Chief Financial Officer

Who are we?

Cathleen Stone Island Outward Bound School (CSIOBS) is in the heart of the Boston Harbor Islands. With a 200-year legacy of serving children in Boston, a 48-year partnership with the Boston Public Schools (BPS), and a 30-year affiliation with Outward Bound USA, the Island is a beacon for experiential education, empowering young people through hands-on learning and skill-building and outdoor adventure and exploration. We are a proud member of the network of 9 Outward Bound schools in the U.S., with a shared mission to change lives through challenge and discovery.

Education is at the forefront of our work. Funded by a combination of philanthropy and a robust private events business, our outdoor educational programs are free to families from low-income communities.

What is our Vision for Impact

CSIOBS seeks to provide programming to reach historically marginalized, underserved, and excluded communities within the Boston Public School District (as a starting point), with future expansion into surrounding school districts. Using Cathleen Stone Island as an outdoor living classroom, CSIOBS provides social-emotional skill building, experiential, hands-on learning, science and climate curriculum, and workforce readiness, using the Outward Bound tenets. Through a set of programs that start in the 7th grade and end at a high school graduation, CSIOBS is developing future community leaders and changemakers in metro Boston.

Whom do we serve (students, clients, customers)

We offer programs for Boston Public School middle and high school students. Support from our education programs includes fee-for-service programs and professional leadership development programs. We also fund our transformational programs by hosting private and corporate events and weddings.

The Opportunity:

The CSIOBS has completed its new strategic planning process and looks to grow thoughtfully over the next 5-10 years. To effectively support our mission, CSIOBS seeks a Chief Financial Officer (CFO). The CFO will report to the President and Chief Executive Officer and be a trusted advisor to the CEO and President, the Board of Trustees, and the Senior Management Team (SMT). The CFO will supervise a small team dedicated to the following departments: finance, accounting and IT. The CFO will, as needed, participate in strategic planning, property financing, legal, and property management. This fast-paced role has an incredible opportunity to work with a dedicated staff committed to positive youth development.

Please submit a resume and cover letter. Only applications with these materials will be reviewed.

What will you do?

Financial Planning

• Coordinate and direct the preparation of the budget and financial forecast, institute and maintain other planning and control procedures, and analyze and report variances under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
• Develop and implement financial strategies that support the organization's mission and goals.
• Manage and oversee all financial operations, including accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and analysis.
• Ensure the accuracy and completeness of financial records, including the general ledger, accounts payable and receivable, payroll, and other financial systems.
• Effectively prepare and present financial reports to senior management, CEO and President, and Board of Trustees, providing analysis and recommendations as needed.
• Coordinate the annual operating budget/projections and monitor quarterly.
• Ensure compliance with all financial reporting and regulatory requirements, including tax filings, audits, and other reporting requirements.
• Manage relationships with external partners, including banks, auditors, and other financial service providers.
• The primary contact person with the banks, including, but not limited to, line of credit and bank account maintenance.
• Monitor the cash position and accounts receivable to meet short-term liquidity needs.
• Issue internal financial statements budget to actual and report to the CEO and President, Audit and Finance Committee, and the Board of Trustees.
• Monitor and approve all office equipment leases.
• Update and maintain the Company Assets List and safeguard documentation.
• Maintain all corporate and non-profit documentation in conjunction with legal counsel to ensure the timely filing of minutes, annual reports, and other filings.
• Responsible for recording and paying notes, loans, leases, and amortization schedules.
• Develop, monitor, and manage the company's long-term and short-term cash functions, including cash flow projections.
• Oversee all tax filings and compliance requirements, ensuring that the organization complies with all relevant laws and regulations.
• Work with our CPA firm to complete annual audits, tax returns, and fee negotiations.
• Manage relationships with external auditors and other financial service providers to ensure compliance with all reporting and regulatory requirements.

Board Relations and Reporting

• Report the organization's financial performance to the Board of Trustees, including monthly updates on budget performance, forecasts, and financial risks and opportunities.
• Collaborate with the CEO, president, and Board of Trustees to develop and implement financial policies and procedures that align with the organization's values and strategic goals.
• Represent the organization at internal and external events and meetings, providing financial guidance and support as needed.
• Present annual budget to Audit and Finance Committee and Board of Trustees.
• Provide financial interpretations to the CEO and President, Audit and Finance Committee, and Board of Trustees, including notes to financial statements identifying items over budget to facilitate decision-making.
• Report on the well-being of staff via surveys and other instruments
• Perform other duties, as assigned by the CEO and President or the Board of Trustees, in alignment with core roles and responsibilities.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in business or accounting is required; a CPA and/or master's degree is strongly preferred.
• Ideal candidates will possess at least five years of experience in financial leadership, preferably in an educational and/or non-profit setting.
• A strong understanding of complex financial instruments (accounting and finance) and proven experience developing strategies that support strategic priorities are essential.
• Possess strong financial forecasting, modeling, and budget preparation skills.
• Outstanding communication skills; ability to collaborate across constituent groups; management of both internal and external (vendor/banking) relationships; and delivery of effective financial and budget presentations/reports.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with at least five years of proven leadership/management of teams.
• Highly developed organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to identify opportunities or problems and implement appropriate solutions.
• Experience with capital management is beneficial.
• Experience with accounting software, Excel, Word, and other platforms, such as Bill.com, DIVVY, etc, are required.
• Discretion and respect for the utmost confidentiality. The CFO maintains and fosters the highest ethical standards, integrity, and respect for the CSIOBS community in business conduct.
• Commitment to CSIOBS's mission, values, and strategic priorities.

Location and Other Requirements

This position reports to office in Boston's Seaport area. Occasionally, the CFO may elect to work from the Cathleen Stone Island. This position can be a hybrid with a commitment to work in the office 3 days a week.

Physical Requirement

The work environment is dynamic and fast-paced. Work may include time spent outside in inclement or harsh weather, sitting at a desk for 6+ hours per day in our Boston office, etc. Employees are encouraged to participate in loading/unloading supplies (varying weights up to 45 lbs) for CSIOBS from the MVOB ferry when appropriate.

Benefits

We are committed to staff learning, growth, and development. Our holistic investment includes the following:

• Competitive salaries. This is an exempt position with a starting salary of $160,000 - $170,000.
• Medical insurance with up to 80% employer contribution.
• Dental, vision, FSA, life, and disability insurance plans.
• 401 (K) and Employer Match up to $2000 annually.
• Generous paid time off, including 15 vacation days, 20 personal days, and 13 company-wide holidays.
• Individual, local, regional, and national training.
• A commitment to developing leaders from within the organization.
• An organizational culture that supports staff well-being and holistic self-care.
• Ample opportunities to connect with the students and communities we serve.
• Access to professional discount programs for gear and clothing.
• Temporary housing provided on Cathleen Stone Island for positions that necessitate.

Equal Opportunity Employer

CSIOBS is an equal opportunity employer and actively seeks staff that are as diverse as the communities it serves. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Cathleen Stone Island Outward Bound School has a zero-tolerance policy for incidents of child abuse and neglect. Protecting our minor students against abuse and neglect is of the highest priority.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

With a staff that cares deeply about social justice and racial justice, we believe that diverse perspectives and backgrounds create a rich work environment and enhance our ability to pursue our mission. We are committed to building an organization with raised consciousness to impact how we work with students and as a team. We hope you will join us as we continue to build a social justice-centered organization that fosters a work environment where people from all backgrounds are welcomed and valued.

Outward Bound has a zero-tolerance policy for incidents of child abuse and neglect. Protecting our minor students against abuse and neglect is of the highest priority.