Job Description
SHELTERING ARMS
EARLY EDUCATION AND FAMILY CENTERS
JOB DESCRIPTION ______________________________________________________________________
OFFICIAL TITLE: Chief Financial Officer
SUPERVISOR: President and CEO
DEPARTMENT: Finance
SALARY RANGE: In accordance with Sheltering Arms Salary Schedules
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Full Time Exempt
ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW Sheltering Arms is one of Georgia’s most respected early childhood education providers, serving children
and families for over 135 years. Our mission is to close opportunity gaps by delivering high-quality early
learning, comprehensive family support, and strong community partnerships that build the foundation
for lifelong success.
Our work is guided by seven core values: Results, Empathy, Adaptability, Collaboration, Trust,
Teamwork, and Cultural Competence. These values shape not only how we serve our communities but
also how we support one another as colleagues. We are committed to creating a welcoming and
inclusive environment that honors the diverse experiences of the children and families we serve, while
fostering personal growth, mutual respect, and operational excellence.
Joining Sheltering Arms means becoming part of a mission-driven team dedicated to helping every child
and family thrive through opportunity, access, and care.
POSITION SUMMARY: The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) serves as the organization's key strategic partner and financial steward,
providing oversight and direction for all fiscal functions, including accounting, budgeting, financial
reporting, grants management, and compliance with federal and state regulations. This executive role
ensures the integrity of the agency’s financial operations and supports effective decision-making
through detailed analysis and financial planning.
Working closely with the President/CEO, Executive Leadership Team, Board Finance Committee, and
Head Start and Early Head Start leadership, the CFO builds and maintains a fiscal framework aligned with
the agency’s mission and strategic goals. The CFO ensures timely, accurate financial reporting and
fosters strong fiscal management practices to sustain and grow the organization’s impact.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Financial Management and Reporting - Directs the preparation of all financial reports, including income statements, balance sheets, tax filings, and government regulatory reports.
- Oversees the accounting department, budget preparation, and audit functions; meets regularly with the President/CEO and Board Finance Committee.
- Maintains the Agency’s system of accounts and records for all transactions and assets.
- Coordinates budget development, financial forecasts, and cost accounting systems.
- Monitors cash flow to ensure accurate and timely payments.
- Prepares and analyzes interim and final financial statements and supporting schedules for management.
- Ensures compliance with federal, state, and organizational fiscal reporting requirements.
Grant and Fund Accounting - Manages fiscal grants including account setup, expenditure tracking, and financial reporting.
- Prepares and submits financial reports and ensures accurate drawdowns and invoicing.
- Develops and monitors grant budgets and ensures ongoing compliance.
Audit and Compliance - Coordinates audit activities and ensures accurate record keeping to facilitate audits.
- Assures protection of assets through sound internal controls and appropriate insurance coverage.
- Oversees tax planning and compliance with all applicable tax regulations.
- Prepares and reviews annual reports including Form 5500s and Form 990.
Team Leadership and Development - Supervises the Controller, Accounting Manager, and accounting staff.
- Assigns duties, manages performance, trains, coaches, and develops team members.
- Leads the development and implementation of Accounting Policies and Procedures.
Strategic Planning and Operational Efficiency - Lead the organization’s financial forecasting and scenario planning processes to anticipate potential challenges and opportunities, enabling data-informed decision-making and long-term sustainability.
- Collaborates with the President/CEO, Executive Leadership Team, Board and Finance Committee to develop operational financial controls and strategic plans.
- Analyzes cost centers and chart of accounts to optimize financial tracking and reporting.
- Develops and monitors the Indirect Cost Proposal.
CORE COMPETENCIES & VALUES ALIGNMENT:
Organizational & Values Based Competencies These apply to all team members and reflect our shared commitment to mission and culture: - Results Orientation: Consistently meets or exceeds goals with a focus on measurable impact.
- Empathy & Respect: Builds trust through compassion, cultural awareness, and honoring diverse perspectives.
- Adaptability: Responds effectively to change, uncertainty, and new information.
- Collaboration & Teamwork: Works effectively across roles and departments, sharing information and supporting peers.
- Trust & Integrity: Maintains confidentiality, acts ethically, and follows through on commitments.
Role-Specific Competencies 1. Financial Strategy & Acumen Demonstrates deep expertise in budgeting, fund accounting, financial analysis, and forecasting
to drive data-informed decisions and support long-term sustainability.
2. Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management Ensures adherence to federal, state, and local regulations, including grant requirements and
audit readiness, while managing risk and upholding fiduciary responsibilities.
3. Leadership & Team Development Builds, mentors, and empowers high-performing finance teams through coaching, delegation,
and collaborative goal-setting that reinforces accountability and growth.
4. Analytical Thinking & Problem Solving Applies critical thinking to financial data, identifies trends, troubleshoots issues, and
recommends solutions that balance cost-efficiency with mission impact.
5. Communication & Stakeholder Engagement Translates complex financial information into accessible insights for diverse audiences, fostering
trust and alignment across executive, board, and program teams.
6. Technology & Operational Efficiency
Leverages financial systems and digital tools to streamline operations, increase accuracy, and
support agile, transparent financial management.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: - Ten to fifteen years of progressive financial experience, with five to seven years in senior financial leadership, and ideally nonprofit/grant management experience.
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or Finance.
- Master’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance, or Management preferred
- CPA certification.
- Excellent computer skills, along with a solid understanding of database and accounting systems.
Technical Skills: - Demonstrated experience managing a high-performing team in a multi-site structure, including
- professional development and mentorship.
- Comprehensive working knowledge of early childhood education, including Head Start and Early
- Head Start.
- Demonstrated ability to analyze and compile complex data for planning and reporting purposes.
CERTIFICATE AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: CPA Required
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Employee is expected to engage in bending, crawling, stooping, standing, vision, lifting, and walking and
talking. Employee is expected to make quick decisions, supervise workers, read or write, speak publicly,
or interpret data. Occasional walking, standing, and light lifting (up to 20 lbs) related to file handling or
office supplies.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: This position requires travel to various Sheltering Arms locations and events, as well as occasional travel
by car or plane to other cities and states. Candidates must be willing and able to attend occasional
evening and weekend functions, special events, and work extended hours or a flexible schedule as
needed. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check and
drug screening.
EVALUATION: Performance of this job will be evaluated consistent with Sheltering Arms evaluation policy.
Date Established: 2/22/2023
Date(s) Revised: 06/16/2025
This description may be changed at any time. This job description in no way states or implies that these
are the only duties to be performed by the employee. The employee will be required to follow any other
instructions and to perform any other related duties as assigned by leadership. Sheltering Arms
reserves the right to update, revise or change this job description and related duties at any time.
(*) Essential job duties -the basic job duties that an employee must be able to perform, with or without
reasonable accommodation.
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Job Tags
Full time, Interim role, Work at office, Local area, Flexible hours, Weekend work, Afternoon shift,