Vice President of Finance

Description

Vice President of Finance

Humane Society for Southwest Washington | Vancouver, Washington

Reports to: President

Status: Full-time, Exempt

Compensation: $125,000 - $140,000 

Scope: Finance, facilities and fleet, and information technology

About HSSW

Since 1897, the Humane Society for Southwest Washington (HSSW) has cared for animals and supported the people who love them. Today, our work spans shelter campuses in Vancouver and Longview, community veterinary services, two mobile veterinary clinics, behavior and training services, and ReTails Thrift Store. We 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 our expanded services. Our next Vice President of Finance will help turn that growth into lasting financial and operational strength.

The opportunity

HSSW is seeking an experienced finance leader and CPA to help shape our financial future and strengthen the foundation for our work. Reporting to the President and serving on HSSW’s Executive Leadership Team, the Vice President of Finance connects financial strategy with the decisions that sustain our programs, support our people, and expand access to care for animals and the families who love them.

This is a working leadership role for someone who sees both the big picture and the details. The Vice President leads financial reporting and planning, budgeting, forecasting, and stewardship; develops strong teams; and brings clear analysis and practical solutions to organizational and business planning. Working closely with the Associate Director of Finance and Facilities Manager, this leader strengthens financial operations and guides the facilities and technology investments that support reliable, effective services. Success requires sound judgment, a collaborative approach, and the ability to turn plans into results.

Key responsibilities

Financial operations and stewardship

• Lead and support financial operations in partnership with the Associate Director of Finance, who manages daily accounting and supervises payroll, accounts receivable, and accounts payable staff. Provide 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.

Budgeting and strategic finance

• 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. 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.

People and executive leadership

• 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.

Facilities and technology oversight

• 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.

Qualifications

• Active Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license preferred; bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field, and 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

HSSW offers health, dental, and vision insurance; a 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching and a Roth contribution option; an employee assistance program; flexible spending accounts; employee discounts; and access to supplemental life, disability, and accident insurance. This position receives four weeks of PTO annually, six floating holidays, bereavement leave for people and pets, and the opportunity to build a long-term sick leave bank. Benefits are subject to applicable plan terms and eligibility requirements.

Working conditions

The primary workplace is HSSW’s Vancouver campus, with regular travel to Longview and other HSSW locations. Occasional evening and weekend work is required for meetings, deadlines, and operational needs.

Essential functions include computer-based work, reviewing financial records, communicating with staff and stakeholders, and visiting facilities. Work at shelter and clinic locations may involve exposure to animals, noise, allergens, cleaning products, and other conditions associated with animal care environments. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

How to apply

Visit hssw.org/careers to apply. The position is open until filled.

HSSW is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. Employment is at will. This description outlines the primary responsibilities of the position; other related duties may be assigned. HSSW participates in E-Verify. Employment is subject to applicable background screening.