Chief Financial Officer
Working at FHWO means being part of a team committed to building a lasting legacy for the West Orange community. We take on complex challenges through focused, collaborative, and learning-oriented work with shared leadership, care for one another, and accountability for meaningful outcomes.
Position Summary
The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) provides financial and business leadership across the Foundation and its affiliated entities, ensuring fiscal integrity, regulatory compliance, strategic financial planning, sound risk management, and operational excellence.
The CFO will be both a hands-on financial leader and strategic business advisor, in person at our Winter Garden headquarters. In addition to overseeing accounting, budgeting, reporting, forecasting, compliance, investments, and risk management across multiple entities, the CFO will evaluate the financial and business implications of organizational initiatives and advise the CEO, Finance Committee, and Board on opportunities, risks, sustainability, and long-term financial health.
The CFO will serve as the primary point of contact for FHWO’s Investment Advisor, providing oversight and coordination related to the Foundation’s investment portfolio and supporting the Finance Committee and Board in investment-related decision-making. The CFO will also serve as a non-voting member of the Finance Committee and will directly supervise the Office & Building Event Manager, who supports the effective operation and use of the Foundation’s facility.
This is an ideal opportunity for a seasoned financial professional who enjoys working in a lean organization, is comfortable moving between strategy and execution, and can bring sound judgment to both financial and broader business decisions. The position is expected to average approximately 40 hours per week, with occasional 50+ hour periods during Board meeting weeks, annual audit, reporting, and budget preparation.
Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities
Financial Leadership & Strategic Advisory
- Serve as the senior financial advisor to the CEO, leadership team, Finance Committee, and Board.
- Evaluate the financial, operational, and business implications of significant organizational initiatives, investments, partnerships, facilities, and subsidiary activities.
- Provide analysis, recommendations, and scenario planning to support sound decision-making and long-term sustainability.
- Monitor financial performance, identify risks and opportunities, and recommend appropriate action.
- Develop and maintain financial policies, controls, systems, and practices that support organizational effectiveness.
Accounting, Reporting & Financial Management
- Fulfill accounting functions across FHWO and its subsidiaries, including general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, cash management, fixed assets, and financial reporting.
- Ensure timely, accurate financial statements in accordance with GAAP.
- Maintain appropriate financial records and reporting for all legal entities.
- Oversee external accounting relationships, annual audits, tax filings, IRS Form 990 preparation, and regulatory compliance.
Budgeting, Forecasting & Planning
- Lead the annual budgeting process and ongoing financial forecasting.
- Develop cash-flow projections, financial models, and scenario analyses.
- Monitor budget performance, analyze variances, and recommend corrective actions.
- Assess the financial sustainability and business case for new programs, initiatives, facilities, and organizational investments.
Investments, Risk & Compliance
- Serve as the primary FHWO point of contact with the Foundation’s Investment Advisor.
- Monitor investment activity, performance, liquidity, and alignment with Board-approved policies and objectives.
- Facilitate investment-related analysis and recommendations for the Finance Committee and Board.
- Establish and maintain strong internal controls, risk management practices, and appropriate financial safeguards.
- Ensure compliance with nonprofit laws, grant requirements, and organizational policies.
Facilities & Operational Leadership
- Oversee the financial and business aspects of the Foundation’s facility, including operating performance, leases, contracts, capital needs, and related financial considerations.
- Directly supervise the Office & Building Event Manager and provide guidance regarding facility operations, events, vendors, and effective use of the building.
- Evaluate opportunities to improve operational efficiency, financial performance, and use of organizational resources.
Board & Organizational Leadership
- Serve as a non-voting member of the Finance Committee and support the Committee’s work and responsibilities.
- Present financial information, analysis, and recommendations to the Finance Committee and Board.
- Participate in executive leadership, strategic planning, and organizational decision-making.
- Partner with the CEO and leadership team on initiatives that strengthen FHWO’s financial position, operations, and ability to achieve its mission.
Required Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field required; Master’s degree or CPA preferred.
- Strong track record of increasing responsibility in accounting and finance.
- Preferred expertise in nonprofit finance, including GAAP, IRS Form 990, audits, regulatory compliance, and internal controls.
- Ability to manage multiple legal entities and complex financial structures.
- Demonstrated expertise in budgeting, forecasting, cash-flow management, financial modeling, and strategic financial analysis.
- Experience overseeing investment advisors, investment portfolios, and/or institutional assets
- Proven ability to present financial information and recommendations to executive leadership and governing boards.
- Advanced proficiency with QuickBooks, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office, and AI- enabled tools, with strong analytical, research, and problem-solving capabilities.
- Proven ability to translate complex financial information into clear business recommendations and communicate effectively with non-financial audiences.
We welcome passionate, mission-driven individuals who want to make a difference.
Please email your resume and a cover letter to careers@fhwo.org.
