This leadership role is for an experienced finance professional and CPA to shape the financial future and strengthen the foundation of the Humane Society for Southwest Washington. Reporting to the President and serving on the Executive Leadership Team, the Vice President of Finance connects financial strategy with decisions that sustain programs, support people, and expand access to care for animals and their families. This is a working leadership role for someone who sees both the big picture and the details.
Responsibilities
Lead and support financial operations in partnership with the Associate Director of Finance, providing oversight, review, and management to ensure efficient, accurate, and timely operations
Perform selected accounting, reporting, and analysis duties to balance workload and provide coverage while maintaining appropriate internal controls and segregation of duties
Ensure timely, accurate delivery of financial statements and management reports
Translate results, budget variances, and emerging risks into clear recommendations for the President, executive team, and Board
Maintain effective internal controls, documented procedures, approval practices, and financial systems that safeguard assets, ensure reliable records, and support efficient operations
Oversee annual audit preparation and coordinate with external auditors and tax professionals on Form 990 and other required financial and tax filings; address findings and implement improvements
Ensure accounting and financial reporting comply with applicable GAAP, nonprofit standards, donor restrictions, grant requirements, and financial terms of municipal contracts
Partner with Development to properly account for contributions and pledges, track donor-restricted funds, and support accurate fundraising forecasts and donor and grant reporting
Manage cash flow, banking relationships, liquidity, and reserves
Coordinate investment decisions with advisors and the Finance and Investment Committees within Board-approved policies
Coordinate with HR and operational leaders on payroll accuracy, staffing costs, benefits budgeting, purchasing, and financial implications of contracts
Manage organizational insurance coverage, broker relationships, renewals, and claims coordination; assess coverage needs and risks with the President and department leaders
Maintain all business and required operational licenses, coordinating with responsible departments to ensure timely applications, renewals, and compliance
Lead the annual operating and capital budget processes with department leaders; establish clear assumptions, deadlines, responsibilities, and review practices
Develop multiyear financial plans, rolling revenue and expense forecasts, staffing projections, cash-flow forecasts, and scenario models to guide program decisions, capital investments, and long-term sustainability
Millions of jobs, with real people getting hired every day
200,000+
New jobs added daily
7,000,000+
Verified job listings
1,000,000+
Tailored applications submitted
Regularly update forecasts using actual results and changing assumptions
Evaluate the financial performance and sustainability of shelter services, community veterinary care, behavior and training, ReTails, and other programs and business activities
Develop and maintain cost-of-care and cost-allocation analyses, pricing recommendations, and financial models for municipal contracts, service fees, new programs, and proposed changes
Partner with department leaders to evaluate program and business plans, including service levels, revenue assumptions, staffing needs, and operating costs; recommend practical options that support mission impact and financial sustainability
Serve as staff liaison to the Finance and Investment Committees; prepare and present accessible financial information and recommendations to the Board
Improve reporting and dashboards, and help department leaders understand their budgets and financial reports, and use financial information in planning and daily decisions
Lead, manage, and hold accountable the Associate Director of Finance and Facilities Manager, supporting their leadership of the three-person finance and three-person facilities teams
Establish clear goals and priorities, provide coaching and feedback, and ensure appropriate staffing, workload balance, training, and performance management
Build dependable team practices, cross-training, and coverage plans that support accurate work, continuity, and staff development
Participate actively in executive team planning and decisions; communicate openly, work through differences constructively, and follow through on shared commitments
Bring a solution-oriented approach: identify issues early, assess options and tradeoffs, and help colleagues move workable solutions forward
Manage competing priorities and projects with strong organization, attention to detail, and consistent follow-through
Support inclusive practices and a respectful workplace
Provide executive oversight of facilities, fleet, and technology through the Facilities Manager and outside IT provider
Establish priorities, budgets, and service expectations; monitor performance; and support reliable operations, preventive maintenance, and long-term capital planning
Partner with department leaders and qualified vendors to evaluate investments, coordinate major projects, and address safety, cybersecurity, and business continuity needs
Requirements
Active Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license preferred
Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field
At least 10 years of progressively responsible accounting and finance experience, including financial leadership and staff supervision
Strong working knowledge of GAAP, accounting operations, close processes, internal controls, and financial reporting, with the ability to oversee work and provide hands-on support
Nonprofit financial management experience, including donor-restricted funds, grants, annual audits, and Form 990 preparation, preferred
Demonstrated success in operating and capital budgeting, revenue, expense, staffing, and cash-flow forecasting, financial modeling, and multiyear strategic planning
Experience evaluating program costs, pricing, and sustainability across multiple programs or revenue sources
Municipal contract, retail, or veterinary service experience preferred
Strong people leadership and executive collaboration skills, including coaching and developing managers and teams, setting clear expectations, and communicating financial information effectively to staff, executives, and Board members
Experience supporting Board finance or investment committees preferred
Exceptional organization, analytical skills, judgment, discretion, and follow-through
Ability to manage competing priorities and develop practical solutions that improve accuracy, timeliness, and efficiency
Advanced proficiency in Excel and financial systems, with the ability to improve reporting and processes
Experience with MIP or comparable accounting systems, iCompleat, and Ramp preferred
Experience providing executive oversight of facilities, fleet, or outsourced IT services preferred, with the ability to lead through managers, coordinate external expertise, and evaluate budgets, investments, and risks
Commitment to HSSW’s mission and an inclusive, respectful workplace serving employees, volunteers, and community members
Benefits
Health, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) retirement plan with employer matching and a Roth contribution option
Employee assistance program
Flexible spending accounts
Employee discounts
Access to supplemental life, disability, and accident insurance
Four weeks of PTO annually
Six floating holidays
Bereavement leave for people and pets
Opportunity to build a long-term sick leave bank
Important Details
Schedule: Occasional evening and weekend work is required for meetings, deadlines, and operational needs
Team: The Vice President leads the Associate Director of Finance and Facilities Manager, supporting their leadership of the three-person finance and three-person facilities teams
Application Process
The position is open until filled
About the Company
Since 1897, the Humane Society for Southwest Washington (HSSW) has cared for animals and supported the people who love them. Today, their work spans shelter campuses in Vancouver and Longview, community veterinary services, two mobile veterinary clinics, behavior and training services, and ReTails Thrift Store. They serve communities across Clark, Cowlitz, and Skamania counties through donor support, municipal partnerships, and earned revenue. With an annual budget exceeding $15 million, more than 170 employees, and over 1,200 volunteers, HSSW is strengthening the people, systems, and infrastructure that support its expanded services.
The WSCPA is a professional community of CPAs who work in business and industry, education, government, not-for-profit organizations and public accounting.
