Finance Director

Position Summary:

The Finance Director provides financial oversight and safeguards council resources so GSWISE can sustainably deliver high-quality, girl-focused programming and services. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), the Finance Director applies Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) to maintain compliance, strengthen internal controls, and deliver timely, accurate financial reporting to support sound decision-making. This role is a key partner to council leadership providing financial reports and working with budget managers to address questions, variances, and financial concerns.

What You’ll Do:

Major Accountabilities:

• Assures integrity of council financial records in accordance with GAAP & financial regulations and assures financial systems and procedures comply with the council’s policies and practices.
• Prepares financial statements for management, funders, and other external sources. 
• Assists CFO with financial analysis, budgets, forecasts and cash flow.
• Supervises accounting staff in day-to-day operations including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, fixed assets, general ledger, registration activities and troop finances.

 Key Responsibilities:

• Recommends, implements, and documents internal financial controls and policies to ensure the council’s assets are protected and effectively utilized.
• Assists the CFO with board reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and audit/tax compliance activities, including:
• financial analysis for board financial statements
• preparation and integration of the annual operating and capital budgets
• annual independent financial audit, Form 990 preparation, 403(b) audit, and Form 5500 reporting. 
• Serves as main point of contact with lead auditor and prepares schedules for year-end financials.
• Prepares and communicates internal and external financial reports; works with department leaders to interpret results and support planning.
• Partners with budget managers to regularly discuss financial results, variances and resolve accounting or budget concerns.
• Provides coaching, development and performance management to accounting staff members to ensure accuracy of all financial transactions and policies.
• Provides backup coverage for payroll and essential accounting functions for Finance team members.
• Serves as primary liaison with the council’s financial institution’s treasury management services with overall responsibility for ACH transactions and analysis fees.
• Prepares information for and coordinates insurance audits. 
• Creates cash flow forecasts and analysis to optimize use of short-term investments.
• Monitors changes in accounting standards and regulations to ensure ongoing compliance with federal, state and local regulations.
• Oversees general ledger activities, including review of reconciliations and journal entries, to ensure accuracy and timeliness and aid as needed. 
• Maintains the council’s chart of accounts in accordance with GAAP and GSUSA’s guidelines.
• Develops budgets for major grant proposals and completes required financial reporting for funders (e.g. United Way).
• Assists with additional projects or tasks, including with other departments on occasion. This may include, but is not limited to, areas such as programming, cookie distribution, and other related activities

Who You Are & Keys to Success:

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive work experience in financial management, preferably in the not-for-profit industry, and/or bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field required. Certified Public Accountant with membership in American Institute of Certified Public Accountants or Wisconsin Institute of Certified Public Accounts professional organization preferred.
• At least 3 years of management experience including supervising employees of diverse backgrounds. Proven ability to build a culture of inclusivity and collaboration.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite including Excel, accounting software, payroll providers, and customer relationship management tools. Knowledge of MIP/Abila, Salesforce and Paylocity is a plus.
• Communicate complex financial information clearly, both verbally and in writing, through reports, dashboards, and presentations for leadership, budget owners, and other stakeholders.
• Establish goals, prioritizes work, and determines daily activities for the achievement of council, departmental and professional goals.
• Proactive problem-solver who works independently, takes initiative, and adapts easily to change.
• Display integrity and ethical behavior while maintaining confidentiality in all aspects of the role to ensure compliance with privacy standards.
• Detail-oriented and well-organized, with the ability to manage competing deadlines while maintaining a high level of accuracy and follow-through
• Willingness to subscribe to the philosophy of the Girl Scout program and joining as a Girl Scout member which includes paying a membership fee, either annually or as a life-time member.
• Occasional travel within the region is required. A valid driver’s license and use of your own vehicle are preferred. If so, you must comply with the council’s automobile insurance policy limits and have a driving record that meets the requirements of the council’s business auto insurance carrier. If you are unable to drive, a transportation plan must be submitted and approved prior to an official offer being made.
• Employees must frequently sit and occasionally stand for extended periods of time and operate office equipment manually. The employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Full-Time Job Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision insurance
• Paid Parental Leave
• Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan with eligibility employer contributions
• Employee Assistance Program
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Floating Holidays
• Holidays observed with pay: Martin Luther King Jr's Birthday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day (and the Friday after), and from December 21, 2026 through January 1, 2027.
• Mileage reimbursement
• Plus more!