On behalf of our client, West Michigan Partnership for Children (WMPC), we are conducting a search for a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to join their leadership team in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
The CFO is responsible for all financial functions and oversight of contractual obligations for West Michigan Partnership for Children (WMPC). The strategic, adaptive, problem-solving individual in this role will serve as the strategic financial leader of the organization. This role will report to the CEO and will be part of the organization’s executive leadership team. The CFO prepares current financial reports, as well as summaries and forecasts for future growth and overall economic outlook. The CFO will assist in managing improved outcomes for families and children.
Essential Duties + Responsibilities
Financial Performance and Leadership
- Develops and executes the financial strategy of WMPC; prepares action plans to ensure that annual financial objectives are attained. Ensures full transparency over the financial performance of WMPC.
- Develops and manages financial policies and procedures for WMPC and its subcontractors to ensure contractual compliance, and in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and COA (Council on Accreditation) standards.
- Develops WMPC budget and negotiates subcontractor budgets in coordination with CEO and COO.
- Oversees preparation of all financial reports for the Michigan and Kent County Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS/KCDHHS), the WMPC Board, and other necessary funders and stakeholders.
- Prepares monthly reports to analyze projections of profit against figures, budgeted expenses against final totals, and suggest methods for improving the planning process.
- Monitors cash reserves and compares forecasts and budget models developed with MDHHS and third-party evaluators.
- Coordinates with the COO on evaluation and continuous quality improvement to ensure cost-effective programming and improved outcomes.
- Supervises and provides guidance to finance team staff and oversees all accounting functions, including daily deposits and receipts, payroll, accounts payable, insurance, retirement plans, etc.
- Makes recommendations for maximizing funding streams and diversifying funding sources to enhance services for children and families in the community.
- Maintains banking relationship, including a line of credit, if necessary, as well as all fraud protection services, responsible for project management of subcontract application process.
- Collaborates with CEO and COO on design, implementation, and adjustments to the case management database.
- Participates in periodic inter-office projects, such as strategic planning, staff development, conferences, annual reports, etc.
- Other financial and executive leadership duties as assigned.
Risk Management
- Responsible for the risk management process, in collaboration with the COO.
- Effectively and clearly communicates potential risks, and makes recommendations for mitigating such risks, to the CEO in a timely manner.
- Oversees quality assurance reviews of subcontract reimbursements and liaises with financial consultant agency on any vendor payment issues/concerns. Follows up with subcontractors with any questions or concerns about spending.
- Coordinates audits and reviews.
- Attends cross-training for other agency related activities such as safety, certified investigations, and compliance reviews.
Equity Advancement
- Ensures inclusion of strategic ways WMPC can advance Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in all grants, contracts, and new initiatives.
- Assists in the advancement of WMPC team development of intercultural competence.
- Assists in the advancement of WMPC’s work to affirm LGBTQ+ persons in foster care and other programming.
- Collaborates with the Performance and Quality Improvement team to ensure evaluation and measurement of the effectiveness of WMPC’s diversity, equity, and inclusion is incorporated in all strategic initiatives.
- Commits to personal advancement in knowledge and integration of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
Personnel Supervised
- Directly supervises the Contract Analyst, Financial Analyst, Data Coordinator, and Accountant.
Qualifications + Requirements
Education Level
- Master’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, public administration, or commensurate experience. Certified Public Accountant preferred. Bachelor’s degree required.
Field of Study/Specialty
- 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in finance or accounting. Nonprofit and/or performance based contracting setting experience required; preferably in foster care, child welfare.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Considerable knowledge in both public and private sector business practices; organizational development theory and practices; and management principles and practices.
- Considerable experience in the collection and use of data for measuring outcomes and performance; the analyzing of data essential for legal compliance and assessing program effectiveness; and the distribution of information both internally and externally to an organization.
- Demonstrated ability to manage professional staff; analyze complex fiscal and administrative problems and recommend solutions; perform liaison activities and deal effectively with internal and external stakeholders; communicate effectively orally and in writing, including complex technical concepts.
- Independent and accountable self-starter, with the ability to prioritize, schedule, and meet personal, internal, and external deadlines without a lack in quality and timeliness.
- Interpersonal skills necessary to lead and interact with a diverse group of individuals and stakeholders.
- Highly proficient with Microsoft Excel, and competent with other Microsoft Office products and web-based applications (e.g., SharePoint).
- Ability to read, write and communicate effectively in English.
- Interpersonal, persuasion, and negotiation skills to deal with internal and external business relations.
- Analytical Skills: Ability to synthesize complex or diverse information.
- Critical Thinking / Problem Solving: Identify and resolve problems in a timely manner as well as skillfully gather and analyze information.
- Judgment: Display willingness to make decisions; exhibit sound and accurate judgment; and make timely decisions.
Work Conditions
Work is performed mostly in a hybrid remote/office setting, with occasional in-person team meetings and/or retreats. Some overnight travel and weekend work required (i.e., community meetings, team retreats, conferences, etc.)
About the Organization
WMPC administers foster care services to children and families in Kent County, MI in partnership with Bethany Christian Services, Catholic Charities West Michigan, D.A. Blodgett—St. Johns, Samaritas, and Wellspring Lutheran Services. WMPC executes an innovative performance-based funding model through a contract with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, utilizing a capitated allocation payment mechanism that allows for savings generated from practice and program improvements to be reinvested into the foster care system. WMPC utilizes software that allows for predictive analytics to inform strategy and practice, and to flag cases that are at risk for further review. WMPC’s mission is to empower communities to create better futures for children and families through innovation and collaboration and it does this through its core values: accountable, data-driven, innovative, trauma-informed, tireless collaboration, and social justice.
WMPC has retained Palladian West to conclude the search and all candidates will go through the same interview process. All interested candidates should submit their resume and cover letter to Elizabeth Nessia at enessia@palladianwest.com with WMPC- CFO in the subject line. All submissions will be reviewed and the those who most closely align with the needs of the role and organization will be contacted. Thank you.
Application deadline September 15.
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