About NUARI

Norwich University Applied Research Institutes (NUARI) is a mission-driven 501(c)(3) applied research organization advancing national security, cyber resilience, and technology innovation. NUARI executes federally funded research, government contracts, and strategic programs while building scalable platforms and partnerships that deliver real-world impact.

We operate with the speed of a tech startup, the discipline of an elite military unit, and the mission focus of a non-profit research institute… if you like to build cool stuff with great teams, then we want to hear from you!

Position Summary

NUARI seeks a Fractional Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Consultant to provide strategic financial leadership, oversight, and occasional hands-on support. This engagement is structured as a consultant role and is designed for an experienced finance leader who can guide organizational financial strategy while helping build scalable systems, ensure compliance, and support growth. The Fractional CFO will work closely with the CEO and leadership team as a trusted advisor.

Scope of Work / Key Responsibilities

Financial Leadership & Oversight

• Provide strategic financial guidance to support organizational growth and

sustainability

• Assist with annual budgets, forecasts, and multi-year financial planning

• Advise on compliance with GAAP, nonprofit accounting standards, and federal

funding requirements• Assist with delivery of executive-level financial reporting to the CEO and Board of Directors

• Support audit readiness, Form 990 review, and financial controls

Strategic Advisory

• Advise the CEO on financial strategy, risk management, and organizational scaling

• Support pricing strategy, proposal development, and capture efforts as needed

• Recommend scalable financial and contract management systems

• Establish financial discipline, policies, and processes across the organization

• Support Board Finance/Audit Committee as needed

Required Qualifications

• Experience as a CFO, Controller, or senior finance leader in a nonprofit, government

contractor, or research organization

• Direct experience with federal contracts

• Strong knowledge of:

o Nonprofit accounting and compliance

o FAR / DFARS / Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200)

o Government contract financial management

• Experience supporting audits and financial controls, including DCAA

• Strong communication skills with executive leadership and boards

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA strongly desired

• CPA preferred

• Experience in applied research, national security, cyber, or technology organizations

• Experience managing indirect rates and federally funded programs

• Experience building or scaling financial systems in growing organizations

Key Attributes• Strategic, pragmatic, and solutions-oriented

• Comfortable operating in a fractional, advisory capacity with execution support

• Structured, detail-oriented, and disciplined

• Strong judgment and risk awareness

• Collaborative and mission-aligned

• Trusted advisor to executive leadership

Engagement Structure

• Fractional consultant role (anticipated 5 - 20 hours per month, flexible based on

organizational needs)

• Remote with periodic availability for leadership and Board meetings

• Reports directly to the CEO

• Contract-based engagement (not a full-time employee role)

• Potential to scale scope over time as organizational needs evolve.

Submit letter of interest and resume to Julie Lappin, Chief of Staff at jlappin@norwich.edu.

Open until filled.