Chief Financial Officer

Career Opportunity

Legal Aid of North Carolina seeks an experienced strategic leader to serve as its next Chief Financial Officer (CFO). The ideal candidate serves as a strategic partner to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and a key member of the executive leadership team, responsible for guiding the organization’s overall financial strategy and performance. This role oversees all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and the development and maintenance of robust financial systems. The CFO ensures full compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and applicable government regulations while upholding the highest standards of accuracy and transparency in financial reporting. Additionally, the CFO leads the organization’s risk management and insurance programs, implementing comprehensive internal controls to safeguard assets, mitigate risk, and support sustainable growth. Through proactive leadership and analytical insight, the CFO plays a critical role in driving sound financial decision‑making and supporting the long‑term health of the organization.

Mission: Legal Aid of North Carolina is a statewide, nonprofit law firm that provides free legal services in civil matters to low-income people in order to ensure access to justice and remove legal barriers to economic opportunity.

Reporting Structure: The CFO reports directly to the CEO and leads a team of eight. The CFO has  four direct reports, including the Director of Grants Accounting, Director of Payroll and Treasury, Director of General Accounting and the Director of Support Services.

Total Staff and Budget: 304 staff members and an annual budget of $34 million.

Working Environment/Location: The CFO is expected to work in LANC’s office, located at 319 Chapanoke Road, Suite 104, Raleigh, NC 27603 with some hybrid flexibility available.

Key Responsibilities of the Chief Financial Officer

Financial Planning, Reporting & Operations

• Ensure timely financial statements for management/board, accurate budgets, and close monitoring of budget vs. actual (especially for restricted grants).
• Drive the firm’s annual budget process (operating expenses, capital expenditures, and grant/program budgets).
• In conjunction with the Director of Payroll & Treasury and Chief Human Resources Office staff, ensure timely payroll processing and necessary payroll changes.
• Review and approve procurements ensuring compliance with LANC policies.
• Assume ownership of the LANC Accounting Manual and ensure adherence to  procedures.

Grant Accounting & Compliance

• Maintain responsibility for grant accounting for 100+ restricted grants. Ensure staff time and all applicable expenses (including overhead and indirect allocations) are properly allocated; manage grants, receivables, and deferred revenue.
• Ensure timely grant financial reporting; create budgets for new grant applications; collaborate with program staff to submit required financial data to funders.
• Maintain close monitoring of budget vs. actual for all restricted grants to ensure funds are expended per grant terms and conditions.

Governance, Audit, Controls & Regulatory

• Develop and implement improved financial systems, policies, and accounting controls; ensure compliance with policies, separation of duties, GAAP, and applicable regulations.
• Serve as the board liaison for finance matters (Finance Committee, Audit Committee, and as required by the Executive Committee).
• Participate in and provide staff support to the Audit and Finance Committees; attend Board meetings.
• With team support, review the annual financial statement audit, Form 990 preparation/filing, and any other statutory financial reporting.
• Ensure the successful completion and timely filing of the annual Form 5500 retirement plan audit.

Compensation, Benefits, Risk & Insurance

• Participate as the finance lead with HR on annual self-insured health benefit plan renewals; evaluate organizational cost impact.
• Work with CEO, COO, and CHRO on compensation changes; set budget for merit increases and discretionary 401(k) contribution accruals.
• Coordinate annual application, cost evaluation, and placement of insurance policies (GL, fiduciary, lawyers’ professional liability, directors & officers, employer practices liability insurance, workers’ comp, property, vehicle, cyber/crime) with CEO, COO, and General Counsel.

Leadership & Team Management

• Manage the Finance, Accounting and Support team. Ensure leaders have work plans, priorities, education, and accountability for controls.
• Monitor required staffing levels according to grant volume/complexity and firmwide revenue.
• Participate in and support the CEO in regular leadership and/or firm-wide meetings, providing relevant information as needed.

The Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business management, or related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• MBA and/or CPA preferred.
• 8+ years of finance experience within a complex nonprofit organization, preferably a government-funded nonprofit. 
• Extensive knowledge of GAAP accounting principles, including nonprofit fund accounting, government accounting, cost allocation, and treasury/cash‑flow management.
• Advanced financial operations expertise, including budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, financial statement preparation, reporting, and account reconciliations.
• Hands‑on operational skills, including accounts payable/receivable management and a commitment to accuracy, detail, and supporting monthly, quarterly, and annual close activities.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, adapt to organizational needs, and support a collaborative, service‑oriented, learning-focused team environment.
• Effective communication and relationship‑building skills, with the ability to write and speak clearly, negotiate consensus, engage diverse stakeholders, and project confidence in public settings.
• Technologically proficient, with strong Microsoft Office skills and extensive experience using various accounting software platforms and financial systems.
• Alignment to the mission, vision, and core values of LANC.

About Legal Aid of North Carolina

Legal Aid of North Carolina (LANC) is a statewide, nonprofit law firm that provides free legal services in civil matters to low-income people to ensure equal access to justice and to remove legal barriers to economic opportunities. Legal Aid is an innovative, creative, progressive, and efficient civil legal service provider to the poor, working towards an inclusive justice system of equal access. All voices are valued, heard, and respected.

Want to know more? Visit https://legalaidnc.org/.

Benefits

Legal Aid of North Carolina provides a well-rounded benefits package that supports employees’ health, financial security, and overall, well‑being. Full‑time staff receive competitive medical, dental, and vision coverage, tax‑advantaged flexible spending options, immediate eligibility for retirement plan contributions, and income protection through short‑ and long‑term disability. Employees also benefit from generous paid time off that grows with tenure; mental health and wellness resources; life insurance and voluntary Aflac programs; professional development support; and flexible or hybrid work arrangements that promote balance and long-term success.

How To Apply

Join Legal Aid of North Carolina and play a critical role in shaping its future while driving impactful change in the community. 

To apply, click on the link for this position at https://jobs.armstrongmcguire.com/. You will see instructions for uploading your compelling cover letter, resume, and salary requirements. Cover letters should be responsive to the mission of LANC as well as the stated responsibilities and qualifications.

Please provide all requested information to be considered. In case of any technical problems, contact talent@armstrongmcguire.com. No phone calls, please, andno applications will be accepted by email or directly from third-party posting sites.

About Armstrong McGuire

Armstrong McGuire is a national executive search, fundraising, and strategic advising firm that believes in unlocking the potential of nonprofit leaders and the communities they serve. Founded in 2004, our diverse team of advisors work with clients and leaders to align strategy, optimize operations, build capacity, and lead nationwide searches that bring supremely talented individuals to high-impact organizations. Learn more about our services in talent acquisition, fundraising counsel, and strategic planning. Armstrong McGuire