Chief Financial Officer

Core Competencies

• Strategic Financial Leadership
• Executive Decision Making
• Financial Planning & Analysis
• Budget Development
• Treasury Management
• Grant Compliance
• Risk Management
• Internal Controls
• Team Leadership
• Change Management
• Board Communication
• Mission-Driven Leadership

Chief Financial Officer

Position Summary

The Chief Financial Officer is a strategic member of the executive leadership team responsible for the financial stewardship, long-term sustainability, and operational excellence of LiFT. This position provides leadership in financial planning, accounting, budgeting, treasury management, compliance, risk management, and strategic decision-making while ensuring the organization's resources support its mission of serving students and families.

The CFO partners closely with the Chief Executive Officer, Board of Directors, Finance Committee, and senior leadership to develop and execute financial strategies that support organizational growth and long-term sustainability.

Essential Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Serve as a strategic advisor to the CEO and Board on financial performance, growth opportunities, and organizational sustainability.
• Develop long-term financial plans, forecasts, and financial models.
• Present financial results, key performance indicators, and strategic recommendations to the Finance Committee and Board of Directors.
• Evaluate new initiatives, capital investments, and financing opportunities.

Financial Management

Direct all accounting and finance operations, including:

• General ledger and financial reporting
• Accounts payable and receivable
• Payroll oversight
• Monthly and year-end close
• Cash management
• Fixed assets
• Ensure timely and accurate monthly financial statements.
• Oversee annual operating budget.
• Develop and maintain cash flow forecasts and liquidity strategies.
• Monitor organizational financial performance and recommend corrective actions when necessary.
• Oversee accounting and reporting for grants
• Ensure appropriate internal controls and segregation of duties.
• Monitor financial policies and recommend updates as needed

• Promote cross-functional collaboration with Operations, Development, Human Resources, and Academic Leadership.

  Treasury and Debt Management

  • Manage banking relationships and financing activities

  • Oversee debt compliance and lender reporting

  • Monitor investments and reserve funds.

  • Optimize cash flow and working capital.

  Board Relations

  • Prepare financial materials for Board and Finance Committee meetings

  • Present financial reports in a clear and strategic manner

  • Support organizational planning and governance initiatives.

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration.
• CPA preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive financial leadership experience
• At least 5 years in a senior finance leadership role.
• Experience with nonprofit accounting, fund accounting, and grant management.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and nonprofit financial reporting.
• Experience managing audits and working with external auditors.
• Demonstrated experience with budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and presentation skills.

Preferred

• Experience in nonprofit, nonprofit education, and/or private school finance.
• Experience managing organizations with multiple funding streams, including tuition, philanthropy, grants, and government funding.
• Experience with debt financing, capital projects, and treasury management.
• Familiarity with QuickBooks Online or comparable accounting systems