Chief Financial Officer (Finance)

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a key member of the executive leadership team responsible for ensuring Waterford.org's financial health and operational excellence, including its international operations. The CFO will provide strategic vision, manage financial and operational functions, and lead efforts to accelerate growth while upholding the organization's mission. This individual will play a vital role in driving efficiency, transparency, and sustainability across all aspects of the organization.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a mission-driven organization at the forefront of early childhood education. As Chief Financial Officer, you will play a critical role in shaping the future of thousands of children and families nationwide, ensuring that every child has access to a brighter future.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the CEO and executive team to develop and implement central initiatives that align with organizational goals and growth objectives.

• Strategically prioritize (and de-prioritize) budgets. This includes both prioritization of existing resources as well as prioritization and ability to conduct strategic analyses.

• Provide strategic financial insights on investments, partnerships, and organizational priorities to support passionate decision-making.

• Build capacity of leaders and managers to oversee department budgets with a focus on resource management and meeting revenue goals.

• Supervise financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and cost management to ensure the organization's long-term sustainability and compliance with accounting standards, aligning with strategic goals.

• Monitor performance indicators and optimize financial modeling, reporting, and analysis to provide leadership with timely, data-driven insights for strategic decision-making.

• Ensure the financial health and sustainability of both domestic and international operations.

• Develop tools and systems to deliver crucial financial and operational information to the CEO, Board, and key collaborators, providing actionable recommendations on strategy and operations.

• Build and strengthen financial systems. Improve internal systems, processes, and structures to ensure strong implementation, aligned understanding of data, and organizational effectiveness.

• Lead and optimize operational functions, including facilities management and administrative services, to support organizational efficiency.

• Drive integration of technology solutions to enhance financial and operational processes.

• Serve as organizational co-signatory ensuring operational, legal, compliance, and financial adherence to contracts.

• Use data and analytics to track organizational performance, find opportunities for improvement, and advise decision-making across finance and operations.

• Ensure robust financial controls, compliance with regulatory requirements, and adherence to standard processes in financial and operational management.

• Manage treasury, tax, audit, and risk mitigation activities to safeguard the organization's resources.

• Ensure accurate documentation of and compliance, including 990 preparation and state filings, with all corporate and required accounting policies and procedures.

• Coordinate annual audit and tax engagements with the auditors and tax preparers including compliance with US GAAP and other federal, state, and local requirements.

• Partner with the executive team to achieve ambitious growth targets and scale the organization's impact.

• Oversee the allocation of financial and operational resources to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

• Lead, mentor, and develop high-performing finance and operations teams.

• Cultivate a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement across the organization.

• Serve as a trusted advisor and communicator to donors, partners, employees, and the Board, ensuring alignment on financial and operational performance and strategies.

• Engage the board finance & audit committee around issues, trends, and changes in the operating model(s) and operational delivery.

• Continuously champion, promote, and advance diversity, equity, and inclusive excellence at Waterford.org.

• Collaborate on and contribute to organizational DEI efforts and goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or a related field.

• Advanced degree (MBA, MAcc) or CPA designation required.

• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in finance and operations, with a minimum of 5 years in a senior leadership role.

• Proven track record of success in high-growth organizations, nonprofits, or private companies (experience in education or EdTech preferred).

• Demonstrated capability to develop and carry out strategies that contribute to both financial performance and mission impact.

• Strong skills in planning and managing projects, with the ability to balance long-term goals and daily tasks effectively.

• Excellent leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills, with a track record of building and managing high-performing teams.

• Expertise in financial management, regulatory compliance, and operational standard methodologies.

• Strong ability to influence and engage diverse collaborators, including board members, donors, and partners.

• An adaptable leader who is committed to achieving objectives and taking responsibility.

• Collaborative mentality with the ability to work effectively in a team-based environment.

• A balance of financial foresight and passion for social impact.

• Ability to travel up to 10% of the time.

About Waterford.org

Waterford.org provides PreK through 2nd grade reading, math, and science programs that children can use wherever they learn. Our programs help children reach critical milestones by 3rd grade, laying the foundation for their future success. Waterford.org serves over 200,000 children across 42 states every year.

Our Commitment to Equity & Inclusion

Waterford.org's commitment to inclusive excellence is foundational to achieving our mission of universal literacy. Waterford.org is a mission-driven organization, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are at the heart of what we do. These values inform our internal culture and drive our external focus on making a difference for children, families and caregivers in underserved communities. At Waterford, we actively seek talent who bring different backgrounds, perspectives, experiences, and identities to their work and demonstrate a commitment to advancing our mission.

Working at Waterford.org

Waterford.org team members are located across the United States and primarily work from home. We anticipate this full time, salary position will pay $270,000 - $290,000 per year depending on the education, experience and skill level of the individual we hire. We also offer a phenomenal benefits package that includes fully paid primary premiums for health insurance, dental insurance, basic life insurance, and disability insurance. New hires receive a one-time HSA contribution. Retirement contributions are matched up to 5% by the organization. Plus, a generous vacation, sick, and holiday offering.

Waterford.org Employee Growth & Applications

At Waterford.org, we truly believe in the boundless potential of our team members and their continuous growth and development. We are dedicated to encouraging a culture that nurtures talent from within, which is why we prioritize internal applicants for all job postings. External candidates may experience a delay in being contacted by our Talent Acquisition team.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Waterford is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. Waterford is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.

Salary Minimum: 270000Salary Maximum: 290000