TreePeople - Chief Financial Officer

The posting, as Envision Consulting wrote it

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

ABOUT TREEPEOPLE

Born in 1973 from the hopes and dreams of a teenager, TreePeople is now one of the largest environmental organizations headquartered in Southern California. They have inspired, engaged, and supported more than 3 million people to take action for our environment by planting and caring for trees in forests, mountains, parks, and our neighborhoods. Their unique, engaging, and proven model empowers communities to plant a more resilient future and take personal responsibility for greening their neighborhoods. Through their on-the-ground research and educational programs, TreePeople shares knowledge with policymakers, students and educators, and communities around the world. As the world faces increasing threats from a changing climate, TreePeople helps create actionable solutions.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) leads TreePeople’s finance and accounting functions and partners with the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Grants and Contracts Officer (CGCO), leadership team, and board to advance financial stability, sustainability, and responsible growth. The CFO combines strategic financial leadership with practical oversight of accounting, budgeting, forecasting, cash flow, grants and contracts, and financial systems.

TreePeople’s project-based work and complex government grants and reimbursable contracts require a seasoned nonprofit leader who anticipates funding needs, strengthens infrastructure, and connects financial decisions to program impact. The CFO will improve cash flow visibility, project budget reporting, billing and collections, and long-term financial planning. This leader will manage and develop the finance team, address audits, and establish clear processes and accountability while building trust across departments through a collaborative, approachable leadership style grounded in TreePeople’s environmental mission.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Strategy and Organizational Planning

• Lead short-term and multi-year financial planning aligned with TreePeople’s mission, strategic priorities, and operational needs.
• Partner with the CEO and leadership team to assess financial risks, reserves, funding gaps, and scenarios; recommend practical options that support financial resilience and sustainable growth.
• Evaluate the financial impact and full costs of new programs, partnerships, and expansion opportunities, including administrative costs not fully covered by grants or contracts.

Budgeting, Project Finance and Cash Flow

• Lead annual operating and project budget development with department leaders; establish clear timelines, assumptions, responsibilities, and budget accountability.
• Establish regular monthly budget-to-actual reviews, reconciliations, and updated forecasts with program leaders. Explain variances in operational context and coach staff on financial planning based on completed work and estimates to completion.
• Oversee cash flow forecasting

[…]
n calm and exercise sound judgment under pressure.

• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills, including the ability to explain complex financial information clearly to staff, executives, and board members.
• A strong commitment to TreePeople’s environmental mission and a willingness to understand its programs and field-based work.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

The CFO salary range is $180,000 - $200,000. TreePeople offers medical coverage with fully paid employee premiums for select plans; optional dental, vision, and supplemental insurance; employer-paid life insurance and employee assistance; flexible spending accounts; and a retirement plan. Paid time off includes two to four weeks of vacation based on tenure, 96 hours of annual sick leave for full-time employees, 12 holidays, a floating holiday, and winter closure from December 26–31.

Tree People is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to fostering diversity and inclusion. TreePeople promotes equal opportunity for all employees and applicants. In doing so, we comply with local, state, and federal laws and regulations to ensure an equal employment opportunity for everyone. We don’t discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, ancestry, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, citizenship, military service obligation, veteran status or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws. Our policies and personnel practices are intended to ensure that all of us are treated equally with regard to recruiting, hiring, and advancement, and our decisions on employment are made to further the principle of equal employment opportunities for employees.

Envision Consulting was retained by TreePeople to search for its Chief Financial Officer.

Applicants needing accommodation for any part of the application process may contact Envision Consulting at 626.714.7577 to request and arrange for assistance.