Chief Financial Officer - Legal Aid of North Carolina

Career Opportunity

Legal Aid of North Carolina seeks an experienced strategic leader to serve as its next Chief Financial Officer (CFO). The ideal candidate serves as a strategic partner to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and a key member of the executive leadership team, responsible for guiding the organization’s overall financial strategy and performance. This role oversees all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and the development and maintenance of robust financial systems.

The CFO ensures full compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and applicable government regulations while upholding the highest standards of accuracy and transparency in financial reporting. Additionally, the CFO leads the organization’s risk management and insurance programs, implementing comprehensive internal controls to safeguard assets, mitigate risk, and support sustainable growth. Through proactive leadership and analytical insight, the CFO plays a critical role in driving sound financial decision‑making and supporting the long‑term health of the organization.

Legal Aid of North Carolina is a statewide, nonprofit law firm that provides free legal services in civil matters to low-income people in order to ensure access to justice and remove legal barriers to economic opportunity.

The CFO reports directly to the CEO and leads a team of eight. The CFO has four direct reports, including the Director of Grants Accounting, Director of Payroll and Treasury, Director of General Accounting and the Director of Support Services.

304 staff members and an annual budget of $34 million.

The CFO is expected to work in LANC’s office, located at 319 Chapanoke Road, Suite 104, Raleigh, NC 27603 with some hybrid flexibility available.

Financial Planning, Reporting & Operations Ensure timely financial statements for management/board, accurate budgets, and close monitoring of budget vs. actual (especially for restricted grants). Drive the firm’s annual budget process (operating expenses, capital expenditures, and grant/program budgets). In conjunction with the Director of Payroll & Treasury and Chief Human Resources Office staff, ensure timely payroll processing and necessary payroll changes. Review and approve procurements ensuring compliance with LANC policies.

Assume ownership of the LANC Accounting Manual and ensure adherence to procedures. Grant Accounting & Compliance Maintain responsibility for grant accounting for 100+ restricted grants. Ensure staff time and all applicable expenses (including overhead and indirect allocations) are properly allocated; manage grants, receivables, and deferred revenue. Ensure timely grant financial reporting; create budgets for new grant applications; collaborate with program staff to submit required financial data to funders.

Maintain close monitoring of budget vs. actual for all restricted grants to ensure funds are expended per grant terms and conditions. Governance, Audit, Controls & Regulatory Develop and implement improved financial systems, policies, and accounting controls; ensure compliance with policies, separation of duties, GAAP, and applicable regulations. Serve as the board liaison for finance matters (Finance Committee, Audit Committee, and as required by the Executive Committee).

Participate in and provide staff support to the Audit and Finance Committees; attend Board meetings. With team support, review the annual financial statement audit, Form 990 preparation/filing, and any other statutory financial reporting. Ensure the successful completion and timely filing of the annual Form 5500 retirement plan audit. Compensation, Benefits, Risk & Insurance Participate as the finance lead with HR on annual self‑insured health benefit plan renewals;

evaluate organizational cost impact. Work with CEO, COO, and CHRO on compensation changes; set budget for merit increases and discretionary 401(k) contribution accruals. Coordinate annual application, cost evaluation, and placement of insurance policies…