Senior Director of Finance

• This position reports to the Executive Director.
• This position includes supervisory responsibility for internal finance staff and an outside contracted accounting firm.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and mentor the internal finance team
• Oversee the relationship with and work product of a contracted accounting firm
• Evaluate and advise on the optimal balance of in-house versus contracted finance functions over time
• Develop and maintain financial policies, procedures, and internal controls
• Drive continuous improvement of financial systems and processes
• Serve as financial liaison to Canopy Farm Management, the Institute’s subsidiary business

• Lead the annual organizational budgeting process in collaboration with department heads and the Executive Director
• Develop and maintain multi-year financial forecasts
• Manage cash flow planning and monitoring to ensure organizational liquidity
• Provide cross-departmental financial planning support

• Prepare and present financial reports for the Board of Directors and Finance Committee
• Support the Executive Director and senior leadership with financial analysis for major decisions
• Provide financial modeling, scenario planning, and capital planning in support of organizational strategy
• Participate in strategic financial planning and financial sustainability planning

• Coordinate and manage the annual audit process
• Oversee risk management and internal control systems
• Conduct organizational financial risk assessments and recommend mitigation strategies

• Oversee financial reporting and compliance for grant-funded programs
• Partner with development and program staff on grant budgeting and financial stewardship

• Participate in team, department, and all-staff meetings and associated work
• Contribute to organization-wide activities such as goal setting, planning, and staff trainings
• Support fund development efforts as needed

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of progressive finance experience in a senior leadership role, in the nonprofit sector or in the private sector with substantial nonprofit engagement (e.g., board or finance committee service)
• Minimum 3 years of direct supervisory or management experience, including responsibility for hiring, performance management, and team development; experience managing outside vendors or contracted service providers is a plus
• Solid working knowledge of fund accounting principles and nonprofit financial reporting
• Demonstrated expertise in budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow planning
• Experience with cloud-based financial management systems; proficiency in Sage Intacct or comparable software (e.g., NetSuite, Blackbaud Financial Edge) is required
• Experience implementing or managing financial systems and designing financial processes
• Experience supporting board and executive leadership with financial reporting and analysis
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to translate complex financial information for non-financial audiences
• Commitment to participating in an open and collaborative environment
• Willingness to work independently with strong self-direction

• CPA or equivalent advanced credential
• Direct experience in nonprofit finance, including grants management
• Experience managing audits and contracted finance services
• Experience with subsidiary or multi-entity financial oversight
• Familiarity with agricultural, conservation, or environmental organizations
• Public speaking and board presentation experience

Benefits

About
Founded in 2013, the Savanna Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that works with farmers and scientists to lay the groundwork for widespread agroforestry adoption in the Midwest US. Inspired by the native savanna ecosystems that once covered much of this region, the Savanna Institute conducts research, education, and outreach to support the growth of diverse, perennial agroecosystems.We seek applicants who share our passion for ecological and equitable agriculture as a nature-based climate solution and who are motivated to widen the circle of who has the opportunity to inform, support, and benefit from its development.