CFO - VT ISP Operating Co. (VISPO) - Based in So. Royalton, VT

Client: Vermont ISP Operating Company (VISPO)

Position: Chief Financial Officer

Location: South Royalton, Vermont (Onsite)

Reports To: Board of Directors, accountable to the C-Suite members

Employment Status: Full-Time, Exempt

Work Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (flexible schedule may be considered)

Salary: $130,000 - $145,000 per year, depending on experience

About VISPO
What started as a volunteer effort 20+ years ago to fill the broadband gap in rural Vermont has evolved into something special.  VISPO is a form of non-profit dedicated to providing essential government services for East Central Vermont Telecommunications District (d/b/a ECFiber). East Central Vermont Telecommunications District (the District) is a Communications Union District, similar to a school district or water district, in which multiple towns work together to create shared broadband infrastructure. The District owns the ECFiber fiber optic network, which provides wicked-fast high-speed, world-class internet to over 10,000 customers in 31 towns throughout East Central Vermont. VISPO builds, operates and maintains the ECFiber network on behalf of the District.  For information about ECFiber - East Central Vermont Telecommunications District see:https://ecvtd.gov. 

VISPO consists of a team of talented people who care deeply about Vermonters.  The non-profit has the feel of a start-up organization where the team pitches in to help wherever needed.  If you are looking for a team-centered culture where your work will make a difference in the community, please consider joining us.

Position Overview
VISPO is seeking a collaborative, hands-on Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to serve as both a strategic leader and active contributor within our growing organization. 

This is not a traditional corporate CFO role. As a community-driven organization supporting fiber-optic broadband internet services in a 31-town Communications Union District (CUD), we are looking for an accountant-type player-coach who enjoys building alongside the team, solving problems in real time, and helping create the systems, processes, and financial foundation needed for long-term success as well as rolling up their sleeves and getting their hands dirty. 

The CFO will work closely with other C-suite members, the Board, and staff to ensure financial sustainability, support operational decision-making, and strengthen the organization's ability to serve the communities that depend on our network. The ideal candidate is equally comfortable presenting financial strategy to the Board as they are paying bills, making bank deposits, recording transactions,  reviewing budgets, supporting audits, improving processes, or helping staff understand various tasks including debits and credits as well as the financial impacts on day-to-day operations. This is more like a small startup where everyone wears multiple hats, not a large company where the CFO massages numbers generated by staff.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Hands-On Financial and Accounting  Management

• Maintain active involvement in budgeting, forecasting, accounting oversight (including active participation in the day-to-day operations), and financial reporting.
• Work directly with accounting partners, vendors, and internal staff to ensure accurate and timely financial operations, including taking an active role in the performing of basic tasks and regulatory filings and grant reporting.
• Monitor cash flow, reserves, capital spending, debt obligations, and funding opportunities.
• Review and improve financial processes, controls, and procedures while keeping systems practical and scalable.
• Support and perform month-end, year-end, audit, and compliance activities.

Strategic Financial Leadership

• Serve as a trusted advisor and thought partner to other C-suite members and the Board.
• Help shape organizational strategy through financial planning, forecasting, and business analysis.
• Develop practical financial models that support network growth, infrastructure investment, and organizational sustainability.
• Develop, prepare and present financial reports, forecasts, and recommendations to other C-suite members and the Board.
• Translate financial data into meaningful insights that support informed decision-making.

Broadband & Infrastructure Financial Planning

• Partner closely with operations and engineering teams to align financial planning with network build out and infrastructure priorities.
• Support financial oversight and reporting of fiber construction projects, capital investments, and grant-funded initiatives, including preparing and assembling grant reporting packages.
• Monitor key operational and financial metrics, including subscriber growth, revenue trends, and service delivery costs.
• Help other leadership evaluate opportunities and risks related to growth and long-term network sustainability.

Team Leadership & Organizational Partnership

• Lead by example through a player-coach leadership style that emphasizes collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Mentor and support finance, accounting, and administrative staff while remaining actively engaged in the work.
• Partner with Human Resources and other leadership on compensation planning, benefits strategy, workforce forecasting, and organizational growth.
• Foster financial transparency and help build financial literacy across the organization.  

Compliance, Governance & Stewardship

• Ensure compliance with applicable financial, tax, regulatory, and grant requirements.
• Prepare and coordinate audits, tax filings, and reporting obligations.
• Identify and mitigate financial risks while maintaining appropriate internal controls.
• Support organizational governance through strong Board communication and reporting.

Systems & Continuous Improvement

• Evaluate and improve financial systems and controls, reporting tools, and workflows.
• Build scalable processes that support future growth while maintaining flexibility and efficiency.
• Champion data-driven decision-making throughout the organization.

Education and Experience

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Business, with a concentration/minor in Accounting
• 10+ years of progressive financial leadership experience
• Experience in telecommunications, broadband, utilities, infrastructure, technology, or similarly complex operational environments.
• Demonstrated success in startup, scale-up, nonprofit, cooperative, or mission-driven organizations.
• Strong accounting, financial planning, forecasting, budgeting, and analytical skills.
• Experience building systems, processes, and teams in growing organizations.
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on detail execution.

Preferred

• BS - Accounting
• CPA or equivalent advanced credential.
• Experience working with Boards of Directors.
• Experience with rural broadband, fiber internet, cooperative, municipal, or community-based service models.
• Experience with grants and related reporting, public funding, infrastructure financing, or capital-intensive operations.

Benefits
VISPO offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support the health, financial wellbeing, and work-life balance of our employees:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance, with shared employer and employee contributions
• Employer contribution to a Health Savings Account (HSA) when electing an eligible medical plan
• Term Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP), providing on-demand counseling and wellness programming for employees and household members
• 401(k) retirement plan enrollment upon eligibility, with 3% employer contribution
• Paid Time Off (PTO) including vacation, holidays, personal floating holidays, and sick time
• Ancillary and voluntary benefits available for optional employee purchase 

VISPO reserves the right to modify benefits offerings in accordance with applicable law and business needs.

Disclaimer: What is listed above is representative of the position's responsibilities but is not meant to be an exhaustive list. Responsibilities may change during employment at the company's discretion. BST Gallagher Flynn LLP and our client do not discriminate in employment based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factors. 

BST Gallagher Flynn LLP has been retained to conduct this search. Interested candidates may apply by sending a resume and cover letter. While we appreciate all interest in this exciting opportunity, only candidates most closely aligned with our search will be contacted.