Vice President, Finance & Portfolio Support

About Us

• Common App is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to the pursuit of access, equity, and integrity in the college admission process.
• Each year, we support more than 1 million students, one-third of whom are first-generation, as they apply to our more than 1100 diverse member colleges & universities using the Common App's free online application.
• If you are an experienced Finance professional and want to be part of a mission-driven non-profit that uses innovative technology to advance the college admission process, Common App may be a great match for you.

Job Description

• Location Type: Remote
• Employment Type: Full-time

Responsibilities

• As a key member of the executive leadership team, the Vice President of Finance & Portfolio Support serves as a strategic business partner in advancing Common App’s mission by ensuring the financial sustainability, operational excellence, and cross-functional alignment of programs and resources.
• Reporting to the SVP, Finance & Operations, the VP leads critical enterprise functions, including Accounting, Financial Planning & Analysis, Procurement, and Portfolio Management Office, with a focus on strategic execution, transparency, and data-informed decision-making.

Qualifications

• Candidates must live in the United States.
• Willing to travel to attend twice annual Common App Retreat.
• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
• Experience:
  • Minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible finance and accounting leadership experience.
  • Demonstrated ability to think strategically and translate big-picture vision into actionable plans.
  • Navigates complexity and leads teams through organizational change with empathy and clarity.
  • Brings a proactive mindset to transformation efforts, including technology upgrades, process redesign, and culture shifts.
  • Excellent communication skills, including the ability to present complex topics in accessible, non-technical terms.
  • Strong commitment to Common App’s mission and values; brings credibility, humility, and ownership to the VP role in partnership with the SVP.
  • Proven track record in financial planning and analysis, procurement, accounting operations (GL, AP, AR, Payroll), and financial systems integration.
  • Builds trust-based relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including executive leaders, staff, and board members.
  • Proven ability to produce and present persuasive, data-driven insights to executive audiences.
  • Communicates complex financial topics in clear, accessible terms that inform strategic decision-making.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail; adept at managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
  • Skilled in motivating teams, coaching leaders, and building inclusive, high-performing work environments.
  • Demonstrates a high level of integrity, sound judgment, and discretion when managing confidential or sensitive information.

Ideal Candidate Possesses

• Nonprofit compliance and reporting experience.
• Experience leading strategic financial operations within a global or multi-entity nonprofit.
• CPA, MBA, or relevant advanced degree.
• Experience presenting to and collaborating with Boards and Finance or Audit Committees.
• Leadership background in nonprofit or mission-driven organizations, particularly with a global scope.
• Experience with leading or supporting ERP or financial systems implementation initiatives.
• A passion for higher education is a plus.

Pay Range

• $232,000 - $261,000

Benefits

• Common App is a virtual first environment.
• We value our employees’