Finance Officer to lead finance, risk management, and compliance. You will drive the shift from outsourced accounting to a self‑sufficient in‑house team, including a full ERP implementation and HRIS integration.

You will report to the ED, partner with senior leadership, and guide budgeting, audits, and strategic financial planning across a national remote workforce.

Qualifications

• 15+ years in financial leadership, nonprofit preferred.
• Experience transitioning to in-house finance with ERP projects.
• Knowledge of multi-state payroll and regulatory requirements.
• Strong governance and risk management capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee ERP implementation and financial systems modernization.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes.
• Manage financial reporting to ELT, Board, and Finance Committee.
• Ensure compliance, internal controls, and risk mitigation.
• Direct and develop finance staff in a remote environment.

Skills

Financial leadership

ERP implementation

GAAP for nonprofit

Budgeting & forecasting

Risk management

Board reporting

Strategic planning

Team leadership

Remote collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

CPA or MBA preferred

Tools

ERP system

Human Capital Management system

Financial reporting software

Compliance monitoring tools

Job description

LOCATION OF POSITION

Remote (within the United States) with travel for periodic in-person meetings and activities required. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States. We are unable to offer visa sponsorship.

SALARY RANGE

The selected candidate will receive one of the following salaries: $134,444, $150,578 or $165,367 depending on their location. Salaries are assigned by matching the candidate’s current location to our cost-of-labor chart and cannot be negotiated. This is a FULL-TIME salaried position with a competitive benefits package. See below for details.

JOB CLASSIFICATION

This position is exempt from overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). It is not eligible for overtime pay.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

The CFO supervises the Director of Finance; oversees an existing finance department and collaborates closely with senior leaders including the Chief Operating Officer and Chief People and Culture Officer to ensure cross-functional alignment.

UNION STATUS

This position is managerial and not included in the collective bargaining unit represented by ESF’s union, the Juntos Podemos Guild.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Research shows that qualified talent from historically marginalized groups often self-select out of applying to positions if they don't meet all the qualifications listed. Consider this description our best thinking at the moment. Strong candidates may not meet all the requirements but still have valuable experience and expertise to offer. If you believe you could be a strong candidate, please apply!

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW

An increasing number of Americans – most of whom are women and people of color – are employed in service sector jobs that are marked by low wages, no health care, job insecurity, and lack of training and career advancement opportunities. The SEIU Education & Support Fund tackles these issues by designing and facilitating worker-centered, relationship-based, and accessible education, training, and workforce development programs. We serve as a strategic partner to the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), and collaborate with other unions, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and employers to help workers access good jobs and spark positive social change. Throughout our work, we promote a culture of empowerment that honors experience, culture, diversity, and inclusion.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Chief Finance Officer (CFO) is a key leader on the Executive Leadership Team (ELT), providing strategic oversight of the organization’s financial, risk management, legal compliance, contract administration, and administrative functions.

Reporting to the Executive Director (ED), the CFO plays a critical role in solidifying ESF’s business model, ensuring financial sustainability, and embedding financial risk management into organizational decision-making and strategic planning.

The incoming CFO will be a transformative leadership role for a strategic and hands‑on executive who will provide financial stewardship while architecting and leading the organization's transition from an outsourced accounting model to a high‑performing, self‑sufficient in‑house finance department. This includes spearheading a full ERP implementation, ensuring robust risk management and legal compliance and alignment with a Human Capital Management system.

EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS

Financial Strategy, Reporting, and Systems

• Architect and lead the transition from an external accounting firm to a self‑sufficient, in‑house finance department, assuming all technical accounting responsibilities including monthly close, audit prep, and compliance.
• Lead the evaluation, selection, and implementation of a new ERP system to replace QuickBooks Online and scale with the organization's growth.
• Serve as a financial stakeholder in the evaluation and implementation of a new Human Capital Management system, ensuring budget alignment and data integration with financial systems.
• Develop and maintain financial reporting systems and workflows accessible to a distributed, remote workforce.
• Lead the in‑house team in preparing and presenting accurate and timely financial reports to the ELT, Board of Directors, and Finance Committee.
• Provide ongoing operational oversight on the ERP system and partner with Chief Operations Officer on systems integration where necessary
• Lead and own the development and management of the annual operating budget and re‑forecast process as needed; provide information and analyses regarding the alignment of resources with strategic priorities.
• Report on financial results and conditions through oversight and review of monthly organizational financial statements.
• Provide strategic direction on short‑term and long‑term financial planning, scenario modeling, and forecasting.
• Oversee adherence to the Short‑Term Cash Management and Investment Policy and Policy on Operating Reserves, in consultation with the Executive Director and Finance Committee
• Ensure any required audits, the IRS 990 and other annual federal or state filings are completed for ESF and the entities ESF administers

Administration and Financial Compliance, and Risk Management

• Oversees ESF’s responsibilities as a third party administrator, collaborating closely with program directors and trustees. Duties include oversight of trust audit and insurance.
• Design, implement, and enforce robust internal controls and financial policies to ensure the accuracy of financial information and mitigate risk.
• Ensure ESF has adequate and up‑to‑date insurance coverage
• Ensure compliance with multi‑state employment tax, payroll, and regulatory requirements across all states where ESF employs remote staff
• Use partnerships across the organization to build staff awareness and practices to ensure sound operations and to mitigate risks
• Embed financial policies, compliance standards, and risk mitigation protocols into organizational systems
• Oversee refinement and adherence to the organization’s Purchasing Policy and Contracting Policy
• Develop, implement, and enforce other policies and procedures related to the organization’s financial and administrative operations

Grants & Contracts (Revenue) Oversight

• Oversee financial reporting and compliance on all grants/contracts received from the public sector, foundations, and other donors/contributors
• Negotiate as needed on behalf of the organization to ensure terms favorable to ESF; bring knowledge of how CBA dollars have been awarded into support for renewed funding
• Oversee the development of financial information necessary for funding applications, such as personnel rates and indirect cost rates
• Ensure all agreements for granted or contracted funds are reviewed internally and by counsel when necessary prior to execution
• Align financial tracking (Finance),deliverable monitoring (Chief Program Officer’s team), and funder relations (CAO) to streamline cross‑department communication; co‑develop SOPs and workflows related to securing and monitoring grants and contracts

• Evaluate and make recommendations with respect to new financial partnerships or joint ventures that are new models for the organization’s work

Executive Leadership & Team Development

• Serve as a strategic thought partner to the ED and other members of the ELT
• Continue to build and develop a high‑performing finance team with a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Cultivate a culture of learning, innovation, and continuous improvement across teams.
• Partner with People & Culture on leadership development, succession planning, and equitable performance management.
• Collaborate with the Board Treasurer to lead the Finance Committee through fulfillment of its duties
• Set and monitor annual goals related to ESF’s financial operations and performance as part of the annual work plan
• Promote financial transparency, coaching, and accountability across all levels of the organization.
• Hold primary responsibility for employment decisions affecting direct reports, including hiring, discipline, and termination, either directly or through effective recommendation
• Directly supervise the day‑to‑day management of assigned staff
• Exercise independent judgment within their vertical in managing staff and making decisions that impact team operations, work priorities, deadlines, and employee outcomes
• Conduct performance evaluations and provides ongoing coaching, feedback, and development support via regular scheduled one‑on‑one meetings, team meetings, or impromptu meetings
• Has the authority to issue disciplinary action and/or effectively recommend corrective action up to and including termination.
• Participate in hiring decisions, including candidate selection and evaluations
• Make recommendations regarding promotions and other employment actions based on performance and organizational needs
• Address employee relations matters, including responding to concerns, resolving conflicts, and escalating issues as appropriate
• Maintain accountability for team performance, productivity, and adherence to expectations.
• Ensure team compliance with organizational policies, procedures, and applicable employment laws

