Located in the heart of South Carolina, the YMCA of Columbia is a cornerstone of community life throughout the Midlands.
Job Description
The Vice President of Finance & Administration provides strategic and operational leadership for the YMCA's financial and administrative functions, including finance, accounting, human resources, information systems, properties, and risk management. As a growing association - expanding our reach through the addition of new branches and facilities - this role is critical in ensuring that the systems, structure, and fiscal discipline are in place to support sustainable growth and long-term impact.
Serving as a key advisor to the CEO and Board of Directors, the Vice President helps guide sound financial stewardship, operational excellence, and organizational accountability, ensuring alignment with the YMCA's mission, values and strategic plan.
The ideal candidate is a collaborative leader with deep nonprofit financial expertise, strong business acumen, and a proven ability to build and scale systems that strengthen mission delivery and support a growing, community-centered organization.
Qualifications
Required:
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field.
- Minimum of 10-15 years of progressive leadership experience in finance and administration, preferably in a nonprofit or mission driven organization.
- Demonstrated experience with budgeting, audits, financial reporting, and internal controls.
- Strong understanding of HR systems, compensation and benefits, and employment compliance.
- Proven ability to work effectively with Board of Directors and Volunteer Committees.
Preferred:
- CPA, MBA, or other advanced degree.
- YMCA or nonprofit association experience.
- Experience overseeing multi-site or branch-based organizations.
Essential Functions
Financial Leadership & Strategy:
- Oversee monthly financial operations, analyze performance, prepare reports, and provide guidance to executive and operating staff.
- Lead development of key performance indicators and measurement systems to track strategic plan objectives.
- Evaluate and redesign business models to ensure long-term sustainability and effectiveness.
- Oversee preparation of the annual operating budget, including all branch budgets, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and alignment with organizational goals.
- Maintain banking and finance relationships and manage cash flow and liquidity.
Governance & Board Engagement:
- Serve as staff liaison to Board committees including Finance and Audit.
- Build strong volunteer relationships, support policy development, and ensure effective implementation.
- Manage investments in coordination with the Investment Committee and Board-approved asset allocation and risk tolerance.
Audit, Compliance & Risk Management:
- Oversee internal controls and internal audit processes; recommend improvements.
- Manage the annual external audit and maintain ongoing communication with auditors.
- Ensure compliance with current accounting standards, legal requirements, and regulatory reporting.
- Oversee preparation and submission of tax returns and reports to YMCA of the USA and governmental agencies.
Human Resources Leadership:
- Provide executive oversight of human resource systems, employee records, and compliance reporting (EEOC, DOL, YMCA of the USA, etc.)
- Oversee compensation and benefit programs, including job classification, salary structures, and benefit plan administration.
- Assess competiveness of HR programs and recommend enhancements.
- Lead performance management and appraisal systems; support managers and staff with workplace and employee relations issues.
Operations & Administration:
- Manage, lead, and develop staff within finance, accounting, HR, information systems, and other assigned departments.
- Ensure timely and accurate financial records and reporting.
- Maintain productive relationships with auditors, bankers, attorneys, investment advisors, and other professional partners.
- Represent the YMCA of Columbia at community organizations and events as needed.
Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies
Leadership Competencies:
- Strategic thinker with strong analytical and decision-making skills.
- Collaborative, approachable leader with high integrity.
- Excellent communicator, able to translate financial data into actionable insights.
- Mission-driven, values-based leadership aligned with YMCA principles.
Why Join the YMCA of Columbia?
- Opportunity to shape the financial and operational future of a growing YMCA.
- Meaningful work that positively impacts children, families, and communities.
- Collaborative executive team and engaged Board leadership.
- Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package.
- Benefit package includes: YMCA Retirement (11% paid by YMCA, 1% paid by employee), YMCA 403B Savings Account (100% employee contribution), Medical Plan (90% paid by YMCA, 10% paid by employee), Dental Plan (100% YMCA), Paid Time Off (PTO) as defined in personnel policy, complimentary membership and program discounts for you and your household.
