Chief Financial Officer 

 Status: Full Time 

Reports to: Elizabeth Wattley, President and CEO 

Submit all inquiries and applications to: Dr. Christopher J. Dowdy, V.P. of Strategy, cdowdy@forestforward.org 

Forest Forward is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization that partners with the community to drive equitable development, economic mobility, and improve outcomes for children, residents, and families of the South Dallas community. 

Forest Forward was launched in 2020, and over the past year has experienced a wonderful period of growth and impact. To continue this trajectory, we’re searching for a highly qualified Chief Financial Officer to join the executive team. From day one, the Chief Financial Officer is responsible for Forest Forward’s financial management and ensuring long-term fiscal sustainability. The ideal candidate will have at least eight (8) years of progressive financial leadership experience, with significant experience in nonprofits. An MBA, CPA or other advanced degree or certification is preferred. 

Responsibilities: 

• Directs the preparation of all financial statements, including income statements, balance sheets, shareholder reports, tax returns, and governmental agency reports. 
• Oversees Accounting department, budget preparation, and audit functions. 
• Works with other department heads to analyze financial data, craft budgets, monitor each department and make recommendations. 
• Oversees the construction and financing of the organization’s real estate assets. 
• Consults with the Board of Directors and the CEO on organizational strategy. 
• Develops and directs treasury management operations. 
• Reviews planning process and suggests improvements to current methods. 
• Manages and interacts with Finance Committee of the Board of Directors. 
• Oversees investment of funds and interacts with Investment Committee. 
• Manages process and provides information for advisors and bankers to raise capital, when necessary, and prepares all financial reporting materials. 
• Works with the President and other executives to coordinate planning and establish priorities for the planning process. 
• Monitors financial performance by measuring and analyzing results, initiating corrective actions, and minimizing the impact of variance. 
• Studies long-range economic trends and projects their impact on future growth. 
• Identifies opportunities for expansion into new areas. 
• Updates job knowledge by remaining aware of new regulations, participating in educational opportunities, reading professional publications, maintaining personal networks, and participating in professional organizations. 
• Other activities, duties and responsibilities as assigned. 

Knowledge and Skills: 

• Financial Acumen: Interprets and applies understanding of key financial indicators to make better decisions. 
• Instills Trust: Gains the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity. 
• Strategic Mindset: Sees ahead to future possibilities and translates them into breakthrough strategies. 
• Ensures Accountability: Holds self and others accountable to meet commitments. 
• Builds Effective Teams: Builds strong teams with a strong identity that apply their diverse skills and perspectives to achieve common goals. 
• Decision Quality: Makes good and timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward. 
• Ability to multitask in a fast-moving environment and to work independently. 

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree plus MBA, CPA or other advanced degree or certification preferred. 
• Eight (8) to ten (10) years of progressive financial leadership experience, with significant experience in nonprofits. 
• Experience in a senior financial – management role, partnering with executive staff, resulting in the development and implementation of creative financial management strategies. 
• Prior accounting experience in construction and real estate financing preferred. 
• Significant experience in or knowledge of nonprofit accounting including sophisticated fund and grant accounting, compliance, and reporting. 
• Proficient in MS Word, Excel, Power Point, Visio, Project, Outlook, Database management and accounting computer application systems. 

Additional Information 

Occasional overtime and flexible hours may be required. This position will require evening and weekend work 20% of the calendar year, in conjunction with major performances and other special events. As we aim to balance the benefits of in-office collaboration with the flexibility of remote work, the schedule for this position will entail working in the office from Monday- Thursday, with Fridays designated for remote work from home. 

Forest Forward provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. 

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.