Senior Executive Officer, Finance

The Arc; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

The Arc is seeking a Senior Executive Officer (SEO), Finance, to lead the organization’s financial strategy from Washington, DC. You will partner with the CEO and Board to drive long-term sustainability, oversee all accounting and reporting, and ensure strong internal controls and compliance for grants and funding.

You will shape budgets, forecasts, and financial analytics, translate complex data for executives, and develop a high-performing finance team aligned with The Arc's mission and

Qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise in budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
• Experience with nonprofit accounting principles and restricted funding.
• Ability to communicate complex finance clearly to non-financial leaders.

Responsibilities

• Serve as strategic financial advisor to CEO, SLT, and Board.
• Lead annual budget and long-term financial planning.
• Establish financial performance metrics and provide analysis.
• Oversee accounting, payroll, reporting, and internal controls.
• Manage annual audit and Form 990 filings.
• Ensure compliance with grants, contracts, and funding sources.
• Develop staff and foster cross-functional partnerships.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Executive communication

Budgeting & forecasting

Financial reporting

Internal controls

Audit oversight

Regulatory compliance

Nonprofit accounting

Board & leadership collaboration

Excel proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting/finance/business

CPA or CMA preferred

Tools

ERP systems

Financial software

Job description

The Arc of the United States is seeking an accomplished and strategic financial leader to serve as our Senior Executive Officer (SEO), Finance.

As the organization's senior financial executive, the SEO of Finance will provide strategic leadership and oversight of The Arc's financial operations while helping shape the organization's long-term financial sustainability. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer and serving as a member of the senior leadership team, this individual will be a trusted advisor to the CEO, Board of Directors, and organizational leadership.

The ideal candidate brings deep financial expertise, strong executive judgment, and the ability to translate complex financial information into meaningful insights that support organizational decision-making. This is an opportunity for an experienced finance leader to combine technical excellence with strategic leadership in support of a nationally recognized, mission-driven organization.

What You'll Do

In this role, you will:

• Serve as a strategic financial advisor to the CEO, senior leadership team, and Board of Directors.
• Lead the development, implementation, and monitoring of the organization's annual operating budget and long-term financial plans.
• Establish financial performance measures in partnership with the CEO and provide meaningful analysis and recommendations to support executive decision-making.
• Identify emerging financial risks and opportunities and recommend strategies to strengthen the organization's financial position and long-term sustainability.
• Oversee accounting operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, reconciliations, payroll-related financial activities, and financial reporting.
• Ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial records, reporting, systems, policies, and internal controls.
• Lead the annual financial statement audit and oversee required financial and tax-related reporting, including the organization's Form 990.
• Ensure appropriate financial administration and reporting for grants, contracts, restricted funds, and other funding sources.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local financial and regulatory requirements.
• Partner with organizational leaders to ensure resources are effectively allocated in support of The Arc's strategic priorities.
• Lead, coach, and develop Finance staff while establishing clear expectations, accountability, and a culture of continuous improvement.
• Evaluate and strengthen financial systems, processes, technology, policies, and procedures to improve organizational efficiency and effectiveness.
• Oversee organizational insurance and other financial risk-management activities, as appropriate.
• Maintain strong controls and procedures to safeguard organizational assets.

What You'll Bring

The successful candidate will have:

• A bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field; an advanced degree is strongly preferred.
• CPA, CMA, or another relevant professional designation preferred.
• At least 10 years of progressively responsible financial leadership experience, including significant experience leading a finance or accounting function.
• Executive-level financial leadership experience within a nonprofit, association, or similarly complex organization strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated expertise in budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, cash-flow management, internal controls, audit, and financial analysis.
• Strong knowledge of nonprofit accounting principles, restricted funding, grants, and applicable regulatory and compliance requirements.
• Experience working directly with executive leadership and Boards of Directors.
• The ability to translate complex financial information into clear, actionable information for individuals without financial backgrounds.
• Strong strategic thinking, analytical, problem-solving, and decision‑making skills.
• Demonstrated success leading and developing staff and building effective cross‑functional partnerships.
• Strong proficiency with financial management and accounting systems and Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• A high degree of integrity, discretion, accountability, and sound judgment.

Leadership Profile

We are looking for a leader who brings strategic and organizational leadership, strong financial acumen, executive presence, integrity, collaborative leadership, effective communication and influence, risk awareness, sound judgment, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Most importantly, the successful candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to The Arc's mission, values, and organizational priorities and understand the importance of responsible financial stewardship in advancing that mission.