Chief Financial Officer

The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation
Seeks a Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Do you have a passion for supporting the heroes of the fire service and a proven track record of financial leadership?

The CFO plays a pivotal role in ensuring the financial well-being of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) and its affiliate organization, the First Responder Center for Excellence (FRCE). NFFF’s mission is to honor fallen firefighters and support their families; FRCE’s role is to provide resources on health and wellness to first responders. The CFO position offers a rewarding opportunity for a highly motivated and experienced fiscal leader with a passion for non-profit work and a strong commitment to financial stewardship.

This is an onsite position with dual office locations. The CFO supervises offsite and onsite NFFF and FRCE staff. The CFO is required to travel between the NFFF’s main office in Emmitsburg, Maryland and the satellite office located in Crofton, Maryland.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Financial Reporting and Analysis:

1. Oversee the preparation of accurate and timely financial statements (balance sheet, income statement, cash flow statement) compliant with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and relevant non-profit accounting standards.
2. Conduct in-depth analysis of financial data to identify trends, assess financial performance against key metrics (e.g., fundraising efficiency, program costs), and support informed decision-making by the NFFF leadership.
3. Work closely with the NFFF's external auditors to ensure a smooth and efficient annual audit process.

Budgeting and Forecasting:

1. Lead the development and management of the annual operating budget, including revenue projections (e.g., fundraising campaigns, grant awards), expense allocations across various programs and departments, and cost-control initiatives.
2. Create financial forecasts using various models and scenarios to support strategic planning initiatives, resource allocation decisions, and long-term financial sustainability.
3. Monitor budget variances throughout the year, identify areas of deviation, and make necessary adjustments to ensure adherence to financial goals.

Internal Controls:

1. Implement and maintain a robust system of internal controls to safeguard the NFFF's financial assets, ensure compliance with donor restrictions and regulations.
2. Conduct regular financial assessments to proactively identify and develop strategies to mitigate various financial risks, including potential fraud.
3. Develop and maintain comprehensive internal control policies and procedures, ensuring staff are well-trained on these protocols.

Grant Management:

1. Oversee the financial aspects of grant funding received by the NFFF, ensuring adherence to donor restrictions, grant terms, and all applicable regulations.
2. Develop and maintain systems for effective grant reporting, tracking expenditures, and meeting donor reporting deadlines.
3. Work collaboratively with program staff to ensure grant funds are used efficiently and effectively to achieve program objectives.

Investment Management:

1. Partner with the NFFF Board of Directors to develop and implement an investment strategy that balances long-term financial stability with the need for liquidity to support ongoing operations.
2. Manage the NFFF's investment portfolio in accordance with established guidelines, risk tolerance levels, and modern investment principles.
3. Stay up to date on current market trends and investment vehicles to optimize the organization's investment returns.

Risk Management:

1. Proactively identify and assess a wide range of financial risks faced by the NFFF, including economic fluctuations, market volatility, cyber threats, and potential grant funding shortfalls.
2. Develop and implement comprehensive risk management strategies to mitigate these risks and safeguard the organization's financial health.
3. Stay informed about relevant financial regulations and best practices in risk management to ensure the NFFF adheres to the highest ethical and financial standards.

Team Leadership:

1. Provide effective leadership to the NFFF's finance team, fostering a collaborative and professional work environment that values continuous learning and excellence.
2. Explore, evaluate, and implement technology-based best practices for financial tracking and oversight.
3. Recruit, hire, and train qualified staff members, ensuring the finance team has the necessary skills and expertise to support the organization's mission.
4. Oversee the professional development of the finance team, encouraging participation in training programs and industry conferences to enhance their knowledge and skillsets.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

1. Bachelor’s degree in accounting or relevant field; or CPA certification
2. Proven expertise with budgeting, forecasting, and financial reports.
3. Knowledge of GAAP
4. Experience with Federal Grants
5. Experience in working with Uniform Guidance
6. Experience in investment strategy
7. Nonprofit finance management experience
8. Proven leadership and business acumen skills
9. Ability to direct and recommend cost-effective creative solutions
10. Oversight by a Board of Directors
11. Demonstrated ability to supervise and motivate staff/team.
12. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
13. Strong organizational skills; able to manage priorities and workflow.
14. Public accounting/audit experience preferred

MEASURES OF SUCCESS

1. Demonstrates senior leadership abilities by enhancing the financial health and strategic direction of the NFFF and FRCE organizations. This includes achieving or surpassing revenue growth and profitability targets, effectively managing costs to maintain or improve profit margins, and ensuring robust cash flow and liquidity.
2. Demonstrating excellence in financial reporting and compliance, providing accurate, timely, and insightful financial analysis. This informs financial forecasts and strategic decision-making, ensuring that all decisions are well-informed and strategic.
3. Manages financial risks, optimizes capital allocation, and fosters strong relationships with investors, stakeholders, and regulatory bodies. These efforts contribute to maintaining a strong financial position and preventing financial decline within the NFFF and FRCE organizations.
4. Successfully supervises, leads, facilitates, and supports the NFFF and FRCE's financial operations while maintaining effective internal management and ensuring compliance with all relevant Federal, state, and internal regulations, as well as employment policies and procedures.
5. Success is evidenced by the financial stability of the organizations, its operational efficiency, as well as its capacity to achieve long-term financial growth and investments.

HOW TO APPLY:

For questions and to apply for this position, contact Lissette Garcia, Human Resources Manager at lgarcia@firehero.org. All inquiries and communications will be handled in strict confidence. Applications are being accepted through 11:59 pm ET on August 4. Application reviews begin immediately upon receipt.

Applicants are asked to furnish the following documents/materials to be considered:

1. Letter of interest
2. Resume showing all pertinent work history.
3. References (one personal and three job-related)

The decision process will be comparative and include the following steps:

1. Phone screening interview
2. Virtual Interview
3. First in-person interview
4. Second in-person interview
5. Checking of references
6. Successful Federal background check

ABOUT THE NFFF

The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) is an exemplary organization created by an act of Congress in 1992 with a mission to honor America's fallen fire heroes; support their families, colleagues, and organizations; and work to reduce preventable firefighter death and injury.

The operational divisions of the NFFF are as follows:

1. Fire Hero Family Programs
2. Fire Service Programs
3. Development
4. Government Relations
5. Marketing and Communications
6. Finance
7. Human Resources
8. Business Management

The NFFF is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization comprising approximately 30 staff with offices in both Crofton and Emmitsburg, Maryland. Crofton is a town in Anne Arundel County, approximately 30 miles east of Washington, DC. Emmitsburg is a town in Frederick County, approximately 10 miles south of Gettysburg, PA and 70 miles north of Washington, DC. NFFF is registered as a corporation in Maryland and funds its work through program-specific pass-through federal grant funding, as well as support from individuals, corporations, and foundations.

Learn more about how we impact firefighters and Fire Hero families at www.firehero.org.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The work is generally sedentary although there may be some nominal walking or standing for short periods. There may be times that require carrying heavy loads or lifting items that require only moderate physical ability or stress.

Work in this environment involves risks and discomfort common to those incurred in offices, meeting rooms, libraries, and the like. The safety precautions required are normal for those required in the locations above. The work area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated.

EEO Employer

The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access/Affirmative Action employer. The NFFF seeks excellence through diversity among its administrators, staff, and consultants. The NFFF prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, or marital status. Application by members of all underrepresented groups is encouraged.