AVP of Finance
The AVP of Finance is responsible for strategic financial analysis, forward‑looking risk management, and financial governance of the credit union. This role owns the interpretation, assumptions, methodologies, and conclusions underlying CECL, ALM, liquidity, capital adequacy, and long‑range financial planning.
The AVP of Finance ensures that executive leadership and the Board receive decision‑ready financial insight, not simply historical reporting. The role functions as a key thought partner to the CFO, supporting strategic initiatives, merger integration analysis, and regulatory readiness while maintaining strong internal ownership of critical financial judgment areas.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Financial Governance & Risk Oversight
- Own financial assumptions, methodologies, and governance related to:
- CECL models, qualitative overlays, and scenario analysis
- Asset/Liability Management (ALM), interest rate risk, and liquidity positioning
- Capital adequacy, earnings sustainability, and stress testing
- Interpret financial risks and tradeoffs; clearly articulate implications to executive leadership and the Board
- Ensure financial analysis aligns with regulatory expectations for complex credit unions
Strategic Planning & Analysis
- Lead budgeting, rolling forecasts, and multi-year financial planning.
- Develop forward-looking scenarios, sensitivity analyses, and stress tests.
- Analyze profitability across products, branches, and strategic initiatives.
- Partner with the CFO and executive team to shape long-term financial strategies aligned with organizational goals.
- Oversee financial operations, including reporting, budgeting, credit risk, tax, and liquidity management.
- Manage budget software, track variances, and oversee the preparation of reports for executive leadership review.
- Perform financial analysis, forecasting, and modeling to guide strategic decisions and resource allocation.
- Assess investments, mergers, acquisitions, and other strategic initiatives to support growth and profitability.
- Coordinate annual and rolling budgets, including timelines, communication, and training.
- Work with department leaders to develop, monitor, and manage departmental budgets.
Board & Executive Reporting
- Prepare and present Board‑level financial narratives that interpret results rather than restate data
- Partner with the CFO on executive and Board communications related to financial performance and risk
- Support ALCO, including preparation of materials and presentation of results
Investment & Liquidity Oversight
- Support investment strategy, cash management, and liquidity planning
- Analyze investment performance and ensure alignment with policy and risk appetite
- Manage cash flow, liquidity, and working capital to support operations and strategic investments.
- Develop and execute strategies for cash forecasting, risk management, and capital allocation.
Profitability Analysis and Product Development
- Develop and maintain organizational, departmental, and product profitability models.
- Prepare financial profitability models for new products/services and financial center expansion.
- Consult with cross-functional teams for performance analysis, new product strategies, and pricing strategies.
Project Participations and Continuous Improvement
- Participate in projects and duties as needed, serving as a backup to other positions within Finance/Accounting when required.
- Provide mentoring and coaching to team members, promoting department cross-training.
- Identify and recommend continuous improvement opportunities for current processes.
Industry Knowledge and Compliance
- Stay updated on innovative concepts within the credit union movement and financial services industry.
- Understand the credit union business model and differentiate between competitors.
- Ensure compliance with all applicable federal and state laws, rules, and regulations to maintain financial integrity and accuracy.
Policy and Procedure Evaluation
- Continuously assess and enhance accounting systems, controls, and processes.
- Update and refine Accounting and Finance policies to ensure compliance with regulations and industry best practices
Cross‑Functional Leadership
- Serve as a financial advisor to business units, supporting pricing, product development, and operational decisions
- Mentor and oversee Financial Analyst(s), ensuring scalability and bench strength
- Develop and retain top talent to ensure a high-performing team capable of meeting credit union needs.
- Promote professional development opportunities and empower team members to reach their full potential.
- Partner with Data Analytics/BI while retaining accountability for financial judgment Regulatory & Audit Support
- Serve as a key point of contact for examiners and auditors related to finance‑owned areas
- Defend methodologies, assumptions, and conclusions during exams and audits
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
- 5+ years of experience in progressively responsible financial roles, with a track record of success in complex organizations.
- 5+ years of experience in asset/liability management, liquidity management, budgeting, accounting and financial analysis and reporting.
- Strong understanding of accounting principles and practices.
- Proficiency using accounting, finance & budgeting software.
- Advanced level competency with MS Excel including pivot tables and macros.
- Demonstrated openness to adopting and using AI tools effectively.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively across all levels of the organization.
- Experience leading and developing high-performing teams in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
- Demonstrated strategic thinking, analytical skills, and business acumen.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience working in financial institutions.
- Proficiency with Symitar or similar software.
- MBA qualification.
- 1-2 years of progressive leadership experience.
