Description

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is HFCA’s executive leader responsible for the financial health, sustainability, and integrity of the organization.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer and serving as a member of the Executive Leadership Team, the CFO oversees all financial strategy, budgeting, accounting, reporting, and compliance functions. The CFO serves as a trusted thought partner to the CEO, EVP, executive team, and Board of Directors—providing clear financial insight, disciplined planning, and strategic guidance to support decision-making and long-term growth.

This role balances strategic finance leadership with operational rigor, ensuring HFCA’s resources are aligned to its mission, academic priorities, and organizational values.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Strategy & Executive Leadership

• Serve as a strategic advisor and thought partner to the CEO, EVP, Executive Leadership Team, and Board of Directors.

• Lead the development of HFCA’s multi-year financial strategy, including scenario planning, risk analysis, and sustainability modeling.

• Translate complex financial data into clear, actionable insights that inform enterprise-level decisions and tradeoffs.

• Anticipate funding, policy, and market trends that may impact HFCA’s financial position and proactively recommend solutions.

Budgeting, Forecasting & Financial Management

• Lead the development and management of HFCA’s annual and multi-year budgets, ensuring alignment with academic and operational priorities.

• Oversee forecasting, cash flow management, and financial modeling in a resource-constrained, mission-driven environment.

• Ensure accurate, timely financial statements and dashboards for the CEO, Executive Leadership Team, Board, and Finance Committee.

• Allocate resources strategically to support instructional excellence, staff sustainability, and organizational growth.

Accounting, Compliance & Risk Management

• Oversee all accounting functions, including general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, payroll coordination, and financial close.

• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, authorizer, and grant-related financial requirements.

• Lead annual audits and maintain strong relationships with auditors and external financial partners.

• Strengthen internal controls, documentation, and financial policies to mitigate risk and ensure transparency and accountability.

Systems, Processes & Financial Infrastructure

• Assess and strengthen financial systems and processes to improve efficiency, accuracy, and scalability.

• Lead improvements to procurement, expense review, and financial approval systems to ensure responsible stewardship of resources.

• Partner with the COO and CPO to ensure financial systems support operational and people priorities.

• Evaluate and manage relationships with external vendors, consultants, and financial institutions.

• Organizational Capacity & Financial Literacy

• Build financial acumen across HFCA by supporting leaders in understanding budgets, financial reports, and fiscal accountability.

• Partner with budget owners to ensure clarity of expectations and shared ownership of financial outcomes.

• Develop and mentor finance staff, building internal capacity and professional growth pathways.

• Foster a service-oriented finance function that supports schools and departments with clarity and responsiveness.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

Ideal Candidate Qualifications

• Deep alignment with HFCA’s mission, values, and commitment to educational equity.

• Proven executive-level leadership in finance, preferably within charter schools, public education, or complex nonprofit organizations.

• Strong strategic thinking skills paired with disciplined financial execution.

• Demonstrated success managing budgets, audits, cash flow, and compliance in growing organizations.

• Ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-financial stakeholders.

• High integrity, sound judgment, and a collaborative leadership style.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive financial leadership experience, including senior-level responsibility.

• Experience overseeing accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and compliance functions.

• Proficiency with financial systems, accounting software, and advanced spreadsheet modeling.

Summary

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER

HFCA complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination. We are committed to equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, gender, disability, genetic information, marital status, age, religion, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, lay-off, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training. 

HFCA  expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Any actions or behaviors that create an uncomfortable work environment and prohibit an employee to perform their expected duties will not be tolerated.

DISCLAIMER

The statements in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. HFCA reserves the right to modify this job description at any time, with or without notice, to meet organizational needs. This description does not constitute a contract of employment and does not alter the at-will employment relationship between the employee and the organization.