CFO/COO - Special Olympics Wisconsin

ORGANIZATION
Special Olympics Wisconsin (SOWI) provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy while participating in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, Special Olympics athletes and the community.

Special Olympics Wisconsin is committed to the following values:
• Integrity
• Teamwork
• Inclusion
• Excellence

POSITION OVERVIEW
The CFO/COO is a key member of the executive leadership team and part of a dedicated team of professionals who work together to support Special Olympics Wisconsin’s (SOWI) vision and mission to open hearts and minds towards people with intellectual disabilities and create inclusive communities across Wisconsin. This is achieved by providing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in the sharing of gifts, skills, and friendships with their families, other athletes, and the community.

The CFO/COO is responsible for overseeing the organization’s financial integrity, operational efficiency, and administrative functions. This dual-role position ensures the sound financial management of SOWI while also leading the human resources, IT, and general day-to-day operations in support of SOWI’s mission and strategic goals. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with a strong financial background and proven operational leadership experience.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Executive Leadership: Serve as a member of the Executive Leadership Team, providing strategic and operational oversight to SOWI.

• Financial Leadership: Responsible for overseeing all accounting and financial reporting functions for a $6+ million annual budget, ensuring compliance with GAAP and organizational policies. Leads budgeting, forecasting, audit coordination, and financial analysis efforts while providing strategic insights to executive leadership and the Board.

• Operations Management: Oversees daily operations of the SOWI Madison office, including vendor relationships, warehouse functions, fleet vehicles, and building security. Manages and updates organizational policies and procedures to ensure operational efficiency and compliance.
• HR Management: Manages all human resources functions, including onboarding, performance reviews, benefits administration, and regulatory compliance. Serves as the liaison with external HR partners and ensures policies, such as the Employee Handbook, are current and effectively implemented.

• IT Management: Manages IT systems, networks, and security protocols while serving as the primary liaison with external IT support providers. Maintains technology inventory and ensures staff receive necessary support and training to effectively use organizational systems.

Experience
• Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive financial and operational leadership experience, preferably in a nonprofit environment.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards.
• Demonstrated experience in budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.
• Managing audits and ensuring compliance.
• Demonstrated experience in HR, IT, and operations management.
• Proficiency in financial software and Microsoft Office Suite.

Education
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting (CPA or MBA preferred).


KEY COMPETENCIES

Financial Management
• Knowledge of general accounting and financial reporting principles
• Experience developing financial statements and reports
• Ability to develop annual budget, monthly forecasts, and financial projections
• Experience leading the annual audit process

Strategic Leadership/Team Management
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Experience participating on the executive leadership team
• Guiding and directing department resources
• Talent and people development

Mission Alignment
• Connection to SOWI/Intellectual Disabilities community
• Commitment to the nonprofit sector

Operations Management
• Experience overseeing day-to-day operations of finance, IT, and HR
• Managing relationships with external vendors and service providers
• Ability to create, manage and update organizational policies and procedures
• Key driver in project management from conception to completion

Relationship Building
• Ability to build trust and consensus amongst all stakeholders
• Experience partnering effectively with sponsors and vendors

COMPENSATION
The CFO/COO role includes a compensation range of $125,000 - $150,000, a comprehensive benefits package, and unique opportunities to make an impact.

NOMINATION & APPLICATION PROCESS
The position will remain open until it is filled. Confidential inquiries, nominations, and questions concerning this search may be sent by email. To be considered for this opportunity, please send your resume with cover letter to:

Dave Gromacki, Executive Search Consultant
Dgromacki@spanopratt.com
OR
Lindsey Kriete, Practice Director
lkriete@spanopratt.com