Chief Financial Officer

The CFO will have a day-to-day, ongoing impact on Clarke’s operations, by analyzing and strategizing in order to enhance our financial position. This seasoned strategist not only will understand current accounting practices and trends, but also will have experience with nonprofit finance and accounting and with capital projects and fundraising. As a member of senior leadership, the CFO will be comfortable in a leadership role that requires clear, effective, and professional communication skills.Lead Clarke’s finance team and advise staff and Board leadership on financial matters and priorities and on the financial impact of options and decisions. Participate in the development of Clarke’s long and short-term business strategy. Partner with the Treasurer and other Board members to keep the Board informed of Clarke’s financial status and planning and provide appropriate oversight.Develop a culture of teamwork and collaboration within the Finance department and between the Finance and the other departments. Lead and mentor the members of the Finance team, managing work allocation, training, troubleshooting issues and managing performance. Coach staff and set goals and opportunities for professional development.Develop close working partnerships with the Development team regarding planning for, accepting, and accounting for donations and gifts.Develop close working partnership with Human Resources team regarding personnel and payroll processes and controls and administration of the deferred compensation plan.Oversee timely, accurate and effective execution of core fiscal operations, including accounting, accounts receivable and payable, cash management and investment reporting. Oversee fiscal policies to ensure adherence to generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and the maintenance of appropriate financial records.Oversee and update and streamline internal control procedures to ensure operational efficiency and compliance with governmental, financial, and legal requirements.Staff and provide financial reports and updates to the Finance Committee and Board including the annual budget, audit, and investment reporting.Develop short- and long-term cash flow plans to address strategic and operational needs including planning for capital projects. Manage Clarke’s bank accounts and working capital.Develop and maintain relationships with Clarke’s banks and investment advisors, ensuring that the organization’s funds are invested and managed in accordance with Board-approved policies.Manage and oversee contacts including leases, major vendor, and consultant contracts, and other transactions requiring a significant commitment of financial resources. Review and sign off on purchase orders, contracts, and payments in accordance with organization authorization thresholds and process.Lead the annual budgeting process in partnership with members of the leadership team. Prepare and analyze budget variance and other reports to share with the Leadership Team and Board.Prepare and present financial reports to the Finance committee and participate in the preparation of reports to other finance-related committees (Investment, Audit).Manage the organizations’ risk management program working with insurance brokers to assure appropriate and cost-effective coverage.Oversee the annual fiscal audit as well as the various state audits for Massachusetts (UFR) and New York (CFR). Responsible for timely filing of IRS Form 990 and state charitable registrations.Keep abreast of nonprofit best practices and state and federal laws and guidelines.Undertake special projects as directed by the CEO, Board, Finance, Audit or Executive Committees.Supervise Clarke’s Information Technology program and practices including supervising the IT ManagerLocation : The position is hybrid or remote and can be filled by a candidate in any area reasonably accessible to the Clarke campuses, which are located along the East Coast from Boston, MA to Jacksonville, FL. Due to the workforce being located exclusively in the EDT time zone, candidates in the EDT and CDT time zones will be given primary consideration.RequirementsAbility to stand or sit for long periods of time at a deskAbility to carry or lift up to 10 lbs. occasionallyAbility to travel as neededEducation, licenses, certifications, skills and experienceMinimum 10 years of broad finance experience in an nonprofit environment, at least five years as a CFO who makes recommendations to the Board of Trustees and senior leadership.Excellent judgment.Excellent financial oversight skills and experience managing accounting, tax, budgeting, and overseeing investments/endowments.Significant experience in or knowledge of nonprofit accounting, including significant experience with fund and grant accounting, compliance, and reporting.Strong analytical skills and experience in translating a strategic vision into an operational model.Appreciation of the ever-evolving nature of financial technology and willingness to experiment and adopt and train staff in new technologies.Excellent interpersonal, leadership and communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with all levels of the organization.Strong written and presentation skills with the ability to share complex financial information with mission-driven staff and advisors.Master’s degree in business, finance, accounting, or MBA preferred, CPA highly desirable.*Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.**Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.*** Title IX Notice of Nondiscrimination: Clarke Schools does not discriminate on the basis of sex in admission, administration of its educational programs or activities or employment. Clarke Schools is required by Title IX and its implementing regulations at 34 C.F.R. Part 106 not to discriminate on the basis of sex in admission, administration of its educational programs or activities or employment. The Director, Human Resources, Andrea Harkins MBA, SHRM-CP, 45 Round Hill Road, Northampton, MA 01060, telephone number 413-582-1155, has been designated as the employee responsible for coordinating Clarke Schools efforts to comply with and carry out its responsibilities under Title IX. Inquiries concerning the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations at 34 C.F.R. Part 106 to Clarke Schools may be referred to Andrea Harkins or to the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, at 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20202-1100, telephone number 800-421-3481.

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