Description

Position Summary
The Vice President of Finance / Controller (VP) is a key member of Arizona Community Foundation’s senior leadership team, responsible for the stewardship of ACF’s financial integrity. This role ensures the accuracy and transparency of the ACF’s financial systems, leads strategic financial planning and reporting, oversees fund accounting for over 2,000 funds, and manages compliance with federal and state nonprofit regulations. The VP will also supervise the accounting team and coordinate closely with investment and fund operations and the technology team to ensure seamless financial processes.

Key Responsibilities:
 

Strategic Financial Leadership

•       Partner with the CFO and executive leadership to align financial systems and reports with strategic goals.
•       Serve as a strategic advisor on financial implications of key initiatives and growth opportunities.
•       Develop financial models and forecasts to support long-range planning, fundholder services, and strategic investments.
•       Research, share and implement best practices that will position ACF as a leader in innovative financial processes among community foundation peers.

Financial Operations & Accounting

•       Oversee the monthly and annual close process, ensuring timely and accurate reporting.
•       Manage all fund accounting operations, including revenue recognition, donor-restricted funds, endowments, grants payable, and investment allocations.
•       Supervise all general ledger functions and ensure that all financial transactions are recorded in accordance with GAAP and nonprofit best practices.
•       Oversee the preparation of internal financial reports for the executive team, Board, donors, fundholders, and external partners.

Audit, Compliance & Risk Management
     

•       Lead the annual independent audit process, including the ACF consolidated audit and audits of supporting organizations.
•       Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, as well as National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations.
•       Maintain robust internal controls, policies, and procedures to mitigate financial and operational risk.
•       Monitor the implementation of FASB pronouncements and IRS guidance relevant to philanthropic institutions. Team Leadership
• Serve as a collaborative and effective member of the senior leadership team, working across departments to communicate and coordinate work that impacts the organization and our donors and other stakeholders.   
• Lead and mentor a high-performing finance and accounting team.
• Establish clear performance metrics, provide professional development opportunities, and build a culture of inclusion, engagement, accountability and             continuous improvement.

 Systems & Innovation
     

• Partner with IT to enhance financial technology systems, including fund accounting software (e.g., Sage Intacct, integrations with Salesforce, etc.).
• Drive efficiency and automation in financial processes to support ACF’s growth and innovation.

Requirements

Qualifications:

•       Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; CPA desired, but will consider significant experience in lieu of a CPA. .
•       Minimum of 10 years progressive financial leadership experience, preferably in a nonprofit or foundation environment.
•       Deep knowledge of GAAP, nonprofit accounting (FASB standards), and fund accounting principles.
•       Experience working with complex endowment funds and donor-advised funds.
•       Exceptional verbal and written communication skills and the ability to translate complex financial data for non-financial stakeholders.
•       Demonstrated experience in presenting financial information to executive teams, boards of directors and other important stakeholder groups. 
•       Ability to create compelling visual presentations of financial data.
•       Experience in enterprise risk management, business recovery planning, and strategic planning.  
• Proficiency in financial systems such as Sage Intacct, Salesforce experience highly desired.  Must have an excellent command of all MS Office programs, especially Excel.
•       Demonstrated experience managing a high performing team, with an emphasis on engagement, development, accountability and retention.  
•       Embodies ACF’s core values in working with internal and external stakeholders and has a passion for community service and impact.

 Our Culture & Employee Programs:

At the Arizona Community Foundation, we believe that our core values drive workplace culture, and this system of shared values defines who we are and how we operate internally with each other and externally in the community. We live and breathe these values through our daily work, and they guide our decision-making. 

Collaboration: Working together enhances creativity, ingenuity, and impact. We value teamwork and partnerships, both internally and externally, and strive for collective success over individual achievement.

Gratitude: We recognize and appreciate the efforts and contributions of others to foster a positive and motivating workplace culture that extends to the stakeholders and communities we serve.

Inclusivity: We respect and celebrate differences, ensuring that everyone feels valued and included in our work. We seek to understand and appreciate each person's unique experiences.

Trust: Honesty and transparency guide our actions and decisions. We responsibly manage and steward resources to ensure the long-term success of our organization and maximize our impact in communities.

We believe it is important to ensure employees have an opportunity to engage and connect with colleagues and ACF’s work beyond their individual roles. ACF staff are an integral part of our ongoing strategic learning process and have input into and a direct tie to the success of our strategic plan and annual goals, making each role a part of the impact we have in the community. Opportunities to collaborate with employees across the organization on work projects and innovation, as well as on cross-functional committees, are plenty and include improved workflows, technology, organizational culture, community impact, inclusivity, and donor engagement.  

ACF offers an exceptional benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life and disability coverage, a comprehensive wellness program, an employee assistance program, a 403(b)-retirement plan, an employee emergency fund, professional development opportunities, recognition program, company match for charitable giving, paid holidays, vacation, and sick days.  

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of the position. Incumbents may be required to perform other job-related tasks other than or in addition to those specifically presented in this description.

ACF is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against a job applicant or an employee because of the person's race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.  ACF does not discriminate against a person because the person complained about discrimination, filed a charge of discrimination, or participated in an employment discrimination investigation or lawsuit.