Bobby Dodd Institute Chief Financial Officer

Please email a thoughtful cover letter detailing your interest in the role, as well as your relevant values and experiences in relation to the position. Include your resume and send your application to BDICFOsearch@bobbydodd.org. DO Not apply via WorkforGood directly.

Bobby Dodd Institute (BDI) seeks a collaborative, innovative, and participant-centered financial expert to serve as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). This is a pivotal moment to join BDI, as we celebrate over 60 years of empowering individuals with differing abilities to achieve economic self-sufficiency, independence, and inclusion in our communities. As we continue to expand our mission, BDI is embarking on a significant growth trajectory, including a capital campaign designed to position the organization to quadruple the number of participants we serve over the next decade.

Reporting directly to the CEO and working closely with the COO as part of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), the CFO will play a critical role in driving the organization’s mission and strategic vision. The CFO will have the opportunity to further develop a high-performing Finance and Accounting team, manage financial oversight of over ~$25 million in revenue and ensure compliance with federal, state, commercial and grantmaking contracts. Additionally, the CFO will foster a culture of strategic vision, accountability, and collaboration across the organization.

In this role, the CFO will lead BDI’s accounting policies and processes, ensuring timely, routine, and accurate financial reporting, and will spearhead the annual budgeting process in partnership with the SLT. They will oversee finance and compliance functions, ensuring strict adherence to applicable laws, regulations, and standards, and manage all accounting functions, including external consultants and contracted partners. The CFO will also be responsible for maintaining financials, reports, and tax filings, as well as shaping and monitoring the organization’s investment strategy.

The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker and hands-on leader, able to balance big-picture vision with practical execution. Experience with capital campaigns, AbilityOne and State Use contracts, donor-advised funds and charitable bequest processes will be particularly valuable. The CFO should bring empathy, curiosity, creativity, and a passion for exploring financial solutions that support the business owners and advance the mission of BDI.

About Bobby Dodd Institute

The Bobby Dodd Institute (BDI) was founded in 1960, inspired by the legacy of Bobby Dodd, the legendary Georgia Tech football coach known for his leadership, integrity, and compassion. Named in his honor, the institute began with a simple yet powerful mission: to empower individuals with disabilities by providing them with the tools and resources needed to succeed in the workforce.

Initially, BDI focused on offering vocational training and job placement services for people with disabilities, helping them overcome barriers to employment. Over the years, the organization expanded its scope, evolving into a multifaceted nonprofit that addresses a wide range of needs, from career development and employment readiness to life skills coaching and support services. This growth has enabled BDI to reach thousands of individuals annually, helping them lead independent, fulfilling lives.

BDI’s impact extends beyond just placing people in jobs. It has become a recognized leader in disability advocacy, working with local businesses and government agencies to promote inclusive hiring practices and disability awareness. The organization collaborates with employers to educate them on the benefits of hiring individuals with differing abilities and to provide training on making workplaces more accessible and accommodating.

Throughout its history, BDI has remained committed to creating meaningful employment opportunities and fostering an environment where people with differing abilities can thrive. By continually evolving its programs to meet the changing needs of the workforce and the individuals it serves, BDI plays a vital role in breaking down the societal and economic barriers that many people with disabilities face.

BDI has become a trusted partner for individuals and businesses alike, providing a wide array of services, including disability employment support, community integration, and government contracting. As a leading organization in the Atlanta region and beyond, BDI operates four primary lines of business, employing nearly 400 individuals and serving over 3,000 people in fiscal year 2024. With plans to double its impact by 2028, BDI remains steadfast in its commitment to core values of dignity, opportunity, and inclusion.

CFO Key Responsibilities

Strategic and Pragmatic Leadership: Partner with the CEO, COO and SLT to advance BDI’s mission and enable growth through efficient, cost-effective strategies.
Financial Operations: Ensure excellence and consistency in financial operations across all departments.
Team Development: Build a skilled, diverse team with a focus on continuous improvement and learning.
Innovation and Problem Solving: Develop sustainable, flexible solutions that address new challenges and community needs.
Stakeholder Engagement: Foster partnerships with stakeholders, government agencies, corporate partners, and nonprofits to support program growth and impact.
Performance Management: Implement metrics and systems to meet organizational goals, ensuring quality and accountability.
Compliance and Risk Management: Ensure compliance with regulations and manage risks effectively.
Technology and Innovation: Drive fiscal effectiveness and efficiencies through new technologies.
Board Collaboration: Provide the board with regular insights, updates, and strategic recommendations.
Advocacy: Promote BDI’s mission, advocating for disability inclusion and community integration.
Resource Stewardship: Work with the COO and VP of Fund Development to manage budgets, optimize costs, and create the tools to manage new revenue streams.
Leadership Qualities
Build and Lead High-Performing Teams: Continuously develop, inspire, and lead a high-performing finance and accounting team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and excellence.
Bridge Builder: Skilled at connecting teams across BDI to enhance communication, improve interdepartmental relations, and build collaborative solutions.
Proactive Leader: A self-starter with a positive attitude and the ability to develop and implement immediate action plans as needed.
Team Inspiration & Development: Proven ability to attract, build, and retain a high-performing team committed to excellence.
Problem Solver: Adept at identifying issues and eliminating process bottlenecks to create efficiencies.
Change Agent: Comfortable in challenging environments, prioritizing effectively, and addressing issues directly. 
Hands-On Approach: Flexible and willing to take on tactical, day-to-day tasks to support departmental functions.
Intellectual Capacity and willingness to quickly get up to speed with nonprofit accounting and challenges if corporate background.
Strategic and big picture thinker, ability to quickly understand the goals and objectives of BDI and communicate to the team.
Ability to work with consultants for data integration project, administrative cost analysis and potential future change in accounting software.

