Quick overview
Job description
About Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay
Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay believes every student deserves an opportunity-filled future - one shaped by choices, not chance. Through experiential learning in financial literacy, career readiness, and entrepreneurship, JA helps young people become confident, capable, competent, and connected to economic opportunity.
Working alongside schools, businesses, volunteers, and community partners, JA equips students with the transferable skills, real-world experiences, and relationships they need to pursue continuing education and training, navigate an evolving workforce, and achieve economic mobility. By connecting classroom learning to high-growth, high-demand career pathways, JA prepares young people to build financially secure futures and confidently navigate what comes next. Learn more at our website: www.jatampabay.org.
Position Summary
The Vice President of Finance provides strategic financial leadership and oversight to ensure the organization's financial sustainability, accountability, and long-term growth. This position is responsible for financial planning, budgeting, accounting, cash management, financial reporting, internal controls, audit coordination, grant compliance, and risk management.
As a key member of the executive leadership team, the Vice President of Finance partners with the President, Board of Directors, Finance Committee, and department leaders to support informed decision-making, responsible stewardship of resources, and alignment of financial strategies with the organization's mission and strategic priorities.
The ideal candidate is a strategic and hands-on financial leader with strong nonprofit accounting experience, exceptional analytical skills, and the ability to translate complex financial information into clear, actionable recommendations.
Essential Functions
Financial Strategy and Leadership
- Develop and implement financial strategies that support the organization's mission, strategic plan, and long-term sustainability.
- Serve as a financial advisor to the President and executive leadership team.
- Evaluate financial performance, identify trends and risks, and recommend strategies to strengthen financial health.
- Develop financial forecasts, cash flow projections, and long-range financial plans.
- Evaluate the financial implications of new programs, facilities, partnerships, grants, and organizational initiatives.
- Establish and maintain financial policies, procedures, and best practices consistent with nonprofit accounting standards.
Budgeting and Financial Planning
- Lead the annual operating and capital budgeting process in collaboration with the President and department leaders.
- Prepare and present the annual organizational budget for executive and Board approval.
- Monitor actual financial performance against budget and provide timely variance analyses and corrective recommendations.
- Develop and maintain multi-year financial projections and scenario analyses.
- Establish appropriate budget controls and monitor departmental spending.
- Support program and facilities expansion through financial modeling, cost analysis, and resource allocation planning.
Accounting and Financial Reporting
- · Oversee the organization's accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll accounting, cash management, and account reconciliations.
- Ensure accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
- Oversee the preparation of the statement of financial position, statement of activities, statement of cash flows, and supporting schedules.
- Maintain accurate accounting for restricted and unrestricted contributions, grants, pledges, and other revenue sources.
- Oversee revenue recognition, expense allocations, prepaid expenses, fixed assets, depreciation, accrued liabilities, and other accounting functions.
- Maintain an effective monthly and year-end financial close process.
- Ensure financial records are complete, accurate, and maintained in accordance with applicable requirements.
Board and Finance Committee Support
- Prepare and present financial reports, forecasts, budget updates, and financial analyses for the Board of Directors and Finance Committee.
- Explain financial results, budget variances, cash flow trends, and financial risks in clear, understandable terms.
- Provide recommendations regarding reserves, investments, capital expenditures, and long-term financial sustainability.
- Support the development and monitoring of financial policies and organizational performance measures.
- Ensure Board members have the financial information necessary to fulfill their fiduciary responsibilities.
Grant Accounting and Compliance
- Oversee financial management and reporting for government grants, foundation grants, corporate sponsorships, and other restricted funding.
- Ensure grant expenditures comply with award terms, approved budgets, and applicable federal, state, and local requirements.
- Coordinate with program leaders and grant administrators to monitor budgets, expenditures, matching requirements, and reporting deadlines.
- Maintain appropriate documentation to support grant expenditures and financial reports.
- Oversee the preparation of financial schedules for grant monitoring, audits, and funder reviews.
- Establish procedures to ensure restricted funds are properly tracked, allocated, and used for their intended purposes.
Audit, Compliance, and Internal Controls
- Coordinate the annual independent financial statement audit and serve as the primary financial liaison with external auditors.
- Oversee the preparation of audit schedules, reconciliations, supporting documentation, and financial disclosures.
- Maintain effective internal controls to safeguard organizational assets and prevent fraud, errors, and misuse of funds.
- Ensure compliance with applicable nonprofit financial reporting requirements, tax filings, and regulatory obligations.
- Oversee preparation and filing of Form 990 and related financial information in coordination with external tax professionals.
- Monitor compliance with financial policies, contractual obligations, and relevant accounting standards.
- Implement corrective actions in response to audit findings and recommendations.
- Support enterprise risk management, insurance reviews, and financial risk mitigation.
Cash Management and Resource Stewardship
- Monitor cash balances, liquidity, receivables, payables, and operating reserves.
