Chief Financial Officer - Northeast Kingdom Human Services

Client: Northeast Kingdom Human Services 

Position: Chief Financial Officer  

Website: https://nkhs.org/ 

Location:    Newport, Vermont 

Reports to: Executive Director 

Estimated Starting Salary: $150,000 - $180,000 per year depending on experience  

Position location: Onsite 

About The Agency:  

Founded in 1960, Northeast Kingdom Health Services (NKHS) has grown to become a State of Vermont Designated Agency serving all communities in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont, comprising Caledonia, Essex and Orleans counties. Our staff of nearly 500 provide case management, community and home support, residential care, psychiatry, medication management, individual therapy, group therapy, vocational supports, school-based counseling, emergency care and respite services for 3400+ clients annually. The agency also offers outreach and consultation services to communities, schools, and businesses in our service area. 

Position Overview:  

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) serves as a key strategic partner to the Executive Director and senior leadership team, providing leadership and direction for all financial operations for Northeast Kingdom Human Services (NKHS). The CFO is responsible for ensuring the organization’s financial strength and long-term sustainability through sound fiscal management, strategic planning, and disciplined execution. 

Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the CFO oversees accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting across all NKHS programs. The CFO also serves as the primary liaison for contractual and funding matters, leads the development of financial strategies for new and existing programs, and advances initiatives that strengthen NKHS’s financial integrity and organizational capacity. 

As an integral member of the Senior Leadership Team, the CFO plays an active role in developing and implementing NKHS’s mission, vision, and strategic plan to ensure the organization’s continued success and impact in the community. 

Essential Job Duties:  

Financial Management & Reporting 

• Responsible for overall administration of accounting and financial operations, including revenue cycle, general accounting, information systems, and financial reporting in accordance with corporate policies and procedures. 

• Manages accounting control systems and internal audits to ensure accurate and timely production of financial reports. 

• Ensures timely, complete, and accurate financial records in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and applicable audit guidelines of the federal government and State of Vermont. 

• Prepares, analyzes, and presents monthly financial reports for the organization, its programs, and activities; monitors variances and reports to the Executive Director and Board of Directors. 

• Provides regular financial updates, forecasts, and recommendations to the Executive Director and Board to support informed decision-making. 

• Oversees and reviews preparation of all programs financial reporting required for funding sources. 

• Oversees banking activities and actively manages cash flow to ensure operational liquidity. Develops reliable cash-flow projections and reporting mechanisms and optimizes banking relationships to enhance cash positions. 

• Oversees coordination and activities of independent auditors, ensuring all A-133 audit issues and 403(b) compliance matters are resolved, and that annual financial statements meet GAAP and all federal, state, and contractual requirements. 

Budgeting & Financial Planning 

• Prepares, oversees, and reviews the annual Operating Budget and Capital Budget(s) to ensure programmatic success and compliance with all contractual and regulatory requirements. 

• Develops tools and systems to provide critical financial information to leadership and recommends strategic actions. 

• Interprets legislative and programmatic rules and regulations to ensure compliance, disseminates relevant updates, and monitors adherence. 

• Monitors changes in legal, regulatory, and administrative environments and adjusts internal procedures to maintain compliance and optimize results. 

• Participates in developing new business and funding opportunities, including evaluating cost-effectiveness and drafting programmatic budgets. 

Strategic Leadership & Governance 

• Serves as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, assisting the Executive Director in decisions on NKHS’s strategic direction, financial operations, and major policy development. 

• Acts as financial liaison to the Board of Directors, providing expertise on the organization’s financial position and participating in relevant board committees. 

• Develops, distributes, and supports divisional and administrative staff in implementing financial protocols to ensure organizational integrity and effective decision-making. 

• Works closely with Vermont Care Partners (VCP), the state-wide CFO group, and State of Vermont agencies to promote the Designated Agency (DA) system and ensure adequate funding for services. 

• Represents NKHS professionally in internal and external committees and intra-agency meetings. 

• Fosters collaboration across departments to support effective financial operations and organizational success. 

Operations Oversight & Compliance 

• Supervises Controller in managing billing, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and integration of billing data between electronic health record and accounting systems. 

• Coordinates contract negotiations and execution with funders, vendors, and collaborative service providers, assessing contract benefits and advising on programmatic design and implementation strategies. 

• Oversees the organization’s liability insurance program and conducts ongoing risk analysis. 

• Reviews efficiency and effectiveness of employee benefit programs and seeks cost-effective solutions that maintain quality. 

• Ensures strong internal controls are in place to safeguard organizational assets and maintain financial integrity. 

Education, Skills, and Experience:  

• Master's degree in business administration, Accounting, or Finance preferred. 

• Eight to ten years of experience in financial management required. 

• Certified Public Accountant designation is a plus. 

• Excellent management and supervisory skills. 

• Excellent analytical and organizational skills. 

• Proficient in database and accounting computer application systems. 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 

• Basic knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.  

• Ability to form strong, trusting and supportive relationships with the Executive Director, Senior Leadership Team, NKHS Board of Directors, other agency staff, State employees and outside business associates and partners. 

Benefits for You:  

• Medical, dental and vision insurance 

• Health Saving Account (HSA) 

• Generous paid vacation, sick time and holiday pay 

• 403(b) with company contribution and match 

• Disability and life insurance 

• Employee Assistance Program