Application Guide

How to Apply for Chief Financial Officer *REMOTE*

at Kesem National

🏢 About Kesem National

Kesem National is a unique nonprofit organization powered by college student leaders who create supportive communities for children impacted by a parent's cancer. Unlike traditional nonprofits, Kesem combines nationwide scale with grassroots chapter operations across 100+ college campuses, offering innovative programs that blend emotional support with fun experiences. Working here means contributing to an organization where passionate young leaders drive mission delivery while you ensure financial sustainability.

About This Role

As CFO at Kesem National, you'll lead all financial operations for a $12M+ organization with complex multi-chapter accounting, directly supervising finance staff while establishing data-driven practices across 100+ college chapters. This role is impactful because you'll build financial systems that enable Kesem's unique student-led model to scale sustainably while ensuring resources directly support children through their parent's cancer journey.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve reviewing chapter financial reports, collaborating with the CEO on long-term sustainability planning, and meeting with your finance team to streamline accounting processes across Kesem's network. You'll likely spend time analyzing budget variances, developing financial training materials for student leaders, and ensuring compliance across 100+ chapters while advancing data-driven decision making throughout the organization.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Kesem National Is Looking For

  • Has 7-10 years of nonprofit financial management with specific experience in contribution accounting and cost accounting for multi-chapter organizations
  • Demonstrates hands-on expertise with Kesem's tech stack: NetSuite for accounting, Salesforce for CRM, Expensify, Bill.com, and Microsoft tools
  • Can translate nonprofit GAAP compliance into practical systems for student-led chapters while maintaining rigorous financial controls
  • Balances strategic financial planning with the operational needs of a growing nonprofit that relies heavily on volunteer leadership

📝 Tips for Applying to Kesem National

1

Quantify your experience managing nonprofit finances at similar scale ($10M+ budgets) and complexity (multiple locations/chapters)

2

Highlight specific experience with Kesem's mentioned platforms (NetSuite, Salesforce, Expensify, Bill.com) rather than just listing 'financial systems'

3

Demonstrate understanding of how nonprofit accounting differs in a chapter-based model where students handle local finances

4

Show how you've established data-driven cultures in previous roles with concrete examples of metrics you implemented

5

Tailor your resume to emphasize both strategic financial leadership AND hands-on operational management of accounting teams

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your experience managing finance operations for organizations with distributed chapters or locations', 'Specific examples of implementing financial systems that improved efficiency in nonprofit settings', "How you've collaborated with non-finance leaders (like student volunteers) to build financial understanding", 'Your approach to balancing compliance needs with mission-focused resource allocation in growing nonprofits']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Kesem's chapter model and how finances flow between national and local operations
  • → The organization's funding mix (individual donations, grants, events) from their annual reports
  • → Recent growth trajectory and strategic priorities mentioned in Kesem's public communications
  • → How other nonprofits with chapter models (like Big Brothers Big Sisters) handle financial management
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you design financial reporting and controls for 100+ semi-autonomous college chapters?
2 Describe your experience managing audits for nonprofits with complex revenue streams (grants, donations, events)
3 How would you establish data-driven decision making across an organization led largely by student volunteers?
4 What strategies have you used to improve cash flow management in nonprofit organizations?
5 How would you collaborate with the CEO to plan for Kesem's next phase of growth while maintaining financial health?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Focusing only on corporate finance experience without highlighting nonprofit-specific expertise
  • Generic platform knowledge without demonstrating experience with Kesem's specific tech stack
  • Overemphasizing cost-cutting rather than mission-enabling financial strategies
  • Failing to acknowledge the unique challenges of managing finances in a student-volunteer-driven organization

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Kesem National!

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