Description
The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) is a mission-driven executive leader responsible for the financial stewardship, strategy, and operational excellence of a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving individuals with autism and their families. The CAO partners closely with the CAO, Board of Directors, and leadership team to ensure financial sustainability, transparency, and strategic growth in support of the organization’s mission.
This role requires exceptional technical expertise—including superior Excel proficiency, financial modeling, forecasting, and budgeting—combined with a genuine heart for the organization’s work and the community it serves.
Duties and Responsibilities
Strategic Financial Leadership
- Develop and execute long-term financial strategy aligned with organizational mission and growth goals
- Lead multi-year financial modeling, projections, and scenario planning
- Advise President and CEO and Board on financial performance, risk management, and strategic opportunities
- Support expansion initiatives, program growth, and capital investments
Financial Planning & Analysis
- Oversee annual budgeting process and rolling forecasts
- Develop detailed financial models to support program expansion, grant funding, and reimbursement strategies
- Monitor and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs)
- Provide clear, data-driven reporting to leadership and Board
Accounting & Compliance
- Ensure compliance with GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards
- Oversee preparation of financial statements and Form 990
- Manage annual audit and maintain strong internal controls
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and grantor regulations
Revenue & Funding Oversight
- Monitor diverse revenue streams (government contracts, Medicaid/insurance reimbursement, grants, fundraising)
- Partner with Development team on grant budgeting and reporting
- Optimize reimbursement processes and cash flow management
Leadership & Team Management
- Lead, mentor, and develop finance and administrative staff
- Build a high-performing, accountable finance team
- Foster cross-department collaboration and financial literacy across the organization
Systems & Technology
- Oversee financial systems, accounting software, and reporting tools
- Leverage advanced Excel capabilities and financial software to improve analytics and reporting
- Identify opportunities for process automation and operational efficiencies
Position Type
Full time, benefit eligible with direct reports.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field (CPA preferred)
- 7–10+ years of progressive financial leadership experience, preferably in nonprofit, healthcare, or human services
- Demonstrated expertise in:
- Advanced Excel (complex formulas, pivot tables, modeling, scenario analysis)
- Financial modeling and multi-year projections
- Budget development and oversight
- Cash flow forecasting
- Experience managing teams and developing leaders
- Strong knowledge of nonprofit financial regulations and reporting
Core Competencies
· Mission-driven with a genuine passion for serving individuals with autism and their families
· Strategic thinker with strong analytical and technical skill
· High integrity and commitment to financial transparency
· Strong communicator able to translate financial data into actionable insights
· Collaborative leader with emotional intelligence and people-first management style
Requirements
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field (CPA preferred)
- 7–10+ years of progressive financial leadership experience, preferably in nonprofit, healthcare, or human services
- Demonstrated expertise in:
- Advanced Excel (complex formulas, pivot tables, modeling, scenario analysis)
- Financial modeling and multi-year projections
- Budget development and oversight
- Cash flow forecasting
- Experience managing teams and developing leaders
- Strong knowledge of nonprofit financial regulations and reporting
Core Competencies
· Mission-driven with a genuine passion for serving individuals with autism and their families
· Strategic thinker with strong analytical and technical skill
· High integrity and commitment to financial transparency
· Strong communicator able to translate financial data into actionable insights
· Collaborative leader with emotional intelligence and people-first management style
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field
- 7-10+ years of progressive financial leadership experience
- Advanced Microsoft Excel proficiency, including complex formulas, pivot tables, modeling, and scenario analysis
- Experience with financial modeling and multi-year projections
- Experience developing and overseeing budgets
- Experience with cash flow forecasting
- Experience managing teams and developing leaders
- Strong knowledge of nonprofit financial regulations and reporting
- CPA certification
- Experience in nonprofit, healthcare, or human services
What We Do
VIA Centers for Neurodevelopment is a nonprofit provider of compassionate, evidence-based services for people with autism and other developmental disabilities. It offers specialized schools, adult programs, and early intervention across central and southwest Virginia, supporting individuals and families throughout the lifespan. Its school, adult, and pediatric ABA programs use applied behavior analysis and are delivered by professionals in behavior analysis, special education, speech-language therapy, psychology, and occupational and physical therapies.
