Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Job Summary

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will serve as part of the Executive Management Team and as an active participant in making strategic decisions affecting ESSF. The successful candidate will balance implementing a strong vision for the finance function with a hands-on approach to managing the financial operations of a fast-paced $14M organization. We are looking to continue to scale and grow through 2027 and beyond. We need a dynamic and analytical CFO who is excited to take a growing and high-impact organization to new levels.

The CFO will provide leadership and direction within ESSF on matters related to financial planning and controls and administrative support operations, ensuring sound fiscal management and efficient support services to ESSF programs and community services. The CFO is responsible for overseeing budgeting, cash management, financial and tax reporting, the external audit process, external program fiscal monitoring requirements, and the external investment management process. He/she is an organized multi-tasker who is able to strategically manage and lead a finance team of seven staff members while overseeing a myriad of initiatives in a fast-paced and collaborative environment.

The CFO will interface closely with other leadership team members and will be responsible for overseeing all fiscal and fiduciary responsibilities for the organization, in conjunction with the board of directors and the finance & investment, and audit committees of the board.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Strategy and Planning Leadership:

• Oversee annual and long-term budgetary planning and costs management in alignment with ESSF’s strategic plan, especially as the organization considers new investments, and collaborations with external organizations.
• Develop tools and systems to provide critical financial and operational information to the CEO and make actionable recommendations on both strategy and program operations.
• Set the finance department strategy for rapid transformation from established mode to expansion mode for  sustainable operations scale.
• Engage the board, finance & investment, and audit committees around issues, trends, and changes; assist in establishing yearly objectives, and engaging outside consultants (auditors, investment advisors, etc.).
• Develop financial forecasts and business plans which reflect the strategic initiatives of ESSF.
• Work closely with the CEO and Board to minimize exposure and risk.

Financial and Operations Management:

• Serve as a key partner to the CEO, CAO, Board, VP of Development, Program leaders, and other key stakeholders on all financial matters, making proactive recommendations to keep ESSF on track for achieving strategic goals.
• Directs and supervises the finance department staff who are responsible for the day-to-day financial reporting functions of the agency and directs the preparation of interim and annual reports for all programs and departments within the Agency.
• Review short and long-term goals considering existing and projected financial resources available; create data-based long- and short-term goals, budgets and forecasts.
• Develops procedures necessary to maintain proper records and to provide adequate accounting controls and services.
• Work with the finance & investment committee and investment consultants to ensure ESSF’s investments are invested wisely and in accordance with the investment policy
• Oversees and directs treasury, cash management, budgeting, audit, tax, accounting, insurance activities for the Agency; responsible for compliance with all financial aspects
• Ensures that accounting transactions, including payments on donor pledges and endowment assets, and reports are processed/produced in compliance with Agency policies and generally accepted accounting standards.
• Oversees the annual audit process with the Audit Committee. Responds to audit management letter and assures timely reporting on the annual audit to the Board.
• Provide oversight and support of assigned functional areas(s) related to the operations of the organization. Carry out special projects for the organization and coordinate the activities of the task force/ work groups as directed by the President/CEO.

Team Leadership and Management Responsibilities:

• Build a top-tier internal finance team by actively recruiting, training, developing, and retaining staff; effectively utilize  performance management goals and performance evaluations.
• Maintain and develops key relationships with partner agencies, banks, auditors and others.
• Supervise the finance team’s regular and proper usage of the financial management software (MIP Fund Accounting - formerly Abila MIP).
• Provide tools and resources, and conduct training sessions and workshops related to accounting, finance, budgeting, and strategic planning matters, to assist program leadership in achieving program and organizational goals

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Passionate about ESSF’s mission and impact.
• Committed to learning and growing with the intention to drive change.
• Extremely strong communications skills, both written and verbal, listening skills and presentation skills.
• Interpersonal savvy to make connections, collaborate, and build relationships with diverse constituents.
• Unquestionable personal code of ethics, including integrity, diversity, and trust.
• Values individuals and respects differences of race, ethnicity, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, religion, and socioeconomic circumstance.
• Discretion to handle confidential information.

General Responsibilities

• Ensure the safety of all staff, volunteers, visitors, and individuals receiving services at Easter Seals.
  • Act in compliance with Medical and Non-Medical Emergency Procedures.
  • Assist individuals in evacuating building during emergency situations to include but not limited to fire drills and external disaster drills. Specific duties to be assigned by immediate supervisor.
  • Assume assigned responsibility for non-clinical duties during disaster and/or drills including but not limited to safety of files/office areas, closure of doors.
• Work a flexible schedule as required.
• Other related duties as necessary to ensure the smooth running and efficiency of Easter Seals South Florida as a whole.

Experience and Qualifications:

• A seasoned and mature leader with at least 10-12 years of progressively responsible experience, ideally in medium-large charitable organizations.
• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or Finance required. CPA and/or Master’s degree preferred.
• Advanced proficiency in financial software programs, as well as experience in financial systems integration.
• Strong team work ethic, sound judgment and decision-making skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to work effectively with agency leadership, board members, other staff, outside resources, including consultants and auditors.
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong organizational, planning and presentation skills.
• Knowledge of generally accepted accounting practices and principles as relevant to nonprofit entities receiving Federal funds.

This role is a fit if you..

• Are looking for a salaried position with a commensurate compensation package that includes generous paid time off, medical benefits, and additional workplace benefits.
• Appreciate a weekly schedule that is approximately 8:30am – 5pm with additional time as needed to complete projects. Evening hours are sometimes required.
• Are an enthusiastic team builder and mentor who thrives in a collaborative environment
• Have an innate sense of urgency with an understanding of the hard, sustained work required to achieve big outcomes.
• Have worked closely with executive boards and/or committees in the formation and execution of new initiatives in a growth-oriented environment.
• Are extremely comfortable analyzing and projecting financials but is also able to work hand in hand with the teams to ensure that the strategies are implemented.

Easterseals South Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Drug Free Workplace