Assistant Chief Financial Officer

Assistant Chief Financial Officer

Location New York, NY 10004 Date Posted July 16, 2026 Job ID 15031 Employment Type Retained

Scion Executive Search is proud to partner with the United Federation of Teachers to identify its next Assistant Chief Financial Officer. This executive leadership opportunity is designed for an accomplished, mission-driven financial professional ready to strengthen the core finance operations of a complex, multi-entity organization representing nearly 200,000 members across New York City's public schools and related institutions. Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer, the Assistant CFO will initially focus on accounting operations, financial reporting, grants, budgeting, audit readiness, compliance, and the management of related legal entities. As the individual builds knowledge of the organization and demonstrates success, the role offers meaningful potential to assume broader financial and organizational responsibilities. This is a full-time, hybrid opportunity based in New York City, NY.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Assistant Chief Financial Officer will work closely with the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer to strengthen UFT's financial operations and develop into broader executive responsibility over time. The initial mandate is to master and lead the organization's core financial functions, including general accounting, accounts payable and receivable, budgeting, forecasting, audit preparation, grant financial management, compliance, and consolidated reporting. The role will provide leadership and support to an Accounting Department of more than 25 professionals and support the management of an annual budget of approximately $100 million. Given UFT's diverse structure, including multiple legal entities such as 501(c)(3), 501(c)(5), and LLC organizations, experience with nonprofit, labor, and multi-entity financial reporting will be essential. Broader responsibilities may be added gradually as the individual learns the organization, builds strong working relationships, demonstrates sound judgment, and shows readiness for continued growth.

ABOUT THE UNITED FEDERATION OF TEACHERS:

The United Federation of Teachers (UFT) is one of the nation's largest and most influential local labor unions, representing nearly 200,000 members across New York City's public schools and related institutions. Its membership is diverse, encompassing teachers, paraprofessionals, nurses, school counselors, and a significant body of retired educators. As the official bargaining agent for most non-supervisory education professionals in the city, UFT plays a vital role in advocating for the rights and working conditions of its members, shaping education policy, and supporting the professional and personal well-being of New York's public educators through robust collective action and community engagement.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for core financial activities, including multi-year financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, general accounting, cash management, and audit preparation.
• Oversee complex budgets, a significant portfolio of grant programs, accounts payable and receivable, consolidated reporting, and the financial management of multiple related legal entities and sets of books.
• Ensure accurate and timely nonprofit, labor, government, grant, tax, and compliance reporting while maintaining strong internal controls, clean audits, and reliable financial information.
• Partner closely with the Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Controller, Assistant Controller, and finance staff to learn the organization, strengthen internal processes, and support thoughtful leadership and succession transitions.
• Lead, coach, and develop a diverse finance team, with a focus on talent development, collaboration, accountability, and respect for institutional knowledge.
• Communicate financial information clearly to financial and non-financial audiences and serve as a practical, trusted advisor to executive leadership.
• Identify financial risks and opportunities and strengthen reporting, controls, and financial systems, including Infor and Salesforce, as the role expands over time.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• At least five years of senior financial leadership experience within a complex organization, preferably in a nonprofit, union, public-sector, education, or similarly mission-driven environment.
• Strong accounting and financial management expertise is required. Experience with grants, nonprofit reporting, or government-funded programs is highly preferred.
• Demonstrated success overseeing large, multifaceted budgets, grant financial management, consolidated reporting, and organizations with multiple legal entities or sets of books.
• Knowledge of nonprofit, employee benefit plan, or labor-related reporting, including Form 990, Form 5500, LM-2, or comparable regulatory filings, is highly desirable.
• Track record of developing teams, working through leadership transitions, and building credibility with experienced finance professionals and executive stakeholders.
• Strong analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills, with the ability to present financial information clearly and serve as a strategic partner to executive leaders.
• Ability to navigate a complex organizational culture, set and shift priorities, and manage strong personalities with professionalism, pragmatism, humility, and sound judgment.
• Unquestioned integrity and a consistent record of transparency, accuracy, fairness, and responsible decision-making.
• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field is required. An advanced degree or relevant professional certification, such as a CPA, is strongly preferred.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

The position offers a competitive base salary of $170,000 to $200,000, depending on experience, along with an exceptionally strong benefits package. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage at no cost to the employee, a pension, generous paid time off and holidays, summer Fridays, hybrid flexibility, and a work environment that supports meaningful public service and work-life balance.

APPLICATIONS AND NOMINATIONS:

The United Federation of Teachers has retained the services of Scion Executive Search, a national executive search firm specializing in mission-driven organization recruitment, to assist in conducting this important search. For immediate consideration, please apply with your resume and cover letter, formatted in Microsoft Word, via: https://scionexecutivesearch.com/job/15031/

Please address applications to:

Chelsea Zimmer

Senior Executive Search Principal

Scion Executive Search

Review of applications, nominations, and expressions of interest will begin immediately and continue on a confidential basis until an appointment is made.

ABOUT OUR FIRM:

Scion Executive Search is an award-winning retained executive search firm. Our track record and recruitment process have made us one of the top recruitment firms in the United States. Through innovative team building and recruitment solutions, Scion Executive Search seamlessly bridges the gap in interim and executive searches. Our track record and recruitment process have made us one of the top recruitment firms in the nation.

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