Director, Finance & Operations

Director of Finance & Operations

Washington, DC Area | Flexible Hybrid

Our client is the leading funder of civil legal aid in the District of Columbia, supporting organizations that expand access to justice for low-income and underserved residents. As part of its continued evolution, the organization is transitioning from an outsourced accounting model to an in-house finance function and is seeking a Director of Finance & Operations to lead that transformation while serving as a strategic partner to the CEO and Board.

Reporting directly to the CEO and serving as a member of the senior leadership team, this individual will provide strategic financial leadership while overseeing accounting, budgeting, financial planning, compliance, and core business operations. This is a unique opportunity for a hands-on finance leader who enjoys building infrastructure, improving processes, and creating scalable systems that support organizational growth and mission impact.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Leadership

Lead annual organizational budgeting, periodic forecasts, and multi-year financial planning.

Provide the CEO, senior leadership team, and Board with financial analysis, variance explanations, cash-flow projections, scenario modeling, and recommendations.

Monitor financial performance, revenue trends, commitments, and long-term sustainability; identify emerging financial risks and opportunities.

Accounting, Reporting & Compliance

Oversee the full accounting cycle, including financial reporting, month- and year-end close, internal controls, banking relationships, and cash management.

Lead preparation for the annual independent audit, Form 990, and other financial and regulatory filings.

Monitor compliance with accounting standards, grant and funding requirements, and applicable financial regulations.

Finance & Operations Leadership

Lead the transition from outsourced finance services to an internal function, including systems, workflows, staffing, and continuity of critical deadlines.

Lead and develop the Foundation's finance and operations team.

Oversee business operations, including procurement, contracting, business insurance, technology systems and vendors, cybersecurity coordination, and operational risk management.

Board & External Relationships

Serve as the primary finance liaison to the Board of Directors and its finance-related committees.

Prepare and present financial statements, dashboards, budget materials, audit updates, and other decision-making information for the Board and its committees.

Coordinate relationships with auditors, banks, investment advisors, insurance providers, accounting specialists, and other financial and operational partners.

Qualifications

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

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation required.

Eight or more years of progressively responsible finance and accounting experience, including nonprofit financial management and staff supervision.

Strong knowledge of nonprofit GAAP, budgeting and forecasting, financial reporting, audits, restricted funds, and internal controls.

Demonstrated ability to manage accounting operations and improve financial systems, processes, and reporting.

Ability to translate complex financial information into clear, actionable guidance for executive leadership, Board members, and non-financial stakeholders.

Demonstrated capacity to lead change, manage competing priorities, and build productive cross-functional relationships.