What are the responsibilities and job description for the Chief Financial Officer position at Girls on the Run International?
Job Title: Chief Financial Officer
Location: Remote*
Reports To: Chief Executive Officer
FLSA Status: Exempt
Girls on the Run International is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a world where every girl knows and activates her limitless potential and is free to boldly pursue her dreams. We inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running. GOTR is a physical activity-based positive youth development program that is designed to enhance girls’ social, psychological and physical skills and behaviors to successfully navigate life experiences. To learn more about our programs and impact, visit: https://www.girlsontherun.org/.
We believe that all girls and communities should have access to our programs. We strive to eliminate barriers to participation, to create programming that engages all communities, to be intentional about staff and volunteer diversity and to promote a culture of inclusion across the organization.
Position Summary
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer and consistent with the mission of Girls on the Run International, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) leads the financial strategy, planning, and management of the organization to support the organization’s goals. As a key member of the executive leadership team, the CFO serves as a strategic advisor in driving long-term organizational sustainability and growth. This role ensures the organization's financial health and sustainability and maintains compliance with all applicable regulations. The CFO plays a critical role in shaping the organization's future through strategic financial planning and collaboration with key constituents, including leadership, the board of directors, and external partners.
This job description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.
Leadership & Team Management
- Lead, support and develop team of three in managing all financial functions, including general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and regulatory compliance.
- Foster a culture of excellence, collaboration, and accountability within the finance department.
- Collaborate with department leaders to align financial management with organizational goals.
- Serve as a financial thought leader and advisor to the CEO, board of directors, and department leaders.
- Provide expertise in developing financial resources, tools, and templates to benefit the council network.
Financial Strategy, Planning & Oversight
- Develop, implement, and lead long-term financial strategies to support the organization’s mission and strategic priorities, ensuring alignment with operational objectives and sustainability goals.
- Serve as staff liaison to the Finance and Risk Committee of the Board of Directors.
- Represent the organization to financial partners, including financial institutions, government entities, and auditors.
Financial Analysis & Reporting
- Prepare and present accurate monthly, quarterly, annual, and ad hoc financial analyses, forecasts, and reports to the CEO, executive leadership, and Board of Directors.
- Provide financial insights and recommendations to guide decision-making and strategic initiatives.
- Assess councils' financial health and provide insights to the council development team.
Forecasting & Budget Oversight
- Oversee the annual budgeting process (approximately $10M) at headquarters, collaborating with department leaders to ensure alignment with strategic priorities.
- Provide accurate revenue and expense forecasting to maintain financial stability.
- Work closely with the COO to forecast yearly revenue anticipated from council fees and merchandise sales.
Compliance & Audit
- Ensure compliance with GAAP, IRS nonprofit regulations, financial regulatory requirements, multistate regulatory compliance, and other applicable financial standards
- Maintain strong internal controls and financial policies to ensure the accuracy and reliability of financial reporting, safeguard assets, and mitigate risk.
- Oversee financial audits, tax filings (quarterly and annual), and registered agent management.
- Ensure timely preparation of Form 990 and compliance with sales tax requirements.
Cash Flow & Liquidity Management
- Monitor and manage cash flow and liquidity management to safeguard financial stability and operational effectiveness.
Investment Management
- Manage the organization's investment portfolio in alignment with financial goals and policies.
- Collaborate with investment advisors and the Finance and Risk Committee to align investments with financial goals.
Systems & Technology Management
- Oversee financial systems and software, including, but not limited to, Sage Intacct, Ramp, Versapay, Shopify, and ADP.
- Ensure accurate donor financial records in Salesforce and reconciliation of systems.
- Drive innovation and automation to maximize efficiency, accuracy, and transparency of financial information.
Contract and Grant Management
- Manage and oversee all financial aspects of contracts, ensuring compliance and minimal UBIT exposure.
- Support budget development and oversee financial reporting for grants and funded projects to ensure compliance with funder requirements.
