Chief Financial Officer

Company Description Lei A While Research Center is an emerging scholarly infrastructure project focused on research, publishing, archiving, and public knowledge. The Center is dedicated to serious inquiry, responsible publication, open scholarly discourse, and the long-term development of its academic vision. Current operations are primarily conducted through distance and online modalities while the physical Center, including a planned Library-Amphitheater and future Graduate Institute, is developed over time. Organizational processes are designed with strong attention to regulatory compliance, including ISSN registration, Crossref membership, planned COPE membership, and a pathway toward accreditation for the Graduate Institute.
Role Description The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a full-time remote role responsible for overseeing all financial operations of Lei A While Research Center. The CFO will lead financial planning and budgeting, manage cash flow, and develop financial strategies that support the Center’s long-term academic and infrastructural goals. Day-to-day responsibilities include supervising the preparation and analysis of financial statements, ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting, and establishing internal controls and compliance with relevant regulations. The CFO will collaborate closely with the executive leadership and project teams to evaluate funding models, support grant and donor reporting, and provide clear financial insights for strategic decision-making. The role also involves building scalable financial processes that align with the Center’s growth, digital operations, and future institutional accreditation efforts.
Qualifications

• Strong finance and financial planning skills, including experience with budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial strategy.
• Proficiency in preparing and reviewing financial statements and financial reporting for organizational leadership and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated analytical skills for interpreting financial data, assessing risk, and supporting evidence-based decision-making.
• Experience establishing financial controls, compliance frameworks, and working within regulatory requirements relevant to educational or nonprofit entities.
• Background in leading finance functions in an early-stage, academic, nonprofit, or research-focused organization is highly beneficial.
• Ability to work effectively in a remote environment, collaborate across disciplines, and communicate complex financial information clearly.
• Advanced degree in finance, accounting, business, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience; professional certifications (e.g., CPA, CFA) are an advantage.
  
  

Must be willing to invest into the company at least $100,000 for future equity.

Be prepared to shake things up!