Vice President, Finance and Accounting

Overview of CommonLit

CommonLit is a nonprofit education technology organization dedicated to ensuring that all students, especially students in Title I schools, graduate with the reading, writing, communication, and problem-solving skills they need to be successful in college and beyond. We envision a world where all students get the opportunity to have a world class education. We operate an online reading program for grades 3-12, www.CommonLit.org, that is used by teachers in over 90,000 American schools.

The Opportunity

CommonLit is seeking a Vice President, Finance and Accounting to serve as a strategic partner to our executive team and a steward of our non-profit’s financial health. In this role, you'll lead long-term financial strategy and planning by owning our multi-year financial models, scenario planning, and capital allocation strategy, and translating our company vision into financial targets and actionable plans. Partnering closely with the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Revenue Officer, and broader leadership team, you'll contribute to key decisions on pricing, growth investments, and market expansion, while delivering the data-driven insights and ROI analysis that shape how we allocate resources. You'll also oversee org-wide budgeting and long-range forecasting with a sharp focus on the business drivers behind the numbers. As Treasurer of the Board, you’ll be responsible for presenting on the company’s financial performance to the Board of Directors and external stakeholders.

Beyond strategic finance, the Vice President, Finance and Accounting will lead the organization's accounting and treasury functions end-to-end. That includes overseeing day-to-day accounting operations, as well as guiding us through our annual audit, Form 990 submission, and any required state or federal filings. You'll steward our cash management and investment approach, develop strategies to optimize working capital, and ensure compliance with accounting principles and company policies. Just as importantly, you'll develop a high-performing team, providing mentorship and creating a collaborative environment where people can grow.

Apply by: Friday, May 22, 2026 at 5 pm ET

Responsibilities:
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Strategic Finance

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Lead long-term financial strategy and planning

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Own multi-year financial models, scenario planning, and capital allocation strategy

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Translate company vision into financial targets and actionable plans

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Partner with Chief Executive Officer, Chief Revenue Officer, and executive team on key strategic decisions (pricing, growth investments, market expansion)

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Provide data-driven insights and ROI analysis to guide resource allocation

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Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis with a focus on business drivers

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Budgeting and Financial Analysis

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Collaborate with leadership to develop and execute financial strategies aligned with the organization's overall goals and objectives; run scenarios based on the business landscape and economic conditions

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Analyze financial data to provide insights into the company's financial health, trends, and areas of concern; use insights to support strategic planning, budgeting and forecasting

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Assess the financial performance of the organization and identify opportunities for cost optimization and revenue enhancement

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Oversee the organization's annual budgeting process; develop a system for review, analysis, and prioritization of strategic pursuits and objectives to inform leadership's decision-making

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Present financial reports to leadership, the Board of Directors, and external stakeholders as required; serve as the Treasurer on the Board of Directors

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Accounting Oversight

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Lead the organization through the annual audit (and any other required state or federal filing)) and the submission of Form 990. Liaise between external auditors and the Board of Directors Finance Committee

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Oversee day-to-day accounting operations and the management of accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, and payroll functions

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Oversee the preparation and distribution of accurate and timely financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements, budget to actuals and cash flow statements

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Ensure organization’s compliance with accounting principles, regulations, and company policies

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Treasury Oversight

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Oversee organization's cash management; steward the organization's monetary policy and investment approach under the governance of the organization's Finance Committee

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Develop and implement cash management strategies to optimize working capital and support operational needs

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Monitor cash flow and liquidity to ensure the company's financial stability and ability to meet financial obligations

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Review and approve banking transactions

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Team Leadership

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Provide guidance, mentoring, and professional development opportunities to team members

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Foster a collaborative and positive work environment that encourages growth and innovation

Qualifications:
• Master’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field; CPA designation is highly preferred

• A minimum of 8 years work experience is required, with at least 5+ years of experience supervising finance staff

• Experience building, managing, and growing a finance function for a growth-stage organization is preferred.

• Experience leading financial operations and strategy in an organization with a $25-$50 million annual budget preferred.

• Strong knowledge of accounting principles, financial reporting, and regulations (GAAP)

• Mastery of financial and accounting software and reporting systems; expert in Microsoft Excel and other leading business intelligence/reporting applications

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Demonstrated leadership abilities and organizational skills, able to model maturity, dependability, integrity, and initiative

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Strong analytical and data analysis skills and ability to manage large volume data for generated reports to assist decision making at the company level

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Strong management skills, with ability to lead multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced and constantly evolving environment

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Strong skills in team building, mentorship, delegation, skill, and career development

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Outstanding communications skills, including oral, written and presentation including the ability to synthesize complex questions and professionalism when representing CommonLit to external partners

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Ability to maintain discretion and work with confidential and/or protected information

Physical & Additional Requirements:
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This role involves prolonged periods in a stationary position at a desk and working on a computer

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Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis; CommonLit is not sponsoring visas or work authorization at this time.

Salary & Benefits

Salary: $170,000 annually

At CommonLit, we are committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive company culture that values work-life balance and adapts to life’s changes. We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support our employees’ health, well-being, and financial security:

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Health, dental, and vision insurance

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HSA and FSA Plans, including Medical FSA, Limited FSA, and Dependent Care FSA options

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Company-sponsored basic life insurance, with additional options for supplemental life insurance

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Legal insurance

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401(k) retirement plan with a 4% safe harbor employer match

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Access to exclusive discounts, including pet insurance, hotel booking discounts, and more

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Remote work support, including a home office set-up stipend

Generous time off, including:

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16 paid holidays annually

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Paid time off accruals and sick leave

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Paid family leave, including caregiver leave, medical leave, and 12 weeks of paid parental leave

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2 floating holidays

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Volunteer and school visitation leave

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Jury duty leave

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Bereavement and compassionate leave

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Blood, bone marrow, and organ donation leave

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Flexible work options

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Low-stress weeks around Thanksgiving and in late December

As a remote-first organization, CommonLit has team members in nearly 30 states and Washington, D.C. We strive to create a collaborative and engaging workplace through various connection opportunities:

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Monthly remote activities, such as dumpling-making, yoga, and virtual escape rooms

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Monthly "CoffeeLit" sessions for connecting with colleagues

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Learning and development opportunities for teams and individuals

Apply by: Friday, May 22, 2026 at 5 pm ET