Executive Vice President of Finance

Help us balance budgets like Buffalonians handle snow: calm, cool, and with unmatched precision.  
Job Description

The Executive Vice President of Finance serves as a key member of the executive leadership team and a strategic partner to the CEO, ensuring the long-term financial strength and sustainability of the organization. This mission-driven leader oversees all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, reporting, compliance, and risk management, while providing strategic insight and guidance to support innovation and growth across the association.

Qualifications

Experienced Leader: Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field (MBA or CPA required). Minimum 10 years of progressive financial leadership experience, including 5 years in a senior finance role within an organization of $10M or more.

Nonprofit Passion: Demonstrated experience in nonprofit financial management, ideally within a YMCA or similar organization.

Financial Expertise: In-depth knowledge of GAAP, financial analysis, banking, investments, budgeting, cash flow management, operating reserves, and overhead efficiency.

Strategic Thinker: A visionary leader with the ability to think critically, navigate complexity, and develop solutions that drive long-term success.

Relationship Builder: Proven ability to build trust and collaborate with senior and department leadership and external partners across multiple locations.

Excellent Communicator: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex financial concepts to diverse stakeholders.

Tech-Savvy: Proficient in financial systems and software with a drive to embrace emerging technologies and digital tools.

Innovative Educator: Passion for continuous learning and sharing financial knowledge to empower others across the organization.

Mission-Driven: High ethical standards and a deep commitment to the mission, vision, and values of the organization.

Essential Functions

1.    Strategic & Organizational Leadership

  • Partner with the CEO and senior leadership team to develop innovative financial strategies that drive growth in programs, services, and organizational impact.
  • Conceptualize, formulate, and analyze internal and external information and trends to identify risks, opportunities, and emerging needs. Provide the CEO and leadership team with recommendations that support long-term sustainability and mission advancement.
  • Collaborate with the COO and branch leadership in the development and implementation of the Association’s annual operating budget, ensuring realistic budget targets and alignment with organizational goals.

2.    Financial Oversight & Planning

  • Oversee all aspects of financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and alignment with strategic goals.
  • Provide timely, consistent, and actionable financial information and insights to the CEO, senior team, and Board of Directors.
  • Ensure compliance with GAAP, not-for-profit accounting standards, and all relevant federal, state, and local regulations.
  • Analyze monthly financial reports and highlight critical areas of concern for corrective action.
  • Manage cash flow and liquidity, maintaining healthy operating reserves and efficient use of organizational resources.
  • Serve as staff liaison to the Board of Directors’ Finance Committee and Board of Trustees on matters related to finance and investments. Recommend fiscal policies for board consideration.

3.    Department & Team Leadership

  • Oversee the accounting and information systems departments.
  • Supervise the Controller and IT Director, fostering a culture of leadership development, accountability, customer service, and continuous improvement.
  • Lead and mentor the finance team to ensure operational excellence and support across branches.

4.    Audit, Compliance & Risk Management

  • Lead preparation and coordination of internal and external audits. Serve as the primary liaison to external auditors.
  • Ensure compliance with all reporting requirements including IRS Form 990, NYS Char 500, sales and use tax returns, 1099s, and payroll-related tax filings.
  • Protect and maintain the Association’s tax-exempt status and facilitate required documentation for exemption applications.
  • Manage organizational insurance programs, ensuring adequate coverage and protection of assets.
  • Develop and maintain robust financial policies, internal controls, and risk management systems.

5.    Banking, Investments & External Relations

  • Manage relationships with banks, financial institutions, and investment managers. Oversee all banking, debt financing, and investment activity.
  • Negotiate terms and secure financing for capital projects in alignment with organizational needs and financial capacity.
  • Represent the YMCA with professionalism in all external financial and regulatory matters.

6.    Additional Responsibilities

  • Carry out other duties as assigned by the President & CEO.
Required Certifications

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field (MBA or CPA required).