The Chief Financial Officer is a key leadership position responsible for all aspects of Hawaiʻi Land Trust's financial operations. This role ensures sound financial management, compliance with accounting standards, and supports strategic decision-making. The CFO will oversee accounting, budgeting, audit, financial reporting, investments, and financial strategy and policy development. As a member of the executive leadership team, the CFO works closely with the CEO, Board of Directors, and other senior staff to ensure the financial health and sustainability of the organization.
HAWAIʻI LAND TRUST OVERVIEW
Hawaiʻi Land Trust protects, stewards, and cultivates reciprocal relationships with ʻāina that sustain Hawaiʻi across biocultural ecosystems, food systems, and kamaʻāina communities. We conduct ʻāina transactions, stewardship, and community programs in close partnership with the communities we serve and other organizations. HILT is a local nonprofit and a nationally accredited land trust operating across Hawaiʻi. HILT has an interest in over 22,600 acres of significant lands through 8 fee-owned community preserves and 55 conservation easements.
QUALIFICATIONS
● Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field required; CPA or Master’s degree preferred
● Minimum 5 years of progressive financial management experience, ideally in the nonprofit sector
● Strong understanding of nonprofit accounting, budgeting, grant management, fund accounting, and investment management
● Proficiency with accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks), Excel, and financial reporting tools
● Excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills
● Commitment to HILT’s mission and values, with a familiarity of:
○ Hawaiʻi’s political, cultural, and land use history;
○ major issues currently impacting Hawaiʻi’s lands and people and related solutions;
○ Hawaiian cultural values, worldviews, practices, and language; and
○ practices associated with ʻāina stewardship.
● Executive level leadership and staff management experience preferred, particularly in the nonprofit or public sectors.
● Able to navigate a wide variety of business and social settings, including cultural gatherings, and enjoy sharing HILT’s work with individuals and organizations that are not yet familiar.
● Able to regularly travel between the Hawaiian Islands and occasionally to the U.S. continent.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Financial Management & Reporting
• Oversee all accounting operations including general ledger, accounts payable and receivable, payroll, and grants accounting
• Prepare accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements
• Maintain internal controls and ensure compliance with GAAP and organizational policies
• Manage financial accounts to ensure appropriate liquidity and risk protection
• Lead the annual audit and tax reporting process. Work with an external audit firm on the annual audit and 990.
• Produce financial reports for the Board of Directors and Finance Committee
• Work with the Finance Committee and external advisors to manage investments
Budgeting & Forecasting
• Lead the annual budgeting process and work with departments to develop program and project budgets
• Monitor actual performance against budget and provide variance analysis
• Provide financial forecasts to support strategic planning and decision-making
Grants & Contract Management
• Track and report on restricted funds, government and foundation grants, and other contracts
• Ensure compliance with grant and contract terms, including timely invoicing and reporting
• Provide financial guidance through procurement and other contracting processes
Organizational Leadership & Strategy
• Advise the CEO and senior leadership on financial planning, sustainability, and risk management
• Support the Finance Committee and Board with financial insights and strategic recommendations
• Contribute to organizational development and operational improvements
• Review and procure appropriate levels of insurance
Team Management
• Supervise and support contractors and staff as may be assigned
• Work positively and professionally with HILT’s staff and partners across the islands
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement, integrity, and transparency
Other tasks as assigned by the CEO.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Annual Salary: $100,000 to $150,000 based on experience
Benefits: HILT offers a comprehensive benefits program, which includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, PTO, paid family leave, and a retirement plan that currently provides a 4% match vesting after 2 years of employment.
Employment Terms
Proposed Start Date: January 2026 or later
Employment Type: Full-time
Location: Hawaiʻi Land Trust’s primary office in Honolulu (hybrid work schedule available)
Probation Period: 60 days
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
To apply, email a cover letter and resume/CV to Shea Tamura at shea.tamura@hilt.org. The cover letter should address the applicant’s interest in the position and highlight qualifications that would make you a valuable addition to the HILT team. The resume/CV should include at least two professional references with contact information. Applications will be reviewed and processed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
