Assistant Chief Financial Officer

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.

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.

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.

• 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.

• At least five years of senior financial leadership experience…