Chief Financial Officer (Part-time)

Flora Family Foundation

Chief Financial Officer (Part-time)

 

Position Summary

 

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a key member of the Foundation’s senior leadership team and a strategic advisor to the Board, President, Family Council, and committees. The CFO provides both high-level strategic leadership and hands-on management of day-to-day financial operations. This role ensures the integrity, transparency, and stewardship of the Foundation’s $130 million endowment, aligning financial resources with mission-driven grantmaking and long-term sustainability. The CFO oversees accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, and tax compliance, while fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and collaboration.

 

This position will report to the President and Board of Directors.

 

Key Responsibilities

 

Strategic Financial Leadership

 

• Serve as a thought partner to the President and Board, contributing to strategic planning and long-term financial sustainability

• Lead financial strategy development, including payout policies and risk management

• Provide timely, clear, and actionable financial insights to support decision-making across the foundation

• Identify opportunities to leverage technology and process improvements to enhance financial operations and organizational effectiveness

• Supervision of the Finance Operations Specialist

 

Accounting & Operations

 

• Oversee all accounting functions, including accounts payable, cash disbursements, bank reconciliations, and general ledger maintenance

• Ensure timely and accurate preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements

• Record financial and investment transactions as well as ensuring timely general ledger and subledgers reconciliations

• Maintain strong internal financial controls and ensure compliance with GAAP and IRS regulations

• Manage relationships with vendors, HR/payroll providers, external accounting and audit partners

 

Budgeting & Financial Planning

 

• Lead the development of the annual operating and program budgets in collaboration with staff

• Monitor actuals versus budget, analyze and report variances, and provide reporting to the Board and Committees

• Develop multi-year financial models to support strategic planning, including payout and inflation scenarios

 

Investments

 

• Monitor investment transactions and ensure compliance with board policies, including a 10% impact investing carveout

• Maintain portfolio allocation and performance records

• Prepare materials and analysis for the Investment and Impact Investment committees

• Liaise with external investment managers and advisors on reporting needs and manage cash flows

 

Audit, Tax & Compliance

 

• Coordinate the annual audit process with external auditors to ensure timely, accurate reporting

• Prepare schedules and documentation for the annual audit, federal and state returns and ensure compliance with private foundation regulations, including 5% payout requirements

• Track required annual distributions and advise the Audit Committee and Board on compliance and risk mitigation

 

Governance & Reporting

 

• Present financial and investment reports to the Board, committees, and Family Council

• Translate complex financial data into accessible insights for non-financial stakeholders

• Support governance and budgeting by preparing clear dashboards, charts, and reports

 

Qualifications

 

• CPA, CFA, MBA, or equivalent advanced degree strongly preferred

• 7–10+ years of progressively responsible financial management experience, ideally with private foundations, family offices, or nonprofits managing significant endowments

• Knowledge of IRS private foundation regulations, including payout requirements, excise taxes, and self- dealing rules

• Experience with investment oversight and external asset managers; experience with impact investing is a plus

• Strong proficiency in QuickBooks Online, Excel, and reporting software

• Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor staff, manage cross-functional relationships, and contribute to a collaborative organizational structure

• Excellent communication skills to engage and inform diverse stakeholders

• Integrity, discretion, and commitment to the Foundation’s mission and collaborative governance culture

• This position is based out of the Foundation’s office in Menlo Park, CA, with a requirement to work from the office a minimum of one day per week and attend three weekend Board meetings a year

 

Compensation and Benefits

 

• This is a 0.8 FTE position with a salary of $160,000

• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage; vacation and sick leave; employer contribution to employee retirement plan; and a matching grant program for employee contributions to tax-exempt organizations

• Opportunity to serve as both strategic partner and operational steward in a mission-driven, family-led foundation

 

About Flora Family Foundation

 

The Menlo Park-based Flora Family Foundation was established in 1998 by the family of William R. Hewlett (co-founder of the Hewlett-Packard Company) and his wife Flora Lamson Hewlett. FFF was created with the specific intent to provide the Hewlett family with the opportunity to pursue their personal philanthropic interests, and it operates separately from the institution that is the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation. The purpose of FFF is to promote the well-being of people everywhere by supporting charitable organizations and institutions as determined by members of the Board and Family Council. It is predicated on the belief that each individual has an obligation to go beyond the narrow confines of their personal interests and be mindful of the broader concerns of humanity.

 

The Foundation is organized around two groups. The 33-member Family Council includes three generations of descendants of William and Flora Hewlett, along with the spouses of the descendants. This is a consultative body that meets annually to help determine the organization's policies and programmatic directions. It also serves as a forum for discussion and instruction in matters related to the philanthropic interests of the family. The rotating Board of Directors consists of descendants of Bill and Flora Hewlett, plus three independent members. Spouses of the descendants also serve rotations on the Board.

 

The Flora Family Foundation makes grants in two categories -- individually sponsored grants and program-

related grants. The Foundation places no constraints on individual grantmaking so long as grantees fit the philanthropic interests of the Board and Family Council and meet IRS requirements. This provides unrestricted opportunities for both responsive and strategic grantmaking. The Foundation's wide reach reflects a conscious rejection of all boundaries on grantmaking. FFF’s open architecture encourages the initiative of each Family Council member, capitalizing on the wide-ranging talents and experiences of individuals who share equally in decision-making. The Foundation favors multi-year, general operating support grants and assists work throughout the United States and around the world. The Foundation has four program areas: the Gap Program, the Climate Protection Program, the Marine Conservation Initiative, and the Black Maternal Health Initiative.

 

FFF has five staff members who work from the office in Menlo Park, California.

 

To Apply

 

FFF values and fosters a diverse and inclusive environment. All qualified candidates are strongly encouraged to submit a cover letter and resume for consideration here. A Google account is required to upload a document to this form – if you do not have a Google account then please send applications to info@florafamily.org with the subject line “[Applicant Name] CFO Application.” Questions can be directed to info@florafamily.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.