Director of Finance

Position Title:  Director of Finance 

Compensation: Exempt annual salary range of $115K - $155K, DOE

Position Summary: The Director of Finance is both a strategic and hands-on leader responsible for COCPA’s financial operations, compliance, human resources, and risk management. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the Director of Finance is a key member of the leadership team, partnering closely with the Board of Directors, department directors, outsourced vendors, and internal staff to align day-to-day financial practices with strategic objectives. In addition to overseeing the daily accounting functions, including general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, reconciliations, implementation of internal controls, and month-end close, the Director of Finance also leads budgeting, guides risk mitigation efforts, manages relationships with external auditors and tax professionals, and supervises benefit administration and HR compliance. Collaborating with the leadership team, the Director of Finance champions the use of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to establish clear accountability, set and track financial goals, and improve operational performance. Success in this role requires financial acumen, strong operational execution, collaborative management, and demonstrated commitment to COCPA’s mission and service-oriented culture.

About the Organization:

Founded in 1904, the Colorado Society of CPAs (COCPA or Organization) is a 501(c)(6) professional membership association for CPAs in Colorado with a membership of 6,000 located near Cherry Creek. The COCPA operations encompass diverse activities including member services, advocacy, continuing education, peer review, and, through the affiliated 501(c)(3) charitable foundation, student outreach and granting of scholarships. The COCPA is an equal opportunity employer committed to supporting workplace diversity and inclusion.

Core Values:

The successful candidate will embrace and consistently demonstrate the COCPA Core Values: 

• We are Adaptable and Courageous – Be afraid and do it anyway.
• We Practice a Can Do Attitude – Yes we can!
• We Are Engaged and Dependable – Count on me. Count on us.
• We Deliver Professional High Quality Work – Excellence is the norm.
• We are Member/People Focused – People come first at COCPA.

Job Responsibilities:

Provide Leadership, Management, and Accountability

• Collaborate with the Board of Directors, CEO, and Department Directors to align financial operations with organizational goals following the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS)
• Lead, manage, and develop a small finance team, including one internal accountant and an outsourced accounting partner
• Create and maintain individual and department accountability through clear expectations and measurable outcomes

Oversee and Execute Day-to-Day Financial Operations

• Direct all daily accounting functions including general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, reconciliations, journal entries, and monthly close
• Ensure timely and accurate preparation of monthly and annual financial statements
• Manage internal processes for expense tracking, coding, and approval workflows
• Maintain accounting systems and coordinate updates or transitions to new financial technology platforms as recommended

Prepare Budgeting and Information for Decision Making

• Lead the organization-wide budgeting processes via cross-departmental collaboration
• Prepare and present annual budgets to the Budget Committee and Board of Directors
• Monitor ongoing budget performance, flag variances, and provide actionable insights
• Support scenario planning and strategic decisions with detailed financial analysis

Ensure Compliance (attestation and tax) 

• Maintain and monitor compliance with written accounting policies and procedures in accordance with GAAP and applicable nonprofit regulations
• Design, implement, and maintain internal controls
• Coordinate the annual financial statement review and Form 990 tax return preparation
• Manage relationships with external auditors, tax professionals, and the volunteer Financial Oversight Committee

Manage Risk, Insurance, and Organizational Assets

• Identify and proactively manage financial, legal, and operational risks
• Review and/or work with outside legal counsel to review contracts on behalf of the Organization
• Oversee insurance coverage including general liability, D&O, cyber, property, and workers’ compensation
• Manage banking relationships, oversee cash flow, and support long-term investment strategy alongside the volunteer Investment Committee
• Ensure systems and processes safeguard financial and physical assets

Lead Human Resources and Benefit Administration

• Oversee payroll processing, employee benefits, and HR compliance
• Maintain personnel files and ensure alignment with employment laws and policies
• Partner with the CEO on compensation and performance management
• Support administrative systems and third-party vendor management 

Requirements:

Education and Experience

• Masters degree in Business Administration, Accounting, or Finance (required)
• Active Certified Public Accountant Certification (CPA) (required)
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive financial management experience, with at least 3 years of managerial experience
• Strong understanding of GAAP (nonprofit accounting experience a plus)
• Demonstrated responsibility for full-cycle financial operations and/or audit coordination
• Previous experience in both public accounting and nonprofit environments (preferred)

Communication Skills

• Exceptional verbal and written communication abilities
• People-focused mindset, demonstrating professionalism and responsiveness 
• Ability to translate complex financial data into actionable messages and insights 
• Skilled at building relationships and communicating across all levels of staff, board, and external partners

Data Processing and System Skills 

• Proficient with cloud-based accounting, reporting, and CRM systems (Power BI, NetSuite, QuickBooks, association management systems)
• Technologically savvy with experience selecting, implementing, or managing financial software systems
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Google Workspace, and data management tools
• Comfortable with standard office equipment and general IT troubleshooting

Leadership and Management Skills

• Skilled at managing multiple priorities and cross-functional projects
• Effective in guiding teams and collaborating with boards and volunteers
• Committed to professional development, training, and implementation of best practices in finance and HR
• Proven success in strategic thinking, operational execution, and cross-functional collaboration

General Skills

• Highly organized and dependable, with strong follow-through
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail
• Excellent judgment when handling confidential or sensitive information
• Results-oriented, deadline-driven, and proactive in managing tasks and challenges
• Demonstrates integrity, credibility, and dedication to mission-driven work
• Must pass a criminal background

Physical requirements

• Frequently required to sit, talk, hear, and use hands for handling and typing
• Occasionally required to lift up to 20 pounds and reach with arms
• Requires close vision and the ability to adjust focus for computer and document work
• Non-smoking office

Schedule & Benefits

• Anticipated 40 hours of work per week with overtime hours required for time-critical projects or during high work volume periods
• The physical office is open for business from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and by appointment, 7:30 a.m. to noon on Friday (Core Hours).
• Remote work hours available (some in-person work at Glendale, CO location required)
• 9 Paid Holidays, 80 hours of paid sick leave per year, 120 hours paid vacation in the first year of employment
• Employee 401(k) plan with employer match
• Employer-paid life insurance
• 100% Employer-paid employee health insurance
• Employer-paid Group Long-term Disability Insurance
• Secondary education or professional certification reimbursement up to $3,000/year