Interim Chief Financial Officer

Description We are looking for an accomplished Interim Chief Financial Officer to provide steady executive leadership for a mission-driven organization in Boston, Massachusetts. This Long-term Contract position is ideal for a senior finance executive who can step in quickly, strengthen operations, and serve as a trusted advisor to leadership and the board. The role requires a highly visible, hands-on leader who can guide financial strategy while supporting broader institutional functions and improving organizational effectiveness.

Responsibilities:

• Provide immediate executive oversight of the finance function, establishing stability, direction, and strong decision support during a period of transition.

• Partner closely with senior leadership, board members, and trustees by delivering clear financial insights, recommendations, and presentations that support strategic planning and accountability.

• Lead and mentor the existing team, offering hands-on guidance, reinforcing priorities, and helping staff succeed while managing an expanded scope of responsibilities.

• Evaluate financial and operational processes across the institution, identify opportunities for improvement, and implement practical best practices that enhance performance.

• Oversee core fiscal activities such as cash flow management, capital planning, month-end close, and accurate financial reporting.

• Collaborate across departments including technology, administration, security, and student-facing areas to align financial leadership with broader organizational needs.

• Support operational modernization efforts and other organizational improvement initiatives by helping teams navigate change with structure and clarity.

• Ensure effective board reporting through well-prepared analyses, executive summaries, and timely updates on financial performance and institutional priorities. Requirements • 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in finance, operations, or executive management, including service in a CFO or equivalent senior leadership capacity.

• Demonstrated ability to enter complex organizations quickly, assess needs, and deliver effective leadership with minimal onboarding.

• Strong background in financial reporting, board reporting, board presentations, cash flow analysis, capital management, and month-end close oversight.

• Experience leading in higher education, nonprofit, or other mission-focused environments is strongly preferred.

• Knowledge of nonprofit accounting and fund accounting principles, ideally within educational institutions or similarly structured organizations.

• Proven success working directly with CEOs, trustees, or governing boards on strategy, performance, and institutional accountability.

• Comfortable serving as an onsite leader in Boston, Massachusetts, with a visible presence across the organization.

Robert Half is the world’s first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects highly qualified job seekers to opportunities at great companies. We offer contract, temporary and permanent placement solutions for finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support roles.

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All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Benefits are available to contract/temporary professionals, including medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan. Visit roberthalf.gobenefits.net for more information.

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