Chief Financial Officer

Chief Financial Officer

Reporting directly to the CEO, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a key member of the Executive Leadership Team and is responsible for the strategic, operational, and cultural leadership of all financial functions across a complex, multi-site, government-funded nonprofit organization. The CFO ensures financial sustainability, regulatory compliance, operational excellence, and data-driven decision-making, while aligning financial strategy with Urban Pathways' mission, growth priorities, and person-centered service model. This role requires a hands-on, strategic leader who can operate effectively in a highly regulated, multi-revenue-stream environment, while simultaneously modernizing systems, strengthening infrastructure, and supporting organizational scale and impact. The CFO will be an active listener, provide high-quality customer service, and respond by exhibiting cross-cultural awareness with the ability to promote and contribute to an equitable and inclusive anti-racist organizational culture and environment.

Key Responsibilities & Essential Functions

Financial Leadership & Strategy

• Serve as a strategic advisor to the CEO, Executive Leadership Team, and Board of Directors on all financial matters.
• Develop and execute short- and long-term financial strategies that support organizational growth, sustainability, and mission impact.
• Lead enterprise-wide financial planning, including annual budgets, multi-year forecasts, capital planning, and scenario modeling tied to program expansion and policy changes.
• Translate complex financial data into clear, actionable insights for non-financial leaders.
• Align financial strategy with organizational priorities, including service outcomes and organizational goals.

Financial Management, Budgeting & Reporting

• Oversee all financial operations including budgeting, forecasting, reporting, audit coordination, and internal controls.
• Manage a multi-million-dollar budget across 20+ sites and diverse funding streams
• Own the annual budgeting process and implement rolling forecasts with variance analysis at both organizational and program levels.
• Deliver accurate, timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports in accordance with GAAP and funder requirements.
• Build dashboards, KPIs, and reporting tools that enhance transparency and decision-making.
• Ensure continuous audit readiness and oversee preparation of financial statements and supporting documentation.
• Oversee financial management and reporting for affiliated entities and limited partnerships, including real estate holdings and supportive housing portfolios.
• Manage partnership accounting, including allocations, and investor calculations.

Government Funding, Grants & Revenue Cycle Management

• Oversee financial administration of federal, state, and NYC government contracts, grants, and private funding.
• Manage reimbursement-based revenue cycles, billing processes, and receivables; improve drawdown timing and reduce aged receivables.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements, including grant restrictions, indirect cost allocations, and reporting obligations.
• Partner with program and development teams on grant budgets, cost modeling, and pricing strategies for new programs.

Systems, Infrastructure & Transformation

• Lead modernization of financial systems (e.g., Financial Edge), including implementation, integration with HRIS and grants systems, and change management.
• Design and optimize workflows across procure-to-pay, grant reporting, and financial close processes.
• Strengthen financial infrastructure, internal controls, and policy frameworks in a distributed, multi-site environment.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to increase efficiency, accuracy, and scalability.

Strategic Planning & Organizational Capacity Building

• Partner with executive leadership to support organizational growth, program expansion, and operational scaling.
• Identify opportunities for efficiency, innovation, and improved service delivery through financial insights.
• Support infrastructure and staffing models that align with programmatic needs and long-term sustainability.
• Lead special projects that enhance financial transparency, operational effectiveness, and impact.

Compliance, Risk Management & Governance

• Ensure full compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, as well as funder requirements.
• Oversee risk management related to financial operations and internal controls.
• Lead external audits and serve as the primary liaison with auditors, financial institutions, and consultants.
• Implement corrective actions and continuously strengthen compliance processes.
• Serve as staff lead to the Board Finance Committee, preparing high-quality materials and presenting insights.
• Ensure compliance with partnership agreements, investor requirements, regulations, and applicable housing finance programs.
• Coordinate audits, tax filings, and investor reporting for all partnership entities.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a finance team (approx. 8 staff), fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and excellence.
• Establish clear service standards, roles, and performance expectations.
• Drive succession planning, staff engagement, and professional development.
• Partner cross-functionally with program, HR, and development teams.
• Promote a culture of equity and inclusion throughout financial operations and organizational practices.

Performs all other duties as assigned and as required.

Qualifications, Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree Required, master's degree or CPA strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive financial leadership experience, preferably within nonprofit, healthcare, human services, or government-funded environments.
• Experience overseeing multi-site financial operations and organizational growth initiatives.
• Strong knowledge of government grants, contracts, and reimbursement methodologies.
• Solid experience working with Boards of Directors and Board committees required.
• Experience in housing, homelessness services, or Housing First models.
• Familiarity with NYC funding agencies and regulatory landscape.
• Experience with real estate accounting, limited partnerships, and financing structures.
• Experience leading financial system implementations or transformations.

Skills & Competencies

• Strategic thinking with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to balance big-picture strategy with hands-on execution.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate financial data for diverse audiences.
• Results-oriented, proactive, and accountable leadership style.
• Strong project management and organizational skills in complex environments.
• High integrity, sound judgment, and commitment to mission-driven work.
• Ability to maintain operations while driving transformation.
• Collaborative, inclusive leadership approach with strong interpersonal skills.
• Bi/Multi-lingual a plus.

Capabilities

• May be required to work a flexible schedule including weekends, holidays, and evenings.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop, push, pull, lift (up to 25 lbs.).
• Desire to perform the essential functions of this job.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Urban Pathways offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well-being and professional growth of our employees.

These benefits include:

• Healthcare Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans to keep you and your family in good health.
• Retirement Savings: A 403(b) plan and a 401(a) with employer annual contribution to help you plan for a secure financial future.
• Paid Time Off: Generous paid time off, including vacation, holidays, and personal days.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning and professional development to enhance your skills and advance your career.
• Flexible Work Arrangements: Work-life balance is important to us, and we offer flexible work arrangements to accommodate your needs.
• Wellness Programs: Employee wellness programs, including fitness initiatives and mental health support.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services for personal or work-related issues.
• Employee Recognition: Recognition programs to celebrate and reward outstanding contributions.