CAST leads, inspires and convenes a global community to design inclusive, equitable learning experiences through our Universal Design for Learning framework. As we prepare to celebrate our 40th year, CAST is seeking a highly experienced executive who can manage and steward the financial stability and direction of the organization during this new era of strategic growth. 

Reporting to the CEO, the VP of Finance and Accounting is a member of the Senior Leadership Team. CAST has recently, and relatively quickly, grown in size and scope. This increase in the number of employees and the diversity of revenue sources means we seek a VP of Finance who can evaluate our current internal budget management processes and make the changes needed to streamline and strengthen them. 

Specifically, CAST seeks an experienced, organized leader to modernize and strengthen our internal budget processes and help our organization meet our exciting strategic objectives. Due to the diversity of our funding streams, the VP of Finance must be familiar with all aspects of nonprofit accounting, including federal and state grant management, private philanthropic grant management, and fee for service contracts. 

The VP of Finance works closely with the CEO and Senior Leadership Team to plan annual budgets, track cash flow, analyze the organization’s strengths and weaknesses, and advise on all aspects of financial success. The VP of Finance has two direct reports and oversees a larger team of five staff members, including accountants, payroll specialists, and other finance-related team members. Lastly, the VP of Finance is a relationship builder who can effectively communicate, empower, and support the needs of division leadership. 

Major Responsibilities:

• Reporting to and collaborating with the CEO, ensure that financial systems are well managed and closely aligned to the mission and fiscal goals of the organization.

• Develop and implement seamless, modern processes that accurately capture team effort and expenditure reporting across grants, contracts, and cross-functional initiatives.

• Work with the CEO, Chief of Staff, and other Senior Leadership Team members to develop and monitor specific financial management KPIs for the entire organization and each division. Offer recommendations to enhance financial performance, business, and growth opportunities.

• Oversee accuracy of payroll, organizational budgeting, financial forecasting, and cash flow for administration, existing programs, and proposed work. 

• Ensure credibility of the Finance and Accounting group by providing timely and accurate analysis of budgets, financial trends, and forecasts. Review and approve the preparation and finalization of monthly and annual financial reporting materials for senior leadership, divisional leaders, and board members in a timely manner, both for internal planning and external reporting in non-GAAP and GAAP results.

• Perform monthly analysis of cash flow, cost controls, expenses, and financial statements to pinpoint potential areas for improvement.

• Work closely with investment advisors to provide executive management and the Board with advice on managing the investment portfolio and take all Board-approved actions regarding the portfolio.

• Oversee the organization’s risk management, including general liability, related insurance coverage, and risk mitigation. 

• Coordinate all audit activities, including ongoing communication throughout the year with auditors.

• Keep up to date with requirements of government contracts to ensure compliance.

• Manage Finance and Accounting team.

• Keep communications open at all levels to ensure an environment that is both approachable and helpful to all staff.

Qualifications and Characteristics:

• Bachelor's degree and CPA required, advanced degrees preferred, seven to ten years of experience in the nonprofit sector with complex funding sources. Ideally, this individual has managed an organizational budget of at least $15 million.

• Creative, flexible, and self-motivated professional who can function well independently and as part of a collaborative team and who can adapt to a fast-paced environment

• Passion for the mission and excitement for CAST’s future

• Exceptional communication skills

• Strong technical acumen with data management and financial planning software

• Ethical individual who imparts trust, integrity, stability, sensitivity, common sense, and tolerance, motivating others in a similar vein

• Detail and goal-oriented, excellent project management and organizational skills

• Strong interest in education and technology preferred

• Someone with energy, a sense of humor, and maturity in order to maintain perspective and a sense of balance