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Become a Nonprofit Chief Financial Officer

This page is dedicated to those who would like to become a nonprofit chief financial officer (CFO) (or similar role). Articles and tools have been selected for this area to help you through this transition. Whether you are moving within the nonprofit sector, growing into a senior management role, or transitioning into the nonprofit sector for the first time, you will find helpful resources here. 

CFO Fitness Quiz: Are You Tough Enough for the Caring Sector?
Whether you are considering becoming a nonprofit chief financial officer or are hiring one, the questions in this CFO Fitness Quiz can help inform your decision.

Finding the Right CFO Position
Because of the variety in role definition across CFO positions, finding the right fit can be particularly challenging and important. The key to success in a job search is finding the right fit between your skills, interests, and personality on the one hand, and the characteristics of the potential organization, role, and leadership team on the other.

Frequently Asked Questions: Becoming a CFO
Questions and answers based on in-depth interviews and focus groups with a diverse group of nonprofit CFOs and  nonprofit technical assistance providers and funders, combined with Bridgespan's executive search experience in recruiting and placing nonprofit CFOs.

Is It Necessary for a Nonprofit CFO to be a CPA?
A member of our LinkedIn groups asked if a CPA is necessary for a nonprofit CFO, and if it effects relationships with external audit firms. The community has provided some excellent advice that could be useful to all.

Leveraging Social Media in Your Nonprofit Job Search: Q&A with Beth Kanter, Author of Beth’s Blog
Social media expert Beth Kanter discusses the role that new media tools such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter should play in a nonprofit job search.

Social Networking Resources for Nonprofit Job Seekers
Links to websites, blogs, articles, and other resources to help nonprofit job seekers use social networking in their job search.

CFO Career Paths

Bruce Skyer: Finding a Professional and Personal Fit at Nonprofit Finance Fund
Bruce Skyer knew he wanted to transition from the for-profit sector to a nonprofit organization, but he had no nonprofit work experience. Through extensive networking, he discovered a field that perfectly complemented his skills and experience.

Caroline Horton: Growth Opportunities within a Growing Organization
Caroline Horton began her career as an entry-level finance manager and grew to become a chief financial officer. And she did it all within the same nonprofit organization.

Christy Lueders: From Volunteer Fundraiser to a Decade as Full-time CFO 
Christy Lueders quickly rose through the ranks as a volunteer fundraiser while working as a commercial lender. When the Seattle Y asked if she would be interested in interviewing for the CFO position, she jumped—and over the past 10 years she has played a key role in growing the organization from $27 million to $57 million in revenues.

Janice Bigelow, CPA: Becoming the First CFO at Communities In Schools
Communities In Schools hired Janice Bigelow as its first full-time CFO in January 2005. Prior to accepting the position, she conducted a thorough assessment of whether the organization was ready to hire a CFO, and whether she was the right fit for the position.