About JARI
Johnstown Area Regional Industries (JARI) is a nonprofit economic development organization dedicated to strengthening the regional economy by supporting entrepreneurs, businesses, workforce development, community revitalization, and strategic investment throughout Cambria County, Somerset County, and beyond.
Together with its affiliated organizations, the Johnstown Industrial Development Corporation (JIDC) and JARI Growth Fund (JGF), JARI helps businesses access capital, create jobs, revitalize communities, and build a stronger future for the region.
Our work is driven by a simple belief: when businesses succeed, communities thrive. We are seeking a collaborative and forward-thinking Chief Financial Officer who shares that vision and is passionate about using sound financial leadership to support meaningful economic impact.
Position Summary
The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) serves as a key member of JARI's executive leadership team and is responsible for the strategic financial leadership and operational oversight of JARI, the Johnstown Industrial Development Corporation (JIDC), and the JARI Growth Fund (JGF).
Reporting directly to the President & CEO, the CFO provides financial stewardship that supports the organization's mission while ensuring long-term sustainability, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence. This position oversees accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, grants management, investments, internal controls, risk management, and administrative operations.
The successful candidate is both a strategic thinker and a hands-on leader who enjoys building strong teams, improving systems, and providing financial insight that helps guide organizational decisions. They understand the unique responsibilities of nonprofit financial management and appreciate the critical role economic development organizations play in strengthening communities.
Essential Responsibilities
Strategic Financial Leadership
- Serve as a trusted advisor to the President & CEO and leadership team on financial strategy, organizational planning, and long-term sustainability.
- Develop financial strategies that support JARI's mission, growth, and operational goals.
- Lead the annual budgeting process, financial forecasting, and long-range financial planning.
- Present financial reports, analyses, and recommendations to executive leadership and governing boards.
- Monitor organizational performance and provide actionable financial insights to support informed decision-making.
Financial Management & Reporting
- Oversee all accounting and financial operations for JARI, JIDC, and JGF.
- Ensure accurate and timely preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
- Maintain strong internal controls and accounting procedures that safeguard organizational assets.
- Manage cash flow, investments, banking relationships, and financial reserves.
- Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll review, reconciliations, fixed assets, and general ledger management.
- Coordinate annual independent audits and implement audit recommendations.
- Prepare or oversee required tax filings and financial reporting requirements.
Grants, Contracts & Compliance
- Lead the financial administration of federal, state, local, and private grants.
- Ensure compliance with grant regulations, contract requirements, Uniform Guidance, and applicable funding agency requirements.
- Collaborate with program directors during grant development to establish accurate budgets and sustainable financial plans.
- Monitor grant expenditures, reimbursement requests, reporting requirements, and grant closeout activities.
- Provide financial guidance to program staff to ensure responsible stewardship of grant funding.
Organizational Operations
- Oversee financial policies, procedures, and internal systems that promote efficiency, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Monitor insurance coverage, organizational risk management, and regulatory compliance.
- Review financial aspects of contracts, leases, lending agreements, and other legal documents.
- Oversee investment management and organizational cash reserves in accordance with Board-approved policies.
- Support technology improvements that enhance financial reporting, operational effectiveness, and organizational efficiency.
Leadership & Team Development
- Lead, mentor, and develop the Business Operations & Finance team, including the Director of Finance, Staff Accountant, and Administrative Professional.
- Foster a collaborative, service-oriented culture focused on accountability, professional growth, and continuous improvement.
- Establish clear goals, provide ongoing coaching, and conduct regular performance evaluations.
- Partner with leadership across the organization to strengthen financial literacy and support sound business decisions.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required.
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA), MBA, or other advanced financial credential is preferred.
- Minimum of five years of progressive financial leadership experience, preferably within a nonprofit organization, governmental agency, or economic development organization.
- Experience managing complex organizational budgets, financial reporting, grant administration, and regulatory compliance.
- Supervisory and leadership experience with demonstrated success developing high-performing teams.
- Valid driver's license and ability to travel as needed.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Strong knowledge of nonprofit accounting principles, GAAP, financial reporting standards, and internal controls.
- Experience with federal and state grant administration, compliance, and financial reporting.
- Excellent analytical, strategic planning, and financial modeling skills.
- Ability to communicate complex financial information clearly to both financial and non-financial audiences.
- Exceptional organizational, project management, and problem-solving abilities.
- High level of integrity, professionalism, and sound judgment.
- Collaborative leadership style with outstanding interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
- Commitment to continuous improvement and organizational excellence.
- Proficiency with accounting software, Microsoft Office Suite, and financial management systems.
Why Join JARI?
This is more than a finance leadership role. It is an opportunity to help shape the future of our region.
As Chief Financial Officer, you will help steward the financial resources that enable entrepreneurs to launch businesses, communities to revitalize downtowns, manufacturers to expand, and workforce initiatives to prepare the next generation for success. Your leadership will directly support projects that create jobs, attract investment, and strengthen the economic future of our communities.
At JARI, you'll work alongside a passionate team committed to making a lasting difference throughout Cambria County, Somerset County, and the surrounding region.
If you are a collaborative leader who believes financial excellence can be a catalyst for community impact, we encourage you to apply.
Benefits
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience
- 401(k)
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Paid Time Off
- Professional development opportunities
- Collaborative, mission-driven workplace
- Opportunity to make a lasting impact on regional economic development
JARI is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where employees are valued, respected, and empowered to succeed.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Education:
Work Location: In person
