Finance Director

Our client, a global non-profit organization dedicated to building thriving and resilient communities, is seeking a seasoned and mission-driven professional to serve as their Finance Director. This is a remote position, but candidates located in the Washington, DC area is preferred. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Finance Director is a key member of the leadership team, responsible for ensuring the organization’s financial health, accountability, and growth. This position provides strategic oversight of financial operations, budgeting, reporting, risk management, and compliance, while serving as a trusted advisor to the Executive Director, senior leadership, and the Finance Committee. The Finance Director will play a critical role in supporting strategic planning and ensuring financial decisions advance the mission.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Finance & Planning

• Develop and implement financial strategies aligned with organizational goals and mission impact.
• Lead annual budgeting, forecasting, and multi-year financial planning processes.
• Conduct scenario planning, cash flow forecasting, and KPI monitoring to support decision-making.
• Provide regular financial insights and dashboards to the Executive Director, Finance Committee, and Board.

Financial Operations & Compliance

• Oversee day-to-day financial management, including accounting, reconciliations, and internal controls.
• Ensure timely preparation of financial statements, grant reports, and regulatory filings.
• Manage restricted and unrestricted funds, ensuring compliance with nonprofit fund accounting standards.
• Collaborate with program and development teams to align budgets and grant funding with program needs.
• Partner with external HR and accounting consultants to support compensation analysis and compliance

Grant Management & Oversight

• Manage the full lifecycle of grant funding, including acceptance, tracking, and compliance for grants received from foundations, government agencies, and other funders.
• Ensure timely and accurate preparation of grant reports, financial statements, and deliverables to maintain funder relationships and compliance.
• Oversee financial tracking and reporting for grants disbursed by CLF, ensuring proper documentation and accountability.
• Monitor grant expenditures against approved budgets and work with program teams to address variances or required modifications.
• Maintain comprehensive grant databases and documentation to support audits and organizational transparency.

Audit, Risk & Investment Oversight

• Lead annual audits and serve as liaison with external auditors (including international subsidiaries, if applicable).
• Maintain strong internal controls and ensure compliance with federal, state, local, and international regulatory requirements.
• Oversee organizational risk management, including insurance coverage and renewals.
• Collaborate with investment consultants to monitor endowment performance and ensure alignment with investment policies.

Cross-Organizational Leadership

• Partner with program, operations, and development teams to provide financial guidance and strengthen cross-functional decision-making.
• Present clear, actionable financial information to leadership, the Finance Committee, and the Board of Directors.
• Supervise, mentor, and support finance staff and/or contractors, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Manage third-party vendors, RFP processes, and financial operations consultants to ensure cost-effectiveness and alignment with organizational values.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or related field required. CPA or CMA strongly preferred.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressive financial leadership experience, ideally in a nonprofit environment.
• Experience with international operations, grants management and government audits is strongly desired.
• Must have a strong knowledge of accounting principles, budgeting, and fund accounting along with proficiency with financial management systems (e.g. Sage Intacct, Blackbaud, QuickBooks Nonprofit) and the ability to leverage data visualization/dashboards.
• Must have a proven ability to translate complex financial information into accessible insights for non-finance colleagues and to deliver clear presentations to senior leadership and boards.

Required Competencies and Attributes

• Leadership & Collaboration: Relationship builder with excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Emotional Intelligence: Demonstrates diplomacy, professionalism, and composure in complex situations.
• Strategic Thinker: Balances detail orientation with big-picture perspective.
• Self-Direction: Works independently with minimal supervision while maintaining accountability and meeting deadlines.
• Integrity: Unquestionable ethics and sound judgment.
• Commitment to an Inclusive Culture: Values diversity of thought, background, and perspective.
• Mission-Driven: Passionate about advancing the organization’s mission.

Our client offers competitive compensation along with a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance options
• Retirement plan with employer contribution
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Professional development opportunities and support
• Flexible work arrangements (remote/hybrid options, depending on organizational policy)
• A collaborative and mission-driven organizational culture

The organization is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from people of all backgrounds, identities and lived experiences.