Chief Financial Officer

Role Overview

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) provides strategic financial leadership and operational oversight for the Telluride Association, a nonprofit that provides free educational programs and scholarships for high school and college students. This position manages all aspects of financial operations, accounting, compliance, investments, and reporting while supporting the organization's educational mission and programs. The CFO works closely with the Executive Director, Board of Directors, program leadership, students, and external partners to ensure sound financial management and sustainability. The CFO is also a primary point of contact in educating and managing board members and program participants on financial matters. This role requires both strategic thinking and hands-on execution. Strong project management skills, a systems approach, attention to detail, ability to educate others on financial matters, and commitment to Telluride’s mission are essential for success.

The CFO reports to the Executive Director, and works closely with staff, students, and Board on a variety of projects. The CFO supervises the Finance & Tech Assistant, as well as maintaining relationships with a variety of external contractors, including bookkeepers, accountants, auditors, investment advisors, and others.

• Work Schedule: Full time. Occasional evening and weekend hours required.
• Work Location: Hybrid (in office 2-3 days/week) or on site at Telluride Association main office (217 West Ave, Ithaca, NY 14850)
• Travel Requirements: Occasional travel required for Board meetings (estimated 2-4 times per year, with travel typically not exceeding 3-5 consecutive days)
• Benefits Eligibility: Eligible for paid time off and SELECT benefits (including retirement plan and health insurance, if elected)
• Desired Start Date: estimated January 4, 2027
• Compensation: $90,317 - $112,897/year
• Position Type: Exempt / Regular Full-Time (Administrative)
• Position Supervised: Finance & Administrative Assistant

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience); 5+ years of financial management experience (nonprofit preferred).
• Technical & Financial Expertise: Strong knowledge of nonprofit accounting principles, tax compliance (Form 990), and ERISA. Proficiency in QuickBooks, Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, financial reporting, budgeting, and cash flow management. Familiarity with and ability to learn endowment oversight.
• Operations: Experience with payroll administration, employee benefits management, and a technological/systems approach to operations management.
• Leadership & Communication: Strong strategic planning, communication, leadership, analytical, and problem-solving skills; proven ability to translate complex financial data and gain organizational support from non-financial stakeholders.
• Collaboration & Values: Ability to work independently and collaboratively with diverse stakeholders across varied professional backgrounds and ages (including students). Commitment to Telluride’s educational mission and values.
• Requirements: Ability to meet acceptable background check standards, travel, and work flexible hours (which may include evenings and weekends).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supervising and training financial staff, contractors, and/or volunteers.
• Experience working with mission-driven, participatory democratic, and/or higher education partner organizations.
• Experience with endowment management, portfolio risk oversight, audit preparation, and charitable fundraising financial requirements.
• Demonstrated commitment to enacting anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.

Responsibilities

Accounting & Financial Operations - 50%

• Maintain accurate & timely financial records in QuickBooks, including regular entries and reconciliations of bank statements and balance sheet accounts.
• Process AP/AR, bank deposits, bill payments, expense reimbursements, and donation deposits, and monitor fraud prevention systems.
• Prepare monthly financial reports and keep the Board and Executive Director aware of financial performance and activities.
• Manage state charity compliance portals with the Executive Director and Board Audit Officer(s).
• Oversee the Michigan Branch Manager and external bookkeeper in maintaining accurate financial records.
• Coordinate year-end closing with external CPAs.
• Oversee financial administrative tasks (credit card setup, vendor accounts, reimbursements) and administer scholarships/awards on schedule.
• Supervise the Finance & Tech Assistant.
• Manage relationships with external financial contractors and vendors, including Michigan Branch bookkeeper, accountants, auditors, investment advisors, payroll providers, and others.
• Develop financial training materials for a variety of stakeholders.
• Train and support staff, summer leadership, and student Treasurers (including monthly financial record reviews with Cornell Branch Treasurers).
• Manage projects that improve financial operations.
• Maintain organized financial documentation and filing systems, both physical and digital.
• Provide guidance and expertise on financially-related vendors and suppliers, including banks, accounting software and professional services providers.

Audit, Compliance, and Tax Processes - 15%

• Annually review and revise financial policies with leadership, including financial Employee Handbook provisions and IRS Form 990.
• Coordinate quarterly/annual external audits and support CPA preparation of Form 990.
• Maintain state charity registrations, insurance renewals (D&O, umbrella, package liability), certificates of insurance, W-9s, ERISA filings, and conflict of interest records.
• Support Board audit committee functions and internal audit processes.
• Support administration of complex/deferred donation offers (e.g., real estate) and bequests.

Budget Development and Financial Strategy - 15%

• Serve as thought partner to the Executive Director and Board on strategy for financial infrastructure, capital investment strategies, and sustainable program planning.
• Lead annual budget processes: build workbooks, update spending formulas, train staff/Board, coordinate budget proposals and review, and input approved budgets and Chart of Accounts into QuickBooks.
• Track mid-year financial requests and overspends, working with leadership to address issues proactively.
• Collaborate with ED and Board to develop financial policies, internal controls, and long-term financial forecasts.
• Analyze financial trends and deliver strategic recommendations and the annual CFO report to the Board.

Payroll Administration - 10%

• Administer biweekly payroll, payroll taxes, worker’s compensation, unemployment, disability benefits, annual employment memos, pay adjustments, and payroll administration software.
• Manage employee benefits enrollment & administration (Select Benefits, health insurance, TIAA-CREF deposits) and program participant secondary health coverage.
• Oversee onboarding documentation (I-9s, tax forms), annual W-2/1099 distribution, vacation tracking, COLA adjustments, and wage garnishments.

Investment and Endowment Oversight - 5%

• Prepare annual endowment documentation and support Board Custodians (investment committee).
• Track investment activities, trade documentation, capital calls, and distributions with investment advisors.
• Provide financial input and reporting to support Board decision-making on endowment matters.

Professional Development - 5%

• Pursue professional development opportunities with the agreement of supervisor.

Other Responsibilities

• Enact Telluride Association’s commitment to anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion in all activities and duties.
• Support Telluride Association to maintain a safe working environment. Act proactively to prevent accidents and injuries and communicate hazards to supervisors when identified.
• Be familiar with and follow any applicable compliance standards, regulations, and Telluride Association policies/procedures.
• Support the general activities of Telluride Association and carry out other duties as assigned.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• Essential physical requirements: typically lifts less than 10 lbs. May occasionally lift 40 lbs. Travel required. Evening and weekend work required.
• Visual: normal concentration
• Hazards: limited exposure

About Telluride Association

The mission of Telluride Association is to prepare and inspire promising students to lead and serve through free, transformative educational experiences rooted in critical thinking and democratic community. In addition to the TASS program, the Telluride Association runs two Branches for students at Cornell University and the University of Michigan, and programs for alumni. To learn more about the Telluride Association and all its programs visit our website: www.tellurideassociation.org

Telluride Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Telluride Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Telluride Association participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. Learn more here.

If you need an accommodation in order to apply for a position, please contact jobs@tellurideassociation.org.