2025-217 Interim Vice President of Finance (Washington)

POSITION TITLE: Interim Vice President of Finance

DEPARTMENT/PROGRAM: Finance and Accounting

REPORTS TO: Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

STATUS: Remote/Part-time

LOCATION: Washington, D.C.

DURATION: Temporary, not to exceed one year

ABOUT OCEAN CONSERVANCY

Ocean Conservancy works to protect the ocean from today’s greatest global challenges. Together with our partners, we create evidence-based solutions for a healthy ocean and the wildlife and communities that depend on it.

POSITION SUMMARY

Ocean Conservancy is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Interim Vice President of Finance to provide executive-level financial leadership during the implementation of a new accounting system. This temporary role is designed to ensure the seamless continuation of daily financial operations while the CFO focuses on strategic priorities.

The ideal candidate is a dynamic and seasoned financial leader with a passion for nonprofit work and a commitment to excellence. They are highly analytical, detail-oriented, and capable of making strategic decisions under pressure. With a proven ability to lead and inspire teams, the candidate should possess exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate complex financial concepts to diverse stakeholders. This individual thrives in a collaborative environment, brings a proactive approach to problem-solving, and is dedicated to supporting the mission of Ocean Conservancy.

This temporary role, not to exceed one year, provides a unique opportunity to contribute to Ocean Conservancy’s mission while ensuring financial stability and operational success during a period of significant transition.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership and Supervision:

• Lead and supervise Finance department staff, providing mentorship, training, and professional development opportunities.
• Leverage team strengths and clarify individual, departmental, and organizational roles to achieve optimal performance.
• Foster a collaborative and results-oriented work environment.

Financial Systems and Processes:

• Collaborate with the CFO to design and implement efficient accounting, internal control, and financial management systems.
• Partner with the CFO to oversee the implementation of a new accounting system, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with organizational needs.
• Maintain financial infrastructure, including processes for budgeting, forecasting, monitoring, and reporting.

Audit and Compliance:

• Ensure compliance with GAAP, tax regulations, and the Code of Federal Regulations for federally funded programs.
• Oversee audit preparation, including the drafting of GAAP-compliant financial statements and Form 990 filings.
• Maintain robust internal control structures to safeguard organizational assets and ensure accountability.

Financial Performance and Reporting:

• Monitor and evaluate financial performance, identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Prepare periodic financial performance reports for the Executive Leadership Team and the Board of Directors.
• Lead the monthly re-projection process.

Strategic Support:

• Serve as a key resource for addressing complex financial inquiries and decisions.
• Work with cross-functional teams to identify challenges, gather information, and implement solutions.
• Provide strategic insights to support long-term financial planning and decision-making.

Other Duties:

• Perform additional duties and projects as assigned to support organizational objectives.

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS

• CPA certification required.

EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 5 years of experience leading financial operations in a 501(c)(3) organization.
• At least 3 years of public accounting experience.
• Proven track record of managing:
• Accounts payable, multi-state payroll, and general ledger maintenance.
• Restricted award life cycles from proposal to close-out.
• Audit preparation and compliance with federal and state regulations.
• Experience with Sylogist Mission or Microsoft Business Central preferred.

SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES

• Superior knowledge of nonprofit financial management, including tax laws and reporting requirements.
• Impeccable verbal and written communication skills.
• Exceptional organizational and time-management abilities.
• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop professional and support staff.
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, with the ability to navigate complex financial issues.
• High level of discretion and professionalism in handling sensitive and confidential matters.

COMPENSATION

Ocean Conservancy is committed to fair and equitable compensation as a foundation for fostering a diverse, inclusive, and thriving workplace where every employee feels valued and empowered. It has established pay structures informed by market data and ensures accountability through ongoing monitoring and reporting of its progress toward achieving more equitable pay practices.

The minimum hourly rate for this position is $90 per hour. Final compensation offers will be determined at the end of the recruitment process based on factors such as the candidate’s location, qualifications, background, experience, and internal pay equity considerations. To ensure alignment, candidates are encouraged to share their salary expectations early. This allows for meaningful discussions about compensation and helps ensure alignment and equity before a final offer.

HYBRID WORK ENVIRONMENT

Ocean Conservancy embraces a hybrid work environment, which allows our staff the flexibility to work virtually and in-person while building strong connections across the institution.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Ocean Conservancy provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

We encourage applicants who have a diverse level and range of relevant skills and experiences to apply. A 100% match is not required. We want to support employees’ career growth and in return, our employees help Ocean Conservancy grow into a stronger, more inclusive institution.