TreePeople - Chief Financial Officer

 

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER 

ABOUT TREEPEOPLE 

Born in 1973 from the hopes and dreams of a teenager, TreePeople is now one of the largest environmental organizations headquartered in Southern California. They have inspired, engaged, and supported more than 3 million people to take action for our environment by planting and caring for trees in forests, mountains, parks, and our neighborhoods. Their unique, engaging, and proven model empowers communities to plant a more resilient future and take personal responsibility for greening their neighborhoods. Through their on-the-ground research and educational programs, TreePeople shares knowledge with policymakers, students and educators, and communities around the world. As the world faces increasing threats from a changing climate, TreePeople helps create actionable solutions. 

 

POSITION OVERVIEW 

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) leads TreePeople’s finance and accounting functions and partners with the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Grants and Contracts Officer (CGCO), leadership team, and board to advance financial stability, sustainability, and responsible growth. The CFO combines strategic financial leadership with practical oversight of accounting, budgeting, forecasting, cash flow, grants and contracts, and financial systems. 

 

TreePeople’s project-based work and complex government grants and reimbursable contracts require a seasoned nonprofit leader who anticipates funding needs, strengthens infrastructure, and connects financial decisions to program impact. The CFO will improve cash flow visibility, project budget reporting, billing and collections, and long-term financial planning. This leader will manage and develop the finance team, address audits, and establish clear processes and accountability while building trust across departments through a collaborative, approachable leadership style grounded in TreePeople’s environmental mission. 

 

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES  

 

Financial Strategy and Organizational Planning 

• Lead short-term and multi-year financial planning aligned with TreePeople’s mission, strategic priorities, and operational needs. 

• Partner with the CEO and leadership team to assess financial risks, reserves, funding gaps, and scenarios; recommend practical options that support financial resilience and sustainable growth. 

• Evaluate the financial impact and full costs of new programs, partnerships, and expansion opportunities, including administrative costs not fully covered by grants or contracts. 

 

Budgeting, Project Finance and Cash Flow 

• Lead annual operating and project budget development with department leaders; establish clear timelines, assumptions, responsibilities, and budget accountability. 

• Establish regular monthly budget-to-actual reviews, reconciliations, and updated forecasts with program leaders. Explain variances in operational context and coach staff on financial planning based on completed work and estimates to completion. 

• Oversee cash flow forecasting and liquidity management, incorporating project obligations, billing schedules, receivables, reimbursement timing, and operating expenses. 

• Obtain timely project information across departments to identify cash needs and funding gaps early; recommend actions and monitor progress. 

• Coordinate with development to align fundraising priorities and restricted funding with program needs and the organization’s broader financial outlook. 

 

Grants, Contracts and Funding Compliance 

• Oversee financial management of a substantial portfolio of government contracts and federal, foundation, and other grants, including restricted and unrestricted funds. 

• Partner with grants and program leaders to strengthen award budgeting, allowable cost allocation, financial reporting, documentation, and compliance with funding requirements. 

• Improve timely and accurate billing and reimbursement submissions; coordinate collections and funder communication to support receivables management and cash flow. 

• Track funding sources and restrictions, monitor contract and grant financial performance, and communicate financial obligations and risks to leadership. 

 

Accounting, Audit and Financial Controls 

• Oversee daily finance operations, accurate general ledger records, timely monthly closes, fixed assets, depreciation, and reliable monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports. 

• Ensure financial operations comply with GAAP and applicable local, state, and federal requirements; stay current on changes affecting the organization. 

• Maintain effective internal controls, documented accounting policies, and standard operating procedures; conduct periodic internal reviews. 

• Coordinate annual audits and timely audited financial statements; present results to the finance committee and board, and lead corrective actions to address findings and prevent recurrence. 

• Oversee preparation and timely filing of IRS Form 990 and other required financial filings. 

 

Financial Systems, Reporting and Data Access