- Develop cash flow forecasts to ensure sufficient funds are available to meet operational commitments.
- Oversee banking relationships, account reconciliations, authorized signatories, and cash management procedures.
- Monitor investment activity and ensure funds are managed in accordance with Board-approved policies.
- Evaluate major purchases, equipment investments, facility improvements, and other capital expenditures.
- Recommend strategies to maximize the responsible use of financial resources.
Payroll, Benefits, and Financial Administration
- Oversee the financial aspects of payroll, employee benefits, retirement plan contributions, and related reconciliations.
- Ensure payroll liabilities, employer taxes, benefit deductions, and retirement contributions are accurately recorded and remitted.
- Coordinate with payroll providers, professional employer organizations, benefits administrators, and retirement plan vendors.
- Maintain appropriate segregation of duties and authorization controls over payroll and employee-related transactions.
- Ensure financial procedures related to employee compensation and benefits are properly documented and monitored.
Systems, Processes, and Operational Efficiency
- Oversee the financial accounting system and related reporting tools to ensure data integrity and effective financial analysis.
- · Identify opportunities to improve accounting processes, automate routine tasks, and strengthen reporting capabilities
- Establish standardized financial procedures, documentation requirements, and approval workflows.
- Collaborate with technology vendors and internal stakeholders to maintain effective financial systems and reporting.
- Develop dashboards and performance indicators that support timely financial decision-making.
Leadership and Collaboration
- Lead, supervise, and develop finance and accounting personnel.
- Establish clear performance expectations, accountability measures, and professional development goals.
- Foster a culture of accuracy, transparency, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Work closely with program, development, operations, and administrative teams to align financial management with organizational priorities.
- Promote responsible stewardship of donor contributions and other organizational resources.
Required Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration.
- CPA, MBA, or other relevant advanced professional credential preferred.
Experience
- Minimum of 7–10 years of progressively responsible accounting and financial management experience.
- Demonstrated experience leading budgeting, financial reporting, accounting operations, and audit preparation.
- Nonprofit accounting experience strongly preferred, including knowledge of fund accounting and restricted contributions.
- Experience managing grants, government funding, or other restricted awards preferred.
- Experience presenting financial information to executive leadership, Boards, or Finance Committees.
- Experience supervising and developing accounting or finance staff.
- Experience with accounting systems, financial reporting tools, and process improvement initiatives. Skilled in Sage Intact and Martus software a plus
Desired Qualifications
- Strong knowledge of GAAP and nonprofit financial reporting requirements.
- Understanding of Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) guidance applicable to nonprofit organizations, including contribution accounting and net asset classifications.
- Knowledge of nonprofit budgeting, cash management, internal controls, and financial risk management.
- Ability to analyze complex financial information and communicate findings to nonfinancial audiences.
- Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- High level of integrity, discretion, accountability, and professional judgment.
- Ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
- Proficiency with accounting software, Microsoft Excel, and financial reporting systems.
- Ability to build effective working relationships with staff, auditors, donors, Board members, and external partners
Compensation & Benefits
The salary range for this position is $125,000 to $135,000 annually, with the exact salary depending on relevant experience, demonstrated executive-level impact, and alignment with the scope and responsibilities of the role. JA Tampa Bay offers medical, dental, and group life insurance. The organization also offers a 401(k) plan.
Our Leadership Philosophy
At Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay, leadership extends beyond managing functions - it is about stewarding people, partnerships, and resources in service of our mission. Leaders are expected to think strategically, collaborate across teams, cultivate authentic relationships, and create the conditions that enable others to succeed. Through integrity, innovation, accountability, and a commitment to continuous improvement, every leader contributes to building a culture where philanthropy, learning, and organizational excellence work together to create lasting impact for the young people and communities we serve.
Our Commitment
At JA of Tampa Bay, we believe that our success is directly tied to our ability to foster an environment where all individuals have access to opportunities and can thrive. We are deeply committed to creating a workplace where inclusion and belonging are not just principles but lived experiences. This commitment drives us to attract, develop, retain, and promote a workforce that mirrors the communities we serve, bringing together a wide range of perspectives, experiences, and talents.
We embrace the unique contributions that every JA Tampa Bay employee brings to our mission and encourage individuals from all backgrounds to join our team. By welcoming various voices, we continue to expand our understanding of the world, and we actively seek to elevate the representation of different individual experiences and the perspectives they shape.
We are dedicated to fostering an environment where everyone feels respected, valued, and heard - where people can be their authentic selves and know that they belong. This is how we build a workplace where every individual can succeed, and where we work together to create lasting impact for the young people and communities we serve.
Additional Information
JA Tampa Bay does not provide sponsorship for employment visas for this position. All candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship, now or in the future. This position description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related duties required by their supervisor. This document does not create an employment contract implied or otherwise, other than an "at-will" relationship.
