Job description
ABOUT US
Do you have a passion for higher education? Do you want to make a positive impact on the college admissions process? Our staff help to remove barriers and encourage students to forge their path to a better future. 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. Common App is currently searching for a Vice President, Finance & Portfolio Support.
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
This role requires:
- Candidates must live in the United States.
- Willing to travel to attend twice annual Common App Retreat.
- Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and professional 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.
The ideal candidate will possess:
- 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
Common App is a virtual first environment. We value our employees’ time and efforts. Our commitment to your success is enhanced by our competitive salary and an extensive benefits package, including:
Work-Life balance
- Virtual-first office
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Seven company-wide holidays
- Nine floating holidays*
- Sick leave
- Monthly mental health day
*floating holidays prorated depending on start date
Virtual-first support
- Choice of PC of MAC laptop
- May choose an external monitor, keyboard, mouse, and/or headset
- One-time office set-up stipend
- Monthly remote work stipend
- Monthly mobile stipend
Financial security
Market-based salaries
Performance-based bonus
403(b) retirement plan
- 5% company contribution
- additional 5% company match
- 3-year vesting schedule
- Participation may begin immediately
Health & wellness
Choice of two health insurance plans
- Health Savings Account, depending on health plan selection
- Medical Flexible Savings Account, depending on health plan selection
Vision insurance
Dental insurance
Insurance coverage begins on the date of hire
Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
Maven virtual clinic for women’s and family health
Company provided life and ad&d insurance
Opportunity to purchase additional life insurance for self, spouse, and dependents
Company provided short and long-term disability insurance
Career development
- Budgeted annual funds for professional development
- Growth opportunities within the company
Additional perks
- Mutual of Omaha Employee Assistance Program
- Mutual of Omaha will preparation services
- Mutual of Omaha travel assistance
- Payroll dedication pet insurance through PinPaws
- 1Password family account
We work to maintain the best possible environment for our staff, where people can learn and grow. We strive to provide a diverse, collaborative, team-oriented, creative environment where each person feels encouraged to contribute to our processes, decisions, planning, and culture.
HOW DO I APPLY
To apply for this opportunity, send your resume and cover letter with salary expectations.
PROTECTING YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION:
During the recruiting process, please note that Common App will never:
- Provide a job offer without an interview
- Ask for payment to process documents, purchase equipment or for any other reason
- Request banking or credit card information
- Direct you to third-party services to obtain visas or other documentation
As we work alongside you through our recruitment process, please remain alert and never provide financial information or payment to anyone claiming to offer a job opportunity.
If you believe you’re a victim of a job scam, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your state attorney general. To learn more about job scams, read the FBI’s public service announcement or visit the FTC site.