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Deep expertise in nonprofit financial management, compliance, and risk strategy.
• Advanced knowledge of GAAP as applied in nonprofit contexts, including restricted/unrestricted revenue recognition
• Proficiency in financial systems and ERP platforms; demonstrated ability to evaluate, select, and implement new systems
• Strong working knowledge of multi‑state payroll, tax compliance, and employment regulations in a distributed workforce
• Commitment to a worker‑centered, empowerment‑based approach to leadership and organizational development.
• Exceptional judgment, interpersonal, and communication skills; ability to manage across diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Proven change management skills and the ability to lead an organization through significant operational and systems transformations.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote, fast‑paced environment across multiple time zones.
• Strong communication skills and ability to present financial information to non‑financial audiences
• Flexibility and tolerance for ambiguity
• Commitment to continuous improvement, efficiency, and staff collaboration.
• Ability to travel periodically for in‑person meetings and activities, including a quarterly in‑person leadership meeting that takes place in the northeast.

EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS

• At least 15 years of progressive leadership experience in financial management, including at least 10 years of experience in complex nonprofit organizations with budgets of at least $20 million.
• Demonstrated success in financial strategy development, redesign, sustainability planning, and risk management.
• Knowledge of federal and state grant compliance requirements.
• Exceptional leadership and management skills
• Experience building and managing a team, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to manage multi‑directionally
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field required; CPA or MBA strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated capability in supporting and developing staff.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• CPA or MBA strongly preferred
• Demonstrated success in transitioning an organization from an outsourced to an in‑house accounting model OR leading a non‑profit finance department through a similar large‑scale transformation.
• Direct experience leading the selection and implementation of a new ERP and significant involvement in selection of a Human Capital Management system.
• Proven success with developing and leading teams through significant change management, including in a unionized workplace.
• Experience supporting or partnering with worker‑centered, labor, or advocacy organizations
• Experience working with or serving on governing boards is desirable.

BENEFITS

We understand the importance of offering our employees strong support and benefits. That’s why we provide 100% employer‑paid medical, dental, and vision plans for you and your eligible dependents and offer a defined benefit pension plan for retirement. We also offer an initial and annual home stipend, and you can choose between a biweekly cell phone stipend or a company-sponsored cell phone.

In your first two years with us, you’ll accrue up to four (4) weeks of vacation and five (5) weeks after completing two years of service. We also recognize the value of work‑life balance, so we offer paid holidays, 13 days of sick leave, six (6) personal days, and two (2) floating holidays.

COMPENSATION

At the Education and Support Fund (ESF), we understand how crucial it is to create a compensation and benefits system that not only attracts but also retains a diverse and talented team. We are committed to ensuring that our compensation practices reflect our values and the unique experiences of each employee. Our philosophy focuses on the following important principles:

1. Honoring Our Culture: We believe that every individual's lived experiences and professional journeys are invaluable. Our compensation framework aims to acknowledge and celebrate this diversity, as it enriches our organization and strengthens our community.

2. Innovative: We strive to be forward‑thinking in our approach. By embracing an inclusive design process, we are dedicated to crafting a compensation program that is not only fair but also transformative, promoting a culture of growth and opportunity for everyone at ESF.

3. Worker‑Centered: Your voice matters to us. We are committed to listening to the needs, experiences, and perspectives of our staff as we develop our Compensation Framework. We want to ensure that all factors are thoughtfully considered to create a supportive and equitable environment.

At ESF, we are committed to fairness, consistency, and transparency in our compensation practices. The salary for this role is predetermined based on standardized geographical cost of labor data and the candidate's primary place of residence.

Salaries are assigned by matching the candidate’s current location to our cost‑of‑labor chart and cannot be negotiated. We understand that compensation is an important factor in your decision‑making and encourage candidates to review and ask questions about our benefits information to get a better understanding of our total compensation package.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

SEIU Education and Support Fund follows the spirit and intent of all federal, state and local employment law and is committed to equal opportunity in all aspects of employment. In alignment with our mission, we recognize the importance of our staff reflecting the communities our work aims to benefit as well as the desirability of increasing employment opportunities for people from historically marginalized groups. We encourage and seek applicants from people of color, women, members of the LGBTQ+ communities, bilingual and bicultural individuals, and people with disabilities.