Core Responsibilities Financial Execution

Qualifications, Experience & Attributes:

Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or a related field; Master’s degree or CPA is highly preferred.

Extensive Financial Management Experience: Over 10 years of progressive financial management experience, including a minimum of 7 years in nonprofit, commercial P&L, or mission-driven organizations.

Financial Systems Expertise: Proven track record in financial systems management, budgeting, and forecasting, with demonstrated success in modernizing financial technologies and processes.

Advanced Data Analytics Skills: Proficient in data analytics and business intelligence, utilizing data management to inform strategic decision-making.

Nonprofit Financial Acumen: Comprehensive knowledge of nonprofit financial management and tax regulations at the federal, state, and local levels.

Revenue Oversight & Fund Distribution: Experience in managing revenue streams, endowments, and ensuring strategic fund distribution aligns with organizational missions.

Strong Leadership Qualities: Demonstrated ability to lead finance teams effectively, oversee audits, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

Expert Knowledge of GAAP: Robust understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) to ensure accurate financial reporting.

Change Management Expertise: Skilled in facilitating organizational change and streamlining operational processes in growing organizations.

Exceptional Communication Skills: Ability to clearly and simply present complex financial information to the board and non-financial stakeholders.

Vendor Management Experience: Proven experience in managing external finance vendors, audits, and compliance requirements, along with strong software expertise.

Skilled in hands-on use of Excel, Smartsheet, Salesforce, Business Intelligence (BI) tools, UKG and diverse financial systems for effective data analysis and reporting.

Preferred Experience:

Strategic Financial Leadership & Oversight: Collaborate with the CEO, COO, board, and senior leadership to align financial policies and strategies with organizational goals, emphasizing sustainability and impact. Oversee and manage $25 million in assets, ensuring financial stability and risk management. Lead budgeting and cash flow management processes, including developing the annual budget, project budgets, and grant proposals, ensuring compliance, alignment with strategic goals, and financial sustainability. Monitor cash flow, making necessary adjustments to maintain financial health.
Financial Strategy & Systems Modernization: Design and implement robust financial strategies and advanced systems (CRM, BI tools, and automated accounting/budgeting platforms) to streamline workflows, enhance transparency, and support decision-making. Spearhead financial modernization initiatives, introducing tools and procedures that improve operational efficiency and internal controls.
Accounting Governance & Compliance: Establish and refine accounting policies to ensure accurate monthly financial reports and a seamless annual audit process, complying with GAAP and regulatory standards. Oversee payroll processing, tax filings, and audit completion with internal and external partners. Ensure compliance with government funding requirements and foster a culture of financial accountability across the organization.
Financial Reporting & Collaboration: Oversee preparation and dissemination of accurate, transparent financial statements, budget projections, and monthly dashboards for leadership, the board, and external stakeholders. Collaborate with operations and fund development teams to integrate financial insights, monitor revenue pipelines, and align with fundraising strategies, contributing to revenue diversification and growth.
Investment & Cash Management: Partner to manage investments, implementing sound investment strategies that balance risk with long-term growth. Oversee cash management and strategic investment initiatives, ensuring alignment with the mission and long-term financial goals.
Process Optimization & Risk Management: Continuously assess and improve financial workflows, controls, and processes, driving operational efficiency and alignment with organizational growth. Implement risk management strategies, ensuring adequate insurance coverage, safeguarding assets, and managing relationships with insurers and banking institutions.
Team Leadership & Development: Lead and develop a high-performing finance team, fostering collaboration, professional growth, and accountability. Oversee payroll processing, income tax withholdings, and compliance with quarterly and annual filings.
Comprehensive Grant Compliance Oversight: Ensure adherence to IRS and federal, state, and local regulations throughout the grant lifecycle by designing and enforcing robust compliance policies, conducting audits, managing risk, and preparing detailed compliance reports for leadership.
Strategic Compliance Leadership & Capacity Building: Provide high-level compliance guidance, embed controls within operational frameworks, collaborate with legal advisors on evolving regulations, and lead staff training to strengthen organizational compliance capabilities.
Facilities Oversight and Licensing: Monitor expenditures on all facilities. Track leases and business licenses.
CPA or Equivalent Certification: Holds a CPA or similar professional certification, demonstrating a high level of expertise in financial management.
Government Compliance Expertise: Deep understanding of compliance and management requirements for government funding, including the handling of restricted funds.
Philanthropic Finance Knowledge: Familiar with intermediary funding mechanisms and the nuances of philanthropic finance, enabling effective engagement with diverse funding sources.
Mergers and Acquisitions Experience: Proven ability to streamline processes and identify cost-saving opportunities.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $170,000 - $185,000

CFO receives:

An annual performance review with the CEO. Your position is eligible for a year-end bonus of up to 10% of base salary.
403B with a discretionary company contribution which begins on the first of the month after your 60^th day of service. You are eligible to start contributing on first day of employment.
Medical, dental, vision, and disability insurance plans
12 paid holidays +80 hours of flexible PTO

About the Application Process

BDI is conducting an internal search for the CFO position, supported by an executive search firm with expertise in nonprofit recruitment. To apply, please email a thoughtful cover letter detailing your interest in the role, as well as your relevant values and experiences in relation to the position. Include your resume and send your application to BDICFOsearch@bobbydodd.org. DO Not apply via WorkforGood directly.

Bobby Dodd Institute

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