Finance Director

Job Title: Finance Director
Program: Administration
Classification: Full-Time FLSA: Exempt
Salary: $70,000 – $85,000 (DOE) + Benefits
Reports to: Executive Director
Supervisory Responsibilities: Yes

Position Description

The Finance Director will be a strategic-thought partner, hands-on and participative manager and will lead and develop internal capacity in the following areas: finance, business planning, budgeting and compliance. The Finance Director will oversee all aspects of First Day’s accounting functions and is responsible for planning, budgeting, directing ledger accounts, financial statements and cost control systems. The Finance Director must understand financial programs to obtain information related to grant compliance and reporting. This position supervises the Accountant and the Payroll Administrator. The Finance Director reports directly to the Executive Director, is part of senior management and collaborates closely with all management team members.

Specific Skills Required/Desired

1. Required: Strong written and verbal communication skills. Strong documentation and organizational skills including electronic and hard copy documentation. Ability to exercise mature and sound judgment as well as good problem-solving and conflict resolution skills. Ability to maintain and execute confidential information, to project a professional demeanor at all times and to maintain regular attendance. Ability to time manage effectively and coordinate multiple projects simultaneously in a high-pressure environment. Ability to manage crises with minimum supervision and to set and observe appropriate personal limits and boundaries.
2. Required: strong organizational, planning and time management skill; ability to prioritize tasks and to work in a rapidly changing environment;
3. Required: ability to translate financial concepts effectively and the ability to work with program and development colleagues to accomplish grant reporting;
4. Required: Successful completion of full background screening (including credit, drug and alcohol screening) and an updated Tuberculosis Test (within the last 6 months);

Education/Experience/Training

1. Required: Bachelor’s degree in accounting and/or CPA license;
2. Required: minimum 5 years in non-profit finance with significant experience in grant reporting within a social service, housing or human services organization for local, state and federal funding sources;
3. Required: Strong knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
4. Required: proficiency in Microsoft Office and Web-based programs, QuickBooks, and Payroll Systems such as ADP;
5. Required: Valid CA Driver’s License, auto insurance and reliable transportation; must be able to meet and maintain First Day’s automobile insurance carrier’s requirements throughout employment;
6. Required: minimum 2 years of supervisory experience

Responsibilities
The following reflects management’s definition of essential functions for this job but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Management may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

NOTE: First Day considers this position to be a mandated reporter of elder and child abuse.

General Fiscal Operations

• Responsible for the preparation of monthly, quarterly, annually and other periodic financial statements and reports;
• Analyze and present financial reports in an accurate and timely manner; clearly communicate monthly and annual financial statements; collate financial reporting materials for all donor segments and oversee all financial, project/program and grants accounting;
• Oversee and lead annual budgeting and planning process in conjunction with the leadership team; administer and review all financial plans and budgets; monitor progress and changes; and keep senior management informed of the organization’s financial status;
• Manage organizational cash flow and forecasting including development of a plan for establishing an operating reserve;
• Implement a robust contracts management and financial management/reporting system; ensure that the contract billing and collection schedules are adhered to and that financial data and cash flow are steady and support operational requirements;
• Ensure proper cost control protocols are implemented and adhered to;
• Ensures that external document submissions and filings are accurate and timely;
• Ensures that accounting records and reports are in compliance with government regulations;
• Works to implement and update systems including payroll, fixed asset management, expense management, cash management, etc;
• Establish and maintain accounting software to meet grant reporting and performance requirements.

Tax Reporting

• Ensure timely submission of annual federal and state tax filings as well as liaising with payroll company for submission of state and federal payroll tax filings;
• Prepare and submit annual County of Los Angeles Property Tax Exemption filings.

Audits & Compliance

• Coordinate and lead the annual audit process, liaise with external auditors and the finance and audit committees of the board of directors;
• Coordinate auditing firm bid solicitation every 3-5 years as determined by the Finance and Audit Committees of the board Committee;
• Prepare annual reports and schedules for completion of annual audit by external auditors;
• Prepare monthly and quarterly reports for grant requirements and compliance.

Board & Management Engagement

• Attends and participates in Board, Management and committee meetings as appropriate;
• Effectively communicates and presents critical financial matters to the board of directors on a monthly basis;
• Work closely with program teams to identify gaps between projected expenses and secured revenue as well as long term financial planning;
• Work in unison with development team to prepare budgets required for grant applications and donor solicitations.

Supervisorial Responsibilities

• Supervises, trains and encourages growth of finance staff;
• Provide supervision and work assignments for Accountant and Accounting Clerk;
• Provide supervision and work assignments for Administrative Intern as assigned.

Responsibilities Common to all First Day Employees

• Employ a strengths based and “whatever it takes” approach to assist participants in their transition from homelessness;
• Maintain a safe work environment and confidentiality at all times;
• Be proactive, creative and flexible in determining, evaluation, researching and resolving issues;
• Organize and prioritize multiple activities to meet all external and internal deadlines;
• Maintain professional demeanor that reflects positively on First Day;
• Demonstrate respect and courtesy towards others;
• Respond in timely manner in all aspects of communication;
• Work with minimum supervision; and,
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

In the course of performing this job, this position typically spends long periods of time sitting, standing, and carrying up to 20lbs. It requires coordination of multiple tasks, performing repetitive motion activities (typing), and firm/strong grasping as well as operation of office equipment such as phone, fax, copier, and computer.

NOTICE: This job description is provided as a general summary of common job duties performed by individuals assigned this job title. It is not all-inclusive, nor is it intended to create a contract, written or implied, between employees and First Day. It does not alter the employment-at-will relationship that exists between employees and First Day. As a condition of employment, all First Day employees are expected to perform job duties assigned by management even when such duties are not described in their job description

First Day is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Essential Functions of the Job: Physical Requirements and Working Conditions
O=Occasionally (up to 25% time on job); F=Frequently (25-75% time on job); C=Constantly (more than 75% time on job

A. Physical Demands

B. Working Conditions

C. Protective Equipment Required