Now Hiring! Chief Financial Officer

Full-Time | Exempt Position

Compensation: $ 225,000 a year (DOE)

Job Summary

Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) is seeking a proactive and strategic leader to join our team as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). As a key member of the senior leadership team, the CFO is responsible for overseeing all financial aspects of the organization, including investments and audit activities. This role also leads the Finance & Operations team and is responsible for organizational operations, IT, and HR.

The CFO is a critical strategic partner, helping RIF remain innovative in our mission-driven work while ensuring we are trusted stewards of donor investments. Key responsibilities include cash flow planning, budget preparation and review, and tracking key operational metrics (KPIs). The CFO should have an in-depth knowledge of risk management methods and the ability to create forecasting models.

What’s In It for You

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Basic life insurance.
• 403(b) retirement savings plan.
• Paid time off (PTO), including vacation, personal time, and bereavement leave.
• 13 paid holidays annually.
• Short-term disability (STD) and long-term disability (LTD) coverage.

What You’ll Do

• Serve as a member of the senior leadership team, providing cross-department leadership and participating in strategic and operational planning.
• Develop and maintain internal financial policies, procedures, performance measures, and dashboards.
• Advise management and staff on generally accepted accounting principles and internal controls.
• Monitor and evaluate business systems to ensure effective tools are in place to support organizational needs.
• Lead the annual budget process in collaboration with the CEO and department heads, including Board presentations.
• Oversee monthly close and prepare financial reports for the Board, CEO, and department heads.
• Support development of project budgets for corporate partnerships, federal grants, and foundation proposals.
• Manage external financial and compliance reporting, including grant reporting and charitable registration filings.
• Oversee the annual financial audit and tax preparation process; liaise with the Finance, Audit, and Investment Committee and external auditors.
• Ensure compliance with OMB Uniform Guidance for federal awards, including cost principles and regulations.
• Oversee IT, HR, and operations for the organization.
• Ensure compliance with tax, charitable registration, and other government reporting requirements.
• Serve as the executive lead for the Finance, Audit, and Investment Committee, guiding agendas and follow-ups.
• Oversee coordination of Board logistics and compliance matters, including conflict of interest and diversity certifications.
• Provide analytical support for strategic planning with RIF staff and Board of Directors.
• Support the CEO with reporting, analysis, and special projects as needed.

What You’ll Need

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance; CPA or MBA preferred.
• 15+ years of progressive accounting/finance experience, including 5–7 years in the nonprofit sector.
• Knowledge of nonprofit and commercial accounting/reporting standards.
• Proven leadership experience with a demonstrated ability to build, mentor, and manage high-performing teams.
• Commitment to creating an inclusive, team-oriented culture grounded in trust, transparency, and shared goals.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word; strong spreadsheet and accounting system skills.
• Experience with web-based tools for expense management, timekeeping, and payroll.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; experience presenting to senior leadership and Boards.
• Strong alignment with Reading Is Fundamental’s mission and values.
• Experience integrating a general ledger with project accounting in a nonprofit environment.

Who We Are

Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) is the nation’s leading children’s literacy nonprofit. We are committed to disrupting the U.S. literacy crisis by bringing the joy of reading to children and helping create skilled, lifelong readers. Through book access and reading resources, we spark imaginations and open doors to possibilities that put kids on the path to reading proficiency.

Visit us at www.rif.org