Chief Financial Officer

Scion Executive Search has been retained to conduct an immediate search for the Chief Financial Officer of Consumer Reports, the trusted authority that has championed consumers' interests for nearly 90 years through evidence-based product testing and ratings, rigorous research, investigative journalism, public education, and policy advocacy. This is a full-time, hybrid position based at either the New York City or Yonkers, NY office.

ABOUT CONSUMER REPORTS:
Consumer Reports (CR) is an independent, nonprofit member organization dedicated to creating a fair, safe, and just marketplace for all. For nearly a century, CR has empowered consumers with trustworthy information, challenged corporations to act responsibly, and influenced policymakers to protect the rights and interests of the public.

Founded in 1936 during a time of unchecked advertising and limited consumer protections, CR became a pioneering voice for truth, transparency, and fairness. Today, it continues to serve as a powerful advocate and trusted resource, equipping millions with the knowledge they need to make informed choices while shaping systems that ensure accountability across industries.

Guided by its mission and values, Consumer Reports remains a catalyst for change, driving impact at the intersection of consumer empowerment, responsible business practices, and public policy. This is a unique opportunity to join an organization whose work has not only transformed markets but also advanced fairness and trust for generations.

POSITION OVERVIEW:
Consumer Reports seeks a dynamic, strategic, and experienced financial leader to join its team as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). The CFO is responsible for the overall financial strategy and health of the organization, providing strategic direction, driving financial growth, managing fiscal operations, and supporting organizational growth through data-driven decision-making. This highly visible role is critical in shaping long-term strategy and ensuring compliance with regulatory and fiscal requirements, while aligning all financial decisions with CR's mission of empowering consumers.

CR operates in an online-driven environment, where technological changes, particularly AI, create both challenges and opportunities. Performance metrics such as online behavior, acquisition costs, lifetime value analyses, and retention rates are critical and continually evolving. Success in this role will require close collaboration with CR's marketing professionals and data scientists to analyze and report on the financial impact of these dynamics, while identifying opportunities for innovation and growth.

In addition to overseeing the integrity of CR's financial accounting and operations, the CFO will lead long-term financial planning, strategic forecasting, and performance optimization. This pivotal role calls for a forward-looking, visionary leader who thrives in a mission-driven environment and can translate complex financial insights into strategies that drive sustainability, fuel innovation, and amplify Consumer Reports' impact in shaping a fair and just marketplace.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serve as a strategic partner to the CEO, COO, and executive leadership team, leading the development of financial strategies and frameworks to support the organization's mission and long-term growth
• Direct financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and analysis, monitoring key metrics and performance indicators while conducting scenario planning, risk analysis, and business modeling to inform strategic decisions
• Evaluate and structure potential transactions, developing financial models to assess strategic fit, ROI, and alignment with organizational goals
• Lead financial due diligence and negotiate with bankers and partners on acquisitions, affiliations, or mergers
• Develop and implement post-transaction integration plans, aligning financial systems and tracking synergies
• Provide strategic oversight of accounting operations, including AP/AR, general ledger, payroll, grant management, and audits, partnering with the Controller to ensure GAAP compliance and robust internal controls
• Oversee specialized financial programs, including endowments and the charitable gift annuity program
• Liaise with the Board of Directors (Audit and Finance Committees), auditors, and regulatory partners
• Develop and execute investment strategies that optimize capital allocation and balance risk with return
• Manage cash flow, liquidity, financing strategies, and banking relationships to ensure operational stability and strategic flexibility
• Provide governance and oversight of the Enterprise Risk Management Program (ERM), business continuity planning, and insurance programs
• Oversee the internal audit function and collaborate cross-functionally to align financial and operational goals
• Lead, mentor, and develop the Accounting & Finance team, fostering a high-performance culture focused on continuous improvement and professional development
• Drive process optimization and automation…