Payroll & Benefits
- Manage payroll processing and ensure timely, accurate payments and tax compliance.
- Oversee benefits reconciliation, 401(k) administration, and serve as a trustee of the 401k plan.
- Collaborate with HR to evaluate and manage employee benefits and cost implications.
General Responsibilities
- Organize and maintain confidential data and information with the utmost integrity.
- Communicate in a timely manner with staff, board, councils, and vendors in a way that reinforces connectedness.
- Any other duties deemed necessary by the CEO and/or Board of Directors.
Every member of our staff community is expected to serve as a Girls on the Run role model, exhibiting our core values and working to forward the mission. We commit ourselves to actively developing and nurturing positive relationships across the organization - with staff, council members, donors, and board members.
Girls on the Run strives to provide staff with opportunities for meaningful in-person connection throughout the year including staff gatherings, professional development opportunities and organization-wide conferences. Employees are always encouraged, and in occasional instances required, to participate in and contribute to these events.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Advanced knowledge of financial principles, GAAP accounting standards, and financial reporting.
- Non-profit governance expertise, including regulations, compliance, and risk management frameworks.
- Deep understanding of organizational strategy, operations, market dynamics, and long-term planning.
- Quickly able to recognize and address financial challenges and identify opportunities for growth.
- Knowledge of emerging finance and compliance trends like AI and regulatory technology.
- The ability to interpret complex data, identify trends, and provide actionable insights.
- Proven success in building and inspiring teams, managing constituents, and fostering collaboration across departments.
- Able to craft and execute financial strategies to achieve organizational goals.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to translate financial concepts into clear, actionable messages for non-financial audiences.
- Analytical thinker with the practical judgment to make sound financial decisions.
- A proactive, adaptable, and positive attitude with a proven ability to navigate economic changes, industry disruptions, and organizational transformations.
- Accuracy and precision in financial reporting and compliance.
- Visionary thinker who can anticipate market trends and align financial goals with the organization’s future.
- Strong ethical foundation that promotes transparency and trust throughout the organization.
- High level of emotional intelligence with an ability to listen, build trust, and relate to a wide variety of constituents.
- High degree of self-motivation.
- Genuine passion for the mission of Girls on the Run.
- Ability to travel as needed for meetings and special events. (10-15% of time. Note: most travel to Charlotte, NC)
Qualifications
- Master’s Degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field; CPA preferred
- Minimum 10 years’ experience in senior financial leadership roles; experience within a nonprofit or mission-driven organization with a federated structure preferred.
- Strong knowledge of nonprofit accounting, financial reporting, financial management, and regulatory compliance, including grant compliance, restricted funding, and IRS regulations.
- Proficiency in financial software systems and analytics tools, including but not limited to Sage Intacct, Ramp, and ADP.
- Experience with multistate regulatory compliance and nonprofit audits.
- Excellent analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to present complex financial information to diverse stakeholders.
- Strategic thinker who can translate financial data into actionable insights for leadership, departments, and the board of directors.
Work Environment
This is a fully remote position with certain physical requirements necessary to perform the essential functions of the job effectively. These requirements can be met with or without accommodation.
- Prolonged periods of sitting or standing while working on a computer.
- Ability to operate a keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment.
- Ability to hear and understand spoken communication in virtual meetings and phone calls.
- Ability to communicate effectively via verbal and written communication.
*While this position is remote, residency in one of the following states is required: CA, CT, FL, GA, IL, LA, NC, OR, PA, RI, SC, TX, VA, WA, WI, WY.
Benefits and Compensation
At Girls on the Run, we proudly offer generous and flexible PTO so that staff can nurture their physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing in ways that are personally meaningful to them. In addition, we provide a comprehensive benefits package including company-subsidized medical and dental coverage, vision coverage, life insurance, paid medical leave and a 401K with an employer match.
Salary will be commensurate with experience.