Chief Financial Officer

Overview

The Council for Professional Recognition is seeking an exceptional Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to serve as a strategic partner to the CEO and executive leadership team. This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for shaping financial policy, stewarding resources, and ensuring strong financial performance aligned with long-term organizational priorities.

Who We Are?

The Council for Professional Recognition is the nation’s leading credentialing organization for early childhood educators and home of the Child Development Associate (CDA)® Credential. For more than four decades, we have advanced the professionalization of the early childhood education workforce, establishing rigorous standards that ensure educators have the knowledge and skills to support children from birth through age five.

Position Overview

• Financial Planning & Analysis | Lead strategic financial planning and analysis to guide executive decision-making and ensure long-term organizational stability.
• Budgeting & Reporting | Oversee budgeting and financial reporting processes to deliver accurate results that drive performance and accountability.
• Compliance & Risk Management | Strengthen compliance and risk management practices to safeguard organizational integrity and financial stability.
• Board Liaison | Serve as the primary financial advisor and liaison to the Board Finance Committee, providing clarity, insight, and strategic guidance.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Serve as a trusted advisor and partner to the CEO and Leadership Cabinet on financial strategy and long-range planning.
• Provide forward-looking financial modeling and scenario analysis to guide organizational decision-making.
• Advise on new initiatives, regulatory considerations, and enterprise risk.

Financial & Operational Management

• Lead financial administration, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and regulatory compliance.
• Ensure financial systems and processes adhere to GAAP and best-practice standards.
• Strengthen financial controls, policies, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Optimize banking, investment, and cash-management relationships.
• Oversee audits, including general ledger and 403(b) audits.
• Present monthly financial reports to the Finance Committee and quarterly reports to the Board of Directors.

Team Leadership & Organizational Partnership

• Manage the Director of Accounting & Finance and oversee the finance department.
• Build a high-performing finance team grounded in accountability, integrity, and service.
• Promote cross-departmental collaboration to support strategic and operational decision-making.
• Establish credibility and trust organization-wide as an effective problem-solver and advisor.

Executive Qualifications

Education & Credentials

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field required; master’s degree preferred.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) required.

Experience

• 10–15 years of progressive financial leadership experience.
• Proven success advising executive leadership and boards.
• Demonstrated excellence in:
  • Financial planning and analysis
  • Budgeting and reporting
  • Policy and process reengineering
  • Regulatory compliance and audit oversight

Leadership Characteristics

• Strategic thinker who can translate vision into operational models.
• Mature, proactive leadership style and strong executive presence.
• Collaborative, service-oriented, and team-focused.
• Exceptional analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Forward-looking advisor capable of modeling future outcomes and anticipating challenges.
• Hands-on, integrity-centered approach suited to a dynamic mission-driven environment.

Position Details

• Compensation: $225,000 - $250,000/ annually
• Location: Remote
• Travel: As required, approximately 25%