Chief Financial and Administrative Officer Per Scholas Chief Financial and Administrative Officer

Per ScholaChief Financial and Administrative Officer
Job Description

Per Scholas, a high impact, evidence-based nonprofit organization advancing economic equity through rigorous tuition free training for tech careers as well as providing access to employer networks to individuals often excluded from tech careers, is seeking a Chief Financial and Administrative Officer (CFAO) to become a member of its executive team.  This is an exciting opportunity to join a prominent organization in a rapidly evolving and growing industry.

Background:
At Per Scholas, they believe a thriving workforce starts with equitable access to education. By providing skills training and access to employer networks to individuals often excluded from tech careers, Per Scholas envisions a technology workforce as diverse as the customers it serves. Over 13,000 graduates have launched successful careers in tech to date through our no-cost technical training. Their mission is to advance economic equity through rigorous training for tech careers, and to connect skilled talent to leading businesses. The organization’s experienced professional staff continues to support graduates in their professional skills development for two years.

Per Scholas is on track to deliver tremendous growth over the next several years, both in its traditional training tracks as well in customized training offerings. Headquartered in the Bronx since 1995, it currently operates in 17 cities across the country, with plans to open in at least another 10 cities in the next phase of its growth.  The CFAO will lead the financial strategy that will enable the organization to achieve this growth while maintaining industry-leading results.

The Position:
Per Scholas is seeking a smart, hardworking, and experienced financial professional with experience running administrative functions to become its next Chief Financial and Administrative Officer (CFAO). Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the CFAO will be responsible for the financial planning, operations, financial reporting, budgeting, risk management, accounting and finance, human resources administration and auditing, facilities and the information technology functions.  As a key member of the senior leadership team, the CFAO must be a detail-oriented, forward-thinking professional who can manage the financial and administrative needs of the organization while driving the strategic direction.

The principal responsibility for the CFAO is to play a leadership role in refining the organization’s finance function, developing and executing on long-term strategic plans, and leading high-stakes negotiations to move the organization forward. The CFAO oversees the internal infrastructure of a results-driven organization, in which all units and managers are evaluated based on measurable indicators for financial performance, efficiency, and impact. As strategy, programs, and initiatives evolve, the CFAO ensures that all components of the finance, technology and operational administration are aligned.

The position requires a strategic thinker who has a collegial and collaborative management and engagement style and is experienced with a complex and dynamically evolving, not-for-profit educational organization.  The CFAO must have significant experience with nonprofit finance as well as social ventures and start-ups. The successful candidate must work collaboratively and in a spirit of mutual trust with management and employees across the organization, set the tone for fiscal responsibility and controls, and encourage and model best practices in financial management.

It is critical that the CFAO be capable of integrating smoothly into the senior management, fitting into the organization’s diverse culture.   They will provide counsel and support to the CEO and the Board of Directors on all financial matters and reports to the Board, as well as work on various strategic initiatives.  They will work with the executive, program, and finance staff in a supportive and direct manner.  They will have strong interpersonal skills, excellent written and oral communication skills, a hands-on management style, as well as the ability to address and solve problems or issues as they arise. In addition, it is expected that they will be diplomatic, will operate with the highest integrity, and will possess sound judgment - as well as a sense of humor.

Specific Responsibilities include:

• Manage the agency’s overall budget, facilities, information technology, administration, and finances.   
• Oversee and maintain the financial reporting process for key metrics and operating levers to measure and improve overall organization performance, with an eye towards rapid growth and scalability.
• Develop and coordinate the agency’s budgeting process and timetable, working with the CEO and members of the leadership team to develop annual financial goals for the agency. Prepare quarterly forecasts and strategies.
• Develop and implement administrative systems that effectively support the program and ensure a smooth office operation.
• Lead financial strategy across the organization, partnering with leadership to develop and implement strategic business plans and operating initiatives.
• Administer fiscal systems that reflect operating activities, align with internal budgets, and reflect compliance with grant and contracting spending stipulations.
• Manage relationships and advise the CEO on organic and inorganic growth strategies.
• Serve as a member of the National Leadership team, and work across functions to advance the organization’s strategic initiatives.
• Develop and coordinate short and long-range business and financial plans.
• Oversee debt, capital, and liquidity strategy to fund the organization’s growth and provide for adequate ongoing liquidity.
• Identify and execute new ways to finance the organization’s growing capital needs.
• Partner with the CEO and relevant leaders to help manage and evaluate future partnerships and acquisitions.
• Facilitate annual financial audit and tax filings, draft financial statements and serve as liaison to external auditors.
• Oversee the information technology function. Work towards evaluating, developing, and implementing IT systems which meet the agency needs.
• Oversee purchasing and vendor contract management.
• Oversee and manage facility operations, including helping to set up new offices.
• Support the human resources function as needed, particularly in the areas of benefits administration and payroll.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of finance or strategy experience with a proven record of delivering results.
• MBA, CPA, or similar degree/certification desired.
• Acumen for navigating financial statements and accounting systems in order to discern insights.
• Demonstrated ability to navigate complex negotiations
• Superior verbal and written communication especially with senior level management
• Expert problem solver; comfortable in dissecting ambiguous situations and excelling in providing recommendations on a path forward
• Provide inspired leadership to employees in the teams, building excitement to work with and learn from the CFAO
• Be excited about mentoring future leaders, managing, and building high performance teams
• Executive presence and acumen required to promote Per Scholas’ mission, business and strategy with a range of external stakeholders
• Demonstrated track record of success in architecting processes to support growth and performance improvement
• Excitement about the opportunity to work hard in a fast-paced, mission driven business-minded environment with high energy to build something incredible
• Proficient with spreadsheets, analytical tools, and financial and administrative software
• Commitment to mission.

Per Scholas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Per Scholas does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, color, sex, age, gender identification, sexual orientation, veteran status, or disability. All qualified applications will be given equal opportunity and selection decisions are based solely on job-related factors.

For more information about Per Scholas, please visit their website at www.perscholas.org

To Apply:
Per Scholas has retained the services of Harris Rand Lusk to conduct this search.  Inquiries, nominations, and applications may be directed in confidence to:
Anne McCarthy, COO
Harris Rand Lusk
122 East 42nd Street, Suite 3605
New York, NY  10168

amccarthy@harrisrand.com
Please put “Per Scholas CFAO” in the subject line of your e-mailed application.