Overview

Join to apply for the Chief Financial Officer role at College Now Greater Cleveland

An established leader in the Northeast Ohio civic landscape, College Now has been changing the lives of students in our region since 1967. We do this by providing college and career access advising, financial aid counseling, and scholarship and retention services to students from middle school through adulthood. An individual filling this position can expect to have an impact on Northeast Ohio students and families.

When you work for College Now, you are part of an innovative and visionary team, committed to College Now's mission, vision, and values as we are committed to creating a collaborative workplace for team members. Offering superior benefits, ample opportunities for professional growth and development, and the chance to make an impact on the community, College Now is where careers are made and grown.

Position Title: Chief Financial Officer

Status: Full-time, Exempt

Standard Hours: Monday through Friday, typically 8:30 AM–5:00 PM; evening/weekend hours as needed

Location: In office during initial training, then hybrid (approximately 3 days in office each week, 2 days remote each week) which is dependent on business needs.

Reports To: Chief Executive Officer

Assigned To: Finance and Accounting Department

Starting Salary: $135,000

Position Summary

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a key member of the Executive and Leadership Teams and a strategic advisor to the CEO. The CFO leads College Now's financial strategy, operations, and compliance and is responsible for managing the organization's $30+ million in finances to ensure sustainability, transparency, and mission alignment. This position works closely with human resources, information technology and operations departments, and partners with program and development staff to align financial practices with operational goals. The CFO also works directly with the Board of Directors and external stakeholders, ensuring financial accountability, legal compliance, and long-term viability.

Essential Functions

• Initiation, Planning – Partner with CEO to drive long term sustainable financial strategies for the organization.
• Essential financial policies and standards in accounting systems and processes to demonstrate compliance and excellence in organizational operations.
• Develop long-term financial strategies aligned with the organization’s mission and strategic plan.
• Forecast return on investment (ROI) and other financial impacts of current and proposed programs.
• Lead investment planning and financial growth modeling.
• Support benefit negotiations and organizational resource planning.

• Execution/Operations, Management, and Monitoring – Oversee daily financial operations, including accounting, budgeting, forecasting and financial analysis.
• Manage cash flow and monitor investment accounts.
• Ensure the accuracy of financial records and compliance with GAAP and regulatory standards.
• Supervise the accounting team in financial transaction workflows.
• Maintain internal controls and safeguards.
• Ensure successful audit process and tax return preparation.
• Lead timely and accurate financial reporting for management and Board of Directors that provides transparency and insights.
• Monitor or develop pricing models for project grants and fee for service activities.

• Budgeting – Develop annual operating budgets in collaboration with department leaders.
• Monitor budget performance and provide variance reports to internal stakeholders.
• Advise departments on financial forecasting, grant management, and program budgeting.

• Business Development Support – Partner with the Development Team on grant budgeting, financial reporting, and funder compliance.
• Serve as a financial representative to external funders, institutional partners, and banking institutions.
• Collaborate with program and development leaders to support strategic funding opportunities.

• Leadership and Development of Staff – Supervise and mentor direct reports.
• Foster a team culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
• Lead liaison to the Board’s Finance Committee preparing and reporting financial outcomes.
• Provide cross-training and professional development opportunities for staff that is aligned with organizational goals.

• Research, Evaluation and Compliance – Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including OMB Circular A-133 and nonprofit accounting standards.
• Ensure compliance and timely filing of all applicable tax forms.
• Conduct financial risk assessments and mitigation planning.
• Collaborate with external counsel when needed for compliance-related issues.
• Serve as lead liaison for all audit activities, including grant-specific audit needs.

• Additional Responsibilities – Participate actively in strategic planning, leadership retreats, and other initiatives.
• Provide financial insight to support new initiatives and organizational pivots.
• Represent College Now in external financial, philanthropic, and civic forums.

Qualifications

• Must-Have Skills: Strong leadership and interpersonal skills; ability to communicate financial concepts clearly to non-financial stakeholders; strategic thinking and high-level decision-making; effective organizational and time-management capabilities.

• Must-Have Technical Skills: Proficiency in accounting and financial management software and reporting systems (e.g., Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT); expertise in Microsoft Excel and data analysis tools.

• Previous Work Experience: Minimum five years in a senior financial management role, preferably in a nonprofit setting; experience managing complex budgets of $20+ million; familiarity with grant and fund accounting, including federal and philanthropic grants; prior responsibility for an accounting and finance department required.

• Education Requirement: Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field required; CPA or MBA preferred.

Disclaimer

Nothing in this position description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Seniority level

• Executive

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Finance and Sales

Industries

• Civic and Social Organizations