Position Overview
The Navy League of the United States is seeking a highly capable, mission-driven Senior Vice President (SVP) of Finance to lead and oversee the daily operations of the Finance Department. Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and working closely with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), this role serves as the organization’s senior financial authority.
The SVP of Finance is responsible for ensuring the financial integrity, transparency, and long-term fiscal health of the organization. This includes oversight of accounting operations, financial reporting, budgeting, audit and tax filings, compliance to include charitable filings, and strategic financial planning. The successful candidate will combine strong technical expertise with sound judgment and the ability to advise senior leadership on financial strategy, organizational performance, and risk.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Financial Leadership
- Provide strategic financial guidance to the COO and CEO for all business entities.
- Serve as a trusted advisor on financial planning, forecasting, and organizational performance.
- Support long-term financial sustainability through scenario planning, cash projection, risk assessment, and resource allocation.
- Present monthly financial results, trends, and organizational liquidity to the Executive Committee.
Financial Reporting & Accounting
- Oversee preparation and accuracy of monthly GAAP-compliant financial statements.
- Review monthly journal entries, schedules, and reconciliations for accuracy and completeness; make corrections as necessary.
- Prepare and present the Statement of Cash Flows and other financial reports as required.
- Review and distribute monthly department financial statements.
- Ensure timely distribution of financials to the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, and National Treasurer.
- Maintain strong internal controls and ensure compliance with accounting standards (FASB).
Budgeting & Financial Planning
- Lead the annual budget process.
- Develop and maintain cash flow projections and financial forecasts.
- Prepare and distribute weekly liquidity reports.
- Advise the CEO and COO on budget execution across departments.
Audit, Tax & Compliance
- Serve as the lead for the annual audit process.
- Maintain relationships with external auditors and tax accountants throughout the year.
- Oversee preparation and filing of IRS Form 990, group exemption, charitable and exemptions, and all required state filings.
- Ensure compliance with all regulatory and reporting requirements.
Treasury & Cash Management
- Oversee cash management and organizational liquidity.
- Review and approve vendor payments and forward to authorized check signers.
- Monitor cash position to ensure alignment with operational needs.
Audit, Month-End & Year-End Close
- Oversee completion of all month-end and year-end closing processes.
- Ensure timely completion of accounting tasks and reconciliations.
- Work in tandem with staff accountants and the Controller to complete the annual audit.
- Prepare and/or review audit schedules.
- Communicate with audit teams and provide supporting documentation.
- Explain organizational accounting processes and procedures.
Leadership & Management
- Set departmental priorities in consultation with the CEO and COO to ensure deadlines are met.
- Supervise Finance Department workload, assignments, and overall performance.
- Conduct performance reviews and provide professional development recommendations to the CEO and COO.
- Ensure staff and vendors comply with accounting policies and procedures.
- Recommend and implement process improvements to streamline financial operations across departments and vendor relationships.
- Maintain daily communication with staff at all levels regarding budget and accounting matters.
- Coordinate with senior leadership and staff to resolve issues as they arise.
- Administer the Finance Department budget and support enterprise-wide financial discipline.
- Demonstrate an independent work style with the ability to adapt quickly, manage competing priorities, and operate with minimal supervision.
Governance & External Engagement
- Present financial statements and analysis to the Executive Committee on a monthly basis.
- Attend membership conventions and Board of Directors meetings as required.
- Consult with and advise volunteer leadership, including committee chairs, National Vice Presidents, and National leadership.
Qualifications & Background Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (CPA or advanced degree preferred).
- Seven to ten years of progressive experience in accounting and financial management, preferably within a nonprofit or association environment.
- Extensive knowledge of nonprofit accounting standards (FASB) and financial management practices.
- Demonstrated experience managing audits, IRS Form 990 filings, and regulatory compliance.
- Experience managing a finance office and supervising staff.
- Proficiency with accounting systems (Sage Intaact, preferred).
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Experience communicating with local and state authorities is desirable.
- Audit compliance experience preferred.
Attributes for Success
The Navy League is seeking a candidate who demonstrates the ability to:
- Display integrity, empathy, courage, fortitude, honesty, loyalty, and sound judgment.
- Foster a strong sense of teamwork and esprit de corps through daily actions.
- Treat others with dignity and respect.
- Consistently do the right thing without oversight.
- Demonstrate commitment to the mission of the organization and fellow teammates.
- Exhibit independence and accountability.
- Complete work accurately and on time.
- Achieve budgetary objectives and organizational goals.
- Meet the expectations of internal and external stakeholders.
