Chief Financial Officer - Nonprofit Economic Development

ContinuServe Talent Acquisition & Organizational Development Services; Detroit (MI); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

ContinuServe seeks an Executive CFO to lead nonprofit financial strategy for multiple client engagements in a hybrid Detroit-based setting. You will oversee budgeting, reporting, audits, and compliance while partnering with executive teams to advance mission-aligned finances.

Ideal candidates bring 10+ years of nonprofit finance leadership, experience with grant administration, and strong stakeholder communication. CPA/MBA preferred, with focus on governance and risk management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or business with an accounting/finance focus
• Minimum of 10 years of accounting/finance experience, CFO or senior executive role
• Experience with Not‑For‑Profit organizations and grant administration
• Proven consulting experience with multiple clients and strong team leadership
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Strong interpersonal, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Experience with NMTC, tax credit transactions, and public‑private finance (preferred)

Responsibilities

• Act as CFO for assigned nonprofit clients and serve as primary financial leader to executives and boards
• Provide strategic financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and risk management
• Oversee audits, compliance with GAAP/ASC 958 and 2 CFR 200 rules
• Lead preparation of monthly/quarterly financial reports and analyses
• Develop and present financial results to leadership and finance committees
• Partner with client leadership on budgets, forecasts, and scenario planning
• Improve internal controls and implement technology solutions to enhance efficiency
• Mentor and develop client engagement teams with a focus on coaching
• Collaborate with stakeholders to align financial strategy with mission goals

Skills

Financial leadership

Nonprofit accounting

GAAP/ASC 958

Grant administration

Budgeting & forecasting

Stakeholder communication

Financial reporting

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting/finance

MBA/CPA (preferred)

Tools

Accounting software

Job description

Assistant Vice President (AVP) – CFO

ContinuServe is seeking a Chief Financial Officer to join our nonprofit team in a hybrid role based in Detroit, MI. This role combines strategic leadership with hands‑on financial management, providing clients with high‑level financial oversight, compliance assurance, and decision‑making support. This role will support clients in the nonprofit and economic development space. As the primary liaison for our clients, you’ll shape and execute financial strategies that empower organizations to achieve their goals. If you’re passionate about nonprofit financial success and thrive in client‑facing leadership roles, this is your chance to make a meaningful impact.

Responsibilities

• Act as CFO for assigned nonprofit clients, serving as the primary financial leader and trusted advisor to executive teams and boards.
• Provide strategic financial planning, guidance, and insights to support organizational growth, sustainability, and mission alignment.
• Provide executive oversight of complex economic development financing structures, including New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC), tax credit transactions, public‑private financing arrangements, grants, loans, and other community development investment vehicles
• Lead preparation and delivery of monthly/quarterly financial reports, including analysis of financial statements, budgets, forecasts, and cash flow.
• Present financial results and recommendations to executive leadership, finance committees, and boards of directors.
• Oversee compliance with nonprofit accounting standards (GAAP/ASC 958), federal cost principles, and funding regulations, including 2 CFR 200 Uniform Guidance and state‑level requirements
• Partner with client leadership to develop annual budgets, multi‑year forecasts, and scenario planning models.
• Assess financial risks and recommend mitigation strategies, including liquidity management, reserves planning, and investment policies.
• Lead and oversee annual audits, single audits, and grantor reviews, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant submissions.
• Evaluate and recommend process improvements, internal controls, and technology solutions to enhance client efficiency.
• Provide advisory on technical accounting matters including ASC updates, allocation methodologies, and indirect cost rates.
• Build and sustain collaborative relationships with client executives, boards, funders, and other key stakeholders.
• Oversee finance and accounting teams (controllers, managers, analysts) assigned to client engagements.
• Ensure accuracy, timeliness, and quality of team deliverables in line with client contracts and service expectations.
• Provide mentoring, coaching, and career development support to direct reports.
• Manage staff performance, workload balance, and adherence to professional standards.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or business with an accounting/finance focus
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in accounting and finance, including prior experience as a CFO or equivalent senior executive role
• Experience working with Not‑For‑Profit organizations. Experience with social justice organizations preferred but not required
• Versed in federal, city, and state grant administration, including compliance, budgeting, and allocation
• Proven success providing consulting services to multiple clients at once
• Demonstrated people management experience and success leading a team of direct reports, with a focus on coaching and developing others
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and functions in a fast‑paced environment
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Advanced knowledge of industry‑specific accounting software and advanced Excel skills
• Deep understanding of accounting principles and processes
• Experienced in creating processes to improve efficiencies
• Strong business acumen and excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Demonstrated success working collaboratively and building relationships with key stakeholders and C‑level executives

Preferred

• Master’s degree (MBA, MPA) or CPA designation
• Experience working with Economic Development nonprofit organizations.
• Prior experience with New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC).
• Experience in a consulting or business process outsourcing (BPO) environment
• Proven success leading both in‑person and decentralized/virtual teams

About ContinuServe

ContinuServe is a tech‑enabled outsourcing firm that partners with clients to provide finance, accounting, human resources and technology services. We have deep category knowledge and personalized service to impact your bottom line daily. We provide strategies that streamline and strengthen your operations in today’s fast‑paced environment.

We Are Built for the Pace of Possibility

ContinuServe is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a culturally diverse workforce. We are committed to providing an inclusive environment based on mutual respect for all candidates and team members. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, height, weight, marital status, gender identity expression, disability status, protected veteran, or other legally protected status by state or federal law.