Job Description

Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for Innovative Non-Profit – Portland, OR

Acumen Executive Search is proud to partner with a large Non-Profit organization in finding their next Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Our client is a unique, non-profit agency with an entrepreneurial ethos that provides services to thousands of Oregonians.

Our Client Values:
• Recognize, nurture, and appreciate their customers, staff, and volunteers.
• Maintain collaborative relationships with service partners.
• Deliver safe, personalized, and accessible service options.
• Assure honest, reliable, and accountable business relationships and practices.

Our client utilizes innovative, cost-effective solutions in collaboration with government, non-profit, and private partners, creating over 1,800 unique service options annually. Known for being nimble and community-driven, the organization is consistently praised for its solution-oriented mindset. This is a unique organization – they thrive in providing services in creative and innovative solutions. They are risk takers!

Role Overview

Our client is seeking a dynamic, mission-driven Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to lead and oversee the organization’s financial operations, IT strategy, and fiscal compliance. A key member of the Executive Leadership Team and direct report to the CEO, the CFO will provide strategic direction and hands-on leadership to ensure strong financial stewardship, effective IT governance, and operational excellence across all financial and technical systems.

The CFO will serve as a thought partner to the CEO and Board, supervising both the Finance and IT teams, developing and managing complex budgets, overseeing audits, leading technology innovation efforts, and aligning financial strategy with the organization's mission and strategic goals.

This is an exciting opportunity for a values-driven financial executive who thrives in a collaborative, innovative, and community-focused environment.

If you:

• Are an experienced and proven CFO who can understand and operate in a complex funding environment with strong Business Acumen.
• Ideally have experience in a combination of business, non-profit, and/or government
• Thrive in an entrepreneurial & innovative environment with a “visionary” Board and are able to execute on Strategy with high-growth initiatives/scale.
• Are mission-driven with a particular passion for providing service solutions to disabled, elderly, and low-income clients.
• Enjoy working with different constituencies – local government agencies, non-profits, and private businesses to provide Best-in-Class solutions to clients.
• Possess Change Management experience working with the CEO as his thought partner.
• Think creatively and innovate with many/different partnerships to continue to drive Services while maintaining a strong mission.
• Have a proven track record of putting successful partnerships together – understanding the complexity of collaborating with many stakeholders, finding alignment, and creating win-win solutions.
• Have worked within an Executive Team framework.
• Are a strong communicator working with a long-standing Board of Directors and highly experienced leadership team, yet has high autonomy and decision-making authority.
• Can inspire confidence and energy.

Then this may be the next exciting career-growth opportunity for you!

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Financial Leadership

• Provide strategic guidance on all financial matters, including long-range planning, budgeting, and financial forecasting.
• Develop and monitor agency, program, grant, and contract budgets in alignment with organizational goals.
• Analyze financial trends, manage risk, and prepare financial and statistical reports for the Board of Directors and Executive Team.
• Ensure the integrity and accuracy of financial statements and maintain compliance with applicable laws, policies, and funding requirements.
• Work with other leaders in developing budgets, forecasts, and reports.

Operational Management

• Oversee day-to-day fiscal operations, including accounts payable/receivable, payroll (in partnership with HR), and grant billing.
• Supervise and support Finance and IT staff; foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee the preparation and submission of tax returns and annual audits, including 403(b) retirement plan audits.
• Maintain best practices in fund accounting, fiscal reporting, and internal controls.

Technology Oversight

• Lead the organization’s technology strategy, infrastructure planning, and cybersecurity efforts in collaboration with the IT team.
• Ensure that technology platforms support operational efficiency, data accuracy, and service delivery.

Governance & Compliance

• Partner with the CEO in contract negotiations, proposal review, and program implementation.
• Staff the Audit/Finance Committee and serve as a fiscal liaison to the Board of Directors.
• Ensure fiscal policies and procedures are current, inclusive, and compliant with all applicable regulations.
• Lead financial due diligence for new partnerships and service initiatives.

Organizational Culture & Customer Service

• Uphold and promote our client’s values of respect, inclusion, integrity, and collaboration.
• Serve as a visible leader across the organization, ensuring transparency, trust, and effective communication.
• Support a customer-focused approach, ensuring every partner and client is treated with dignity and care.

Key Competencies

• Strategic & Analytical Thinking – Forecasts accurately, sees trends, and makes data-informed decisions.
• Leadership & Team Development – Builds strong teams, communicates clearly, and mentors others.
• Technology Fluency – Brings strong knowledge of modern IT systems, cybersecurity, and digital transformation practices.
• Communication & Influence – Communicates financial matters to diverse stakeholders with clarity and context.
• Non-Profit Financial Acumen – Deep knowledge of fund accounting, compliance, and grant administration.
• Collaboration & Integrity – Trusted partner to the CEO, team, Board, and external funders.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• Minimum of five years of senior-level financial leadership experience, including managing staff and budgets.
• Strong background in fund and functional accounting, grants management, and nonprofit fiscal oversight.
• Skilled in developing and maintaining accounting systems, financial reporting, and audit preparation.
• Demonstrated experience managing IT operations or supervising technology teams.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and financial software (e.g., QuickBooks, Abila MIP, or equivalent).
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills; ability to prioritize in a dynamic environment.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with customer service orientation.
• Valid driver’s license, access to reliable transportation, and ability to pass a background check.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA designation preferred.
• Experience with transportation services, aging and disability populations, or community-based non-profits.
• Knowledge of government funding sources and regulatory requirements.

Procedure for Applying:
To apply, please go to Acumen Executive Search to submit a resume and brief cover letter indicating your interest in the opportunity. If our current open positions are not the right fit for you and you would like us to share relevant opportunities, please send your resume and a brief cover to Info@AcumenESearch.com

About Us
Founded in 2007, Acumen Executive Search is an award-winning (“Most Admired”) woman-owned Executive Search & Advisory firm based in the Pacific Northwest with a global reach. We deliver proven results while nurturing genuine long-term relationships. Acumen works shoulder-to-shoulder with our clients to provide customized, meaningful, and impactful leadership solutions empowering client success.

Keywords: Chief Financial Officer, CFO, Director of Finance, Financial Leader, CPA, CMA, MBA, Development, Leadership, Transportation, Grant Funding, Accounting, Restricted Funding, Non-Restricted funding, Grants, Government, Quasi-Government, Non-profit leadership, Customer Service, budgeting, quality, QA, performance metrics, client experience, team building, business, processes, DEI, diplomacy, mission, 501c3