Chief Finance & Administrative Officer

The Role Location: Remote with at least quarterly travel to Boston, New York City or Philadelphia Reports to: Chief Executive Officer Team: Director of Finance (direct report), Manager of Finance & Administration, Staff Accountant, Administrative Associate, and Executive Operations Manager (direct report) Position Summary Compass Working Capital (Compass) is seeking a strategic, hands-on, and forward-thinking financial leader to serve as its Chief Finance & Administrative Officer (CFAO). Reporting to the CEO and serving as a key member of the five-person Executive Team, the CFAO will steward Compass’ financial health while building the systems, forecasting capabilities, and operational infrastructure required to support continued national growth and impact. With a $15M+ operating budget, more than 85+ staff members, long-term government and philanthropic funding including growth capital investors, and more than eighteen months of cash on hand, Compass is in a position of financial strength. The organization is midway through a seven-year strategic plan and is scaling innovative approaches to economic mobility for families with low incomes. The CFAO will play a pivotal role in translating this ambition into multi-year financial strategy, scenario planning, and disciplined execution. Compass seeks an experienced executive who has operated at the enterprise level and can serve as a thought partner to the CEO and Executive Team—bringing proactive forecasting, cost modeling, and systems thinking to strategic decision-making. The CFAO will oversee finance, accounting, grants management, risk management, vendor management, facilities, and administrative operations, while strengthening cross-departmental partnership and cultivating a high-performing, inclusive team. The CFAO will serve as Treasurer, partner closely with the Board’s Finance and Audit Committees, and help position Compass for long-term sustainability, clarity, and growth over the next five to ten years. Key Responsibilities Strategic and Enterprise Leadership • Serve as a strategic advisor and business partner to the CEO, providing forward-looking financial analysis, multi-year forecasting, and scenario planning aligned with Compass’ strategic plan. • Lead the development of long-range financial models, including 3-, 5-, and 7-year projections, stress-testing assumptions and identifying potential risks and opportunities. • Partner with the Executive Team to strengthen financial literacy across departments, ensuring that P&L owners understand and own their budgets. • Develop and refine cost-per-participant and earned revenue models in close partnership with the Chief Program Officer. • Engage the Board’s Finance and Audit Committees with proactive, multi-year projections and clear supporting schedules that enable strong governance and strategic decision-making. • Contribute meaningfully to organizational culture as a challenger and stabilizer—willing to ask “why,” respectfully disagree when needed, and elevate enterprise-level thinking. Financial Management and Oversight • Oversee all day-to-day finance operations, including general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, grants administration, cash management, and compliance. • Ensure timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting for management, the Board, and funders. • Maintain strong internal controls and ensure compliance with GAAP, federal and state regulations, and complex multi-year government grant requirements, including state and federal draw-down processes. • Lead annual audit activities and maintain Compass’ record of clean audits. • Manage cash flow forecasting to support strategic deployment of reserves and long-term sustainability. • Oversee management of invested assets in accordance with Board-approved policies. Systems and Operational Excellence • Lead the evaluation, selection, and successful implementation of financial management systems, ensuring stability after multiple recent system changes. • Assess current finance and administrative operations, identify gaps, and implement improvements that support scale, efficiency, and transparency. • Strengthen contract and vendor management processes and oversee supplier diversity implementation. • Ensure smooth operational processes that directly support program delivery, including invoicing, reimbursement systems, and credit card management. • Explore opportunities to responsibly leverage technology and AI tools to improve financial analysis and operational efficiency. Grants and Revenue Management • Oversee financial management of diversified revenue streams, including philanthropy, earned revenue, and complex national and federal grants. • Ensure expenditures are aligned with grant and contract requirements throughout multi-year funding periods. • Partner with program and development teams to model new initiatives, price services appropriately, and assess the true cost of growth and innovation. • Support long-term planning around the balance of public and private funding as Compass scales nationally. Team and Organizational Leadership • Assess, support, and develop the existing finance and administrative team, including the Director of Finance, Manager of Accounting, Executive Operations Manager, Staff Accountant, and Administrative Associate. • Build a high-performing, inclusive team culture grounded in accountability, professional growth, and continuous improvement. • Strengthen collaboration between finance and other departments, ensuring clean handoffs and timely information sharing. • Uphold Compass’ commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in financial decision-making and organizational practices. • Serve as a steady, prepared, and decisive leader who “owns the work” while fostering trust and mutual respect across the organization. Candidate Profile: Professional Experience: • 10–15+ years of progressive financial leadership experience, including prior executive-level finance leadership (CFO or CFAO experience strongly preferred). • Significant experience in nonprofit finance; experience managing complex, multi-year government grants and federal draw-down processes preferred. • Demonstrated expertise in multi-year forecasting, financial modeling, scenario planning, and cost analysis in a growth-oriented organization. • Track record of building or strengthening financial systems and operating infrastructure during periods of scale. • Experience partnering directly with CEOs, executive teams, and engaged Boards. • Experience presenting financial information in a clear, proactive, and decision-oriented manner. • Knowledge of diversified revenue models, including philanthropy, public funding, and earned revenue streams. • Advanced knowledge of GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards. • Experience overseeing audits and maintaining strong internal controls. • Proficiency with financial management systems; experience leading system implementations or transitions strongly preferred. • Exposure to affordable housing, asset-building, or economic mobility sectors is a plus. Personal Attributes: • Deep commitment to Compass’ mission and values. • Strategic, curious, and deeply analytical thinker who asks thoughtful questions and anticipates future needs. • Proactive and decisive leader who is comfortable working in ambiguity. • Enterprise-level thinker who connects financial data to operational systems and program impact. • Courageous communicator; willing to challenge constructively while maintaining strong relationships. • Hands-on, roll-up-your-sleeves orientation. • Strong cultural contributor who values collaboration, transparency, and mutual accountability. • Commitment to building diverse teams and fostering inclusive leadership Education: • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field. MBA would be a plus. • CPA, CMA or MBA strongly preferred. Compensation: • $180,000 to $195,000