Chief Financial Officer - Vermont ISP Operating Company (VISPO)

This full-time, exempt position is based onsite in South Royalton, Vermont, with a standard schedule of Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (flexible schedule may be considered). The CFO reports to the Board of Directors and is accountable to the C‑Suite.

About the role

VISPO (Vermont ISP Operating Company) is a non‑profit that builds, operates, and maintains the ECFiber fiber‑optic network on behalf of the East Central Vermont Telecommunications District, a Communications Union District serving over 10,000 customers across 31 towns. The organization has a start‑up feel where the team pitches in wherever needed, and the work directly impacts rural Vermont communities.

VISPO seeks a collaborative, hands‑on Chief Financial Officer who functions as both a strategic leader and an active contributor — a “player‑coach” comfortable presenting financial strategy to the Board while also paying bills, recording transactions, supporting audits, and helping staff understand debits, credits, and the financial impact of day‑to‑day operations. The CFO will work closely with other C‑suite members, the Board, and staff to ensure financial sustainability, support operational decision‑making, and build the systems, processes, and financial foundation for long‑term success.

Responsibilities

• Hands‑On Financial and Accounting Management: Maintain active involvement in budgeting, forecasting, accounting oversight, and financial reporting; work directly with accounting partners, vendors, and internal staff to ensure accurate, timely financial operations, including performing basic tasks, regulatory filings, and grant reporting; monitor cash flow, reserves, capital spending, debt obligations, and funding opportunities; review and improve financial processes, controls, and procedures; support month‑end, year‑end, audit, and compliance activities.
• Strategic Financial Leadership: Serve as a trusted advisor and thought partner to the C‑suite and Board; help shape organizational strategy through financial planning, forecasting, and business analysis; develop practical financial models supporting network growth, infrastructure investment, and organizational sustainability; prepare and present financial reports, forecasts, and recommendations; translate financial data into meaningful insights for informed decision‑making.
• Broadband & Infrastructure Financial Planning: Partner with operations and engineering to align financial planning with network build‑out and infrastructure priorities; support financial oversight and reporting of fiber construction projects, capital investments, and grant‑funded initiatives, including preparing grant reporting packages; monitor key operational and financial metrics (subscriber growth, revenue trends, service delivery costs); help leadership evaluate opportunities and risks related to growth and long‑term network sustainability.
• Team Leadership & Organizational Partnership: Lead by example with a player‑coach style emphasizing collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement; mentor and support finance, accounting, and administrative staff while remaining actively engaged in the work; partner with HR and leadership on compensation planning, benefits strategy, workforce forecasting, and organizational growth; foster financial transparency and build financial literacy across the organization.
• Compliance, Governance & Stewardship: Ensure compliance with financial, tax, regulatory, and grant requirements; prepare and coordinate audits, tax filings, and reporting obligations; identify and mitigate financial risks while maintaining appropriate internal controls; support organizational governance through strong Board communication and reporting.
• Systems & Continuous Improvement: Evaluate and improve financial systems, controls, reporting tools, and workflows; build scalable processes that support future growth while maintaining flexibility and efficiency; champion data‑driven decision‑making throughout the organization.

Requirements

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Business with a concentration/minor in Accounting
• 10+ years of progressive financial leadership experience
• Experience in telecommunications, broadband, utilities, infrastructure, technology, or similarly complex operational environments
• Demonstrated success in startup, scale‑up, nonprofit, cooperative, or mission‑driven organizations
• Strong accounting, financial planning, forecasting, budgeting, and analytical skills
• Experience building systems, processes, and teams in growing organizations
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands‑on detail execution

Preferred

• BS in Accounting
• CPA or equivalent advanced credential
• Experience working with Boards of Directors
• Experience with rural broadband, fiber internet, cooperative, municipal, or community‑based service models
• Experience with grants and related reporting, public funding, infrastructure financing, or capital‑intensive operations

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance with shared employer/employee contributions
• Employer contribution to a Health Savings Account (HSA) when electing an eligible medical plan
• Term Life Insurance, Short‑Term Disability, and Long‑Term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) providing on‑demand counseling and wellness programming for employees and household members
• 401(k) retirement plan enrollment upon eligibility, with 3% employer contribution
• Paid Time Off (PTO) including vacation, holidays, personal floating holidays, and sick time
• Ancillary and voluntary benefits available for optional employee purchase

Pay

$130,000 – $145,000 per year, depending on experience.

Schedule

Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; flexible schedule may be considered.