Senior Director of Finance

• This position reports to the Executive Director.
• This position includes supervisory responsibility for internal finance staff and an outside contracted accounting firm.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and mentor the internal finance team
• Oversee the relationship with and work product of a contracted accounting firm
• Evaluate and advise on the optimal balance of in-house versus contracted finance functions over time
• Develop and maintain financial policies, procedures, and internal controls
• Drive continuous improvement of financial systems and processes
• Serve as financial liaison to Canopy Farm Management, the Institute’s subsidiary business

• Lead the annual organizational budgeting process in collaboration with department heads and the Executive Director
• Develop and maintain multi-year financial forecasts
• Manage cash flow planning and monitoring to ensure organizational liquidity
• Provide cross-departmental financial planning support

• Prepare and present financial reports for the Board of Directors and Finance Committee
• Support the Executive Director and senior leadership with financial analysis for major decisions
• Provide financial modeling, scenario planning, and capital planning in support of organizational strategy
• Participate in strategic financial planning and financial sustainability planning

• Coordinate and manage the annual audit process
• Oversee risk management and internal control systems
• Conduct organizational financial risk assessments and recommend mitigation strategies

• Oversee financial reporting and compliance for grant-funded programs
• Partner with development and program staff on grant budgeting and financial stewardship

• Participate in team, department, and all-staff meetings and associated work
• Contribute to organization-wide activities such as goal setting, planning, and staff trainings
• Support fund development efforts as needed

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of progressive finance experience in a senior leadership role, in the nonprofit sector or in the private sector with substantial nonprofit engagement (e.g., board or finance committee service)
• Minimum 3 years of direct supervisory or management experience, including responsibility for hiring, performance management, and team development; experience managing outside vendors or contracted service providers is a plus
• Solid working knowledge of fund accounting principles and nonprofit financial reporting
• Demonstrated expertise in budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow planning
• Experience with cloud-based financial management systems; proficiency in Sage Intacct or comparable software (e.g., NetSuite, Blackbaud Financial Edge) is required
• Experience implementing or managing financial systems and designing financial processes
• Experience supporting board and executive leadership with financial reporting and analysis
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to translate complex financial information for non-financial audiences
• Commitment to participating in an open and collaborative environment
• Willingness to work independently with strong self-direction

• CPA or equivalent advanced credential
• Direct experience in nonprofit finance, including grants management
• Experience managing audits and contracted finance services
• Experience with subsidiary or multi-entity financial oversight
• Familiarity with agricultural, conservation, or environmental organizations
• Public speaking and board presentation experience

Benefits