Vice President Finance

Scion Executive Search has been retained to conduct an immediate search for a strategic, hands-on, mission aligned nonprofit Vice President of Finance on behalf of Population Action International (PAI), a leading global advocacy organization advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). This is an exceptional opportunity for a values-aligned finance leader to join a highly influential organization shaping policy, funding, and global discourse at the highest levels. This is a Washington, DC–based hybrid role, with in-office expectations Monday through Thursday and remote work on Fridays.

ABOUT PAI

PAI is a global leader in advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), working at the intersection of advocacy, policy, and funding to expand access and equity worldwide. For more than 60 years, PAI has partnered with governments, multilateral institutions, and community-based organizations to shape global health policy, influence funding priorities, and drive sustainable impact across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

Reporting directly to the President & CEO, the Vice President of Finance serves as a key member of the executive leadership team, responsible for the strategic and operational oversight of all financial functions at PAI. This leader will guide financial planning, compliance, accounting operations, audit, and reporting while ensuring strong stewardship of organizational resources in support of PAI’s global mission.

The VP of Finance will build and lead a high-performing finance function, strengthening infrastructure, systems, and processes to support a complex, grant-funded organization operating across multiple geographies. This individual will partner closely with internal leadership, the Board of Directors, and external stakeholders to translate financial data into strategic insight, enabling informed decision-making and long-term sustainability.

The ideal candidate is both strategic and highly hands-on, capable of setting financial vision while rolling up their sleeves to support execution in a lean, collaborative environment. Given PAI’s fast-paced operating cadence, this leader must be adaptable, responsive, and comfortable operating with urgency often aligning to leadership availability outside of traditional business hours to maintain momentum and decision flow. They will bring deep nonprofit financial expertise, strong audit and compliance experience, and the ability to communicate effectively across diverse audiences.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Finance Leadership & Strategy
• Serve as a strategic advisor to the President & CEO and Leadership Team on financial planning, forecasting, compliance, and organizational performance.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive financial strategy and multi-year roadmap to strengthen financial systems, processes, and long-term sustainability.
• Lead organizational budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling, including scenario planning to support strategic decision-making.
• Partner with Development to align revenue forecasting, grant budgeting, and financial reporting across funding streams.
• Translate complex financial data into clear, actionable insights for executive leadership, Board members, and program teams.
• Build and maintain strong unrestricted cash reserves to enhance organizational flexibility and resilience.
• Provide real-time financial guidance to executive leadership, demonstrating responsiveness and the ability to support decision-making in a dynamic, fast-moving environment.

Finance & Accounting Operations
• Operate comfortably within existing organizational workflows and systems, adapting financial processes as needed to support program teams rather than requiring wholesale system changes.
• Oversee all accounting operations, ensuring compliance with GAAP and nonprofit financial standards.
• Lead month-end, quarterly, and annual close processes, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and strong internal controls.
• Manage cash flow, financial reporting, and financial systems, including oversight of general ledger, AP/AR, payroll, and fixed assets.
• Ensure accurate and timely preparation of financial statements for internal and external stakeholders.
• Oversee grant financial management, ensuring alignment between expenditures and funding requirements.
• Develop and maintain financial policies, procedures, and staff training to ensure organizational compliance and efficiency.

Audit, Compliance & Governance
• Lead the annual audit process, serving as the primary liaison with external auditors and ensuring timely completion of all audit requirements.
• Oversee preparation and filing of IRS Form 990 and ensure compliance with all federal and state regulations.
• Establish and maintain robust internal controls aligned with nonprofit best practices.
• Partner with the Board of Directors, including the Audit and Finance Committees, to provide reporting, analysis, and strategic financial guidance.
• Manage relationships with investment advisors and ensure alignment with the organization’s investment policy.

Leadership & Team Development
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing finance and accounting team within a lean organizational structure.
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and mission-driven team culture.
• Partner cross-functionally with program and operational leaders to strengthen financial literacy and accountability across the organization.
• Act as a proactive partner to Program Managers by mentoring and guiding them in building and managing program-level budgets.
• Demonstrate strong service orientation and collaboration with program leadership, helping identify creative, compliant solutions to maximize restricted funding and support programmatic goals.
• Communicate financial information with agility, tailoring messaging and reporting formats to meet the needs of diverse audiences including the CEO, Board, Program Directors, and Program Managers.

QUALIFICATIONS:
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field required, CPA or advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive financial leadership experience.
• 3+ years in a senior leadership role.
• Strong nonprofit finance experience, including fund accounting, grant management, and cost recovery structures.
• Demonstrated expertise in nonprofit audit management, financial reporting, budgeting, and compliance.
• Experience working with Boards, Finance/Audit Committees, and external stakeholders.
• Proficiency with financial systems such as Sage Intacct and Bill.com; strong Excel and financial modeling skills required.
• Ability to communicate complex financial information clearly to both financial and non-financial audiences.
• Strategic thinker with strong analytical, problem-solving, and operational execution capabilities.
• Demonstrated ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, high-accountability environment with a hands-on leadership style and strong responsiveness to executive leadership needs.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

This position offers a competitive salary range of $170,000 – $180,000, commensurate with experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage; 403(b) retirement plan; flexible spending accounts; and additional wellness benefits.

APPLICATIONS AND NOMINATIONS:

PAI has retained the services of Scion Executive Search, a national executive search firm specializing in nonprofit recruitment, to assist in conducting this important search. For immediate consideration, please apply with your resume and cover letter, formatted in Microsoft Word, via: https://scionexecutivesearch.com/job/14437.