Our Mission in Action

Trees play a vital role in solving some of the most pressing issues facing our communities, our society, and our world today. For 150 years, American Forests has stood boldly at the forefront of the conservation movement, working collaboratively and innovatively to ensure that all people have access to the benefits of trees. As we look ahead to the next 150, continued collective action will be essential to securing a healthy, climate-resilient future for all. To support this work, we are looking for a Chief Financial Officer to join our Executive team.

What You’ll Do

As a part of the Executive team, you will oversee all aspects of financial strategy, planning, management, and compliance for a mission-driven nonprofit organization with a $60 million annual budget. The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will lead financial operations with an emphasis on government grant management, nonprofit accounting best practices, and full compliance with federal contracting regulations. This role is ideal for a hands-on financial leader with deep experience in managing restricted and unrestricted revenue, NICRA, indirect cost recovery, and federal grant compliance. Major responsibilities include:

Strategic Financial Leadership

Serve as a strategic advisor to the CEO and executive team on financial matters and long-term planning.
Lead the annual budgeting process and multi-year financial forecasts aligned with organizational priorities.
Provide clear financial analysis and scenario modeling based on risk assessments to inform decision-making across departments.
Develop and monitor long-term financials plans including growth targets, cash flow and financial KPIs.
Develop and advise the Board on reserves and investment policies.
Prepare and present accurate financial reports and dashboards for executive leadership, Board of Directors, and finance and audit committees.
In collaboration with the COO, provide strategic oversight to the Program Operations & Finance team to ensure timely invoicing and labor allocations.
Cultivate and manage strategic relationships with banks, investment banks, and other financial partners to optimize access to capital and financial services.
Lead negotiations with banking and investment partners to secure favorable credit facilities, debt structures, and capital market transactions.
Guide the development and implementation of treasury policies, systems, and controls that safeguard assets and align with organizational objectives.
Drive strategies to optimize working capital, maximize return on cash, and manage financial risk exposure.

Accounting & Financial Oversight

Oversee the organization’s full-cycle accounting operations in accordance with GAAP and nonprofit financial best practices.
Drive timely monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, including the review of journal entries, reconciliations, and internal financial reports.
Ensure accurate revenue recognition across multiple revenue streams (e.g., government grants, philanthropy, and corporate partners).
Monitor cash flow and liquidity to meet the organization’s obligations and strategic goals; proactively manage commercial banking and investment banking relationships and ensure efficient cash management practices.
Guide both finance and HR on payroll processing, benefits reconciliation, and fringe benefit allocations to ensure alignment with grant and program budgets.
Manage indirect cost rate applications and renewals (NICRA) and ensure proper allocation of indirect and fringe benefit costs.
Serve as the primary point of contact for all financial reporting and audits.

Systems Evaluation & Improvement

Develop, implement and maintain accurate systems for tracking and reporting on organization, department, and project budgets to actuals, actuals + Forecasted, and restricted, and unrestricted, funds.
Optimize financial systems and platforms that support scalability, compliance, and real-time reporting.
Collaborate with IT and operations staff as needed to ensure smooth integration of financial systems across departments.
Oversee the creation and implementation of standardized procedures and workflows to drive consistency, transparency, and operational efficiency across program operations & finance.

Board Engagement & Governance Support

Operates as Assistant Treasure to the Board of Directors, supporting the Treasurer in presenting financial reports, overseeing cash and investment management, and ensuring compliance with financial policies and governance standards.
Serve as the primary staff liaison to the Finance & Audit Committee, providing strategic insights, reports, and coordination to support effective governance and oversight.

Audit, Risk, and Controls

Direct annual audit processes and ensure timely, accurate preparation of the 990 and other compliance filings.
Maintain and strengthen internal controls to safeguard assets and ensure regulatory compliance.
Monitor evolving federal and state financial regulations to ensure continued compliance, especially in government contracting.
Guide the development of financial Policies and SOPs.

Team Management & Development

Lead and mentor the finance team, including staff responsible for accounting, budgeting, grants management, labor allocations, and financial reporting.
Establish clear roles, responsibilities, goals, and professional development plans for finance staff.
Foster a collaborative, supportive, and high-performance culture within the finance team.
Ensure cross-training and succession planning within the department.

Organizational Partnership

Collaborate with executives to ensure financial alignment with fundraising and program execution.
Support finance training for non-financial staff, helping them understand budgets, grants, and financial systems.

What We’re Looking For

We don’t expect you to check every single box. If this role excites you, we want to hear from you! We’re interested in your ability to learn, collaborate, and bring fresh perspectives.

Education & Credentials

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field is required; CPA or MBA strongly preferred.

Experience

Proven track record of success in senior financial leadership roles for at least 7 years, ideally as a CFO or senior finance executive in a nonprofit organization.
Strategic thinker with the ability to translate financial insights into business strategy and organizational impact.
Extensive experience managing federal, state, and local government grants, including deep knowledge of 2 CFR Part 200 (Uniform Guidance), restricted/unrestricted revenue, and compliance reporting.
Demonstrated experience with indirect cost recovery, NICRA, and fringe benefit rate management.
Proven success overseeing audits, financial planning, budgeting, and cash flow management for a multi-million-dollar nonprofit.

Technical Skills

Mastery of nonprofit GAAP and fund accounting, with a solid understanding of cost allocation methodologies and grant budgeting principles.
Proficiency in financial systems such as Unanet, Blackbaud, Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics or similar platforms; strong Excel and data analysis skills required.
Familiarity with payroll systems (ADP preferred), expense management tools, and integration of financial platforms across organizational functions.

Leadership & Communication

Demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and mentor a high-performing finance team.
Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage effectively with the Board of Directors, executive team, lenders, and other stakeholders.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to translate complex financial concepts for non-financial audiences, including staff, board members, and funders.
Strong project leadership skills, with a track record of aligning resources, stakeholders, and timelines to achieve strategic objectives.
Proven ability to work collaboratively across departments and build trust at all levels of the organization.

Values & Work Ethic

Commitment to the mission of the organization and a passion for the public or nonprofit sector.
High level of integrity, professionalism, and attention to detail.
Self-motivated, proactive, and adaptable to change.

Reporting and Supervision

The Chief Financial Officer reports to the President & CEO. This position will directly supervise the Finance team.

Working Conditions

This is a remote position, though preference will be given to candidates based in the Washington, D.C. metro area. Occasional travel throughout the U.S. and/or to American Forests’ headquarters in Washington D.C. may be required.

This position requires the ability to remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing) for extended periods and to operate a computer and other office equipment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to support individuals across the full range of abilities and experiences in performing the essential functions of the job.

Compensation & Benefits

This is a full-time, salaried exempt position. The budgeted salary range is between $210,000 and $245,000. Our benefits package includes:

Medical, Dental, & Vision
Vacation & Sick Leave
401(k) with Match
Employee Assistance Program
Paid Holidays
Flexible Spending Accounts
Disability Insurance
Parental Bonding Leave
Cell Phone Reimbursement
Life and AD&D Insurance
Bereavement Leave
Pet Benefits
Military Leave

American Forests Jobs

Chief Financial Officer