Description
The Director of Finance is a member of Community Legal Aid SoCal (CLA SoCal) Leadership Team (LT) and is responsible for overseeing all financial planning, processes, and activities in a highly complex environment with more than 35 diverse public and private revenue sources. As a strategic and forward-thinking member of the LT, this position embraces equity, diversity, and inclusion and models CLA SoCal values while embracing technology to advance department efficiencies. The Director of Finance is responsible for all finance planning processes and activities, budget(s) development and implementation, accounting and fiscal management, financial audits and sound investment and other financial related activities of CLA SoCal. The position reports to the Executive Director.
Responsibilities
- Guides financial decisions by establishing, monitoring, and enforcing fiscal policies and procedures.
- Executes all finance and accounting operations including but not limited to leading the annual budgeting process, monthly and quarterly projection process, restricted grant management and reporting, expense tracking, cash management, budget-to-actual Board reporting and the annual audit.
- Develops the annual budget along with the Executive Director and other Senior Management staff for presentation and approval by the Board of Directors.
- Works in close partnership with Senior Management to help plan, guide, and implement fiscal management strategies (i.e., budget planning, monitoring, analysis, forecast, investments, etc.) that help advance the mission of CLA SoCal. Forges positive working relationship and partnerships across the organization to develop short-and long-term financial goals.
- Maximizes productivity from a financial service perspective, ensuring best practices, avoiding unnecessary risk, and promoting effective financial and administrative support and helpful service levels in areas of the accounting, budget control, payroll, and other financial related services.
- Oversees the development and evaluation of comprehensive accounting and financial record systems that are in compliance with regulatory agencies and other financial advisory organizations and committees.
- Oversees the preparation of monthly consolidated financial statements and by funding source. Analyzes any variance and prepares communications to distribute to appropriate Senior Management staff.
- Oversees monthly, quarterly, and annual funding source financial reports ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
- Prepares and presents financial reports to the Finance Committee of the Board of Directors and coordinates presentation of reports to the full Board.
- Work and support the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors in all audit related activities, coordinates presentation of audit reports on an annual basis.
- Oversees all financial arrangements of CLA SoCal. Ensures adequate bidding procedures for major purchases. Oversees select vendor relationships.
- Evaluates current accounting software, policies and procedures and proposes any changes needed to improve financial reporting, including an implementation plan.
- Oversees and coordinates all financial audits, including monitoring visits from funding sources, annual financial audit, 401K pension plan audit, workers compensation audit.
- Oversees and controls proper management of CLA SoCal financial programs including investments, mortgage obligations, 401(K) Pension, and other financial activities impacting budgets.
- Ensures financial compliance requirements with all funding sources are met.
- Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local legal requirements by researching existing and new legislation, consulting with outside advisors, and filing financial reports. Advises management of actions and potential risks.
- Protects assets by establishing, monitoring, and enforcing internal controls.
- Hires, trains, supervises, and evaluates the performance of staff. Evaluates finance department structure for continual improvement of efficiencies and effectiveness. Evaluates employee performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff. Provides individuals with professional and personal growth opportunities where possible. Recommends salary adjustments including raises, promotions, and reclassifications as needed. Consult with Human Resources as appropriate.
- Works with a multicultural perspective of inclusion and diversity.
- Performs other duties as required to meet the needs of the organization.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or Finance.
- Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in a similar role; 5 years reporting to and/or working alongside a Board in a multi-funded not-for-profit organization; and 5 years of supervisory experience.
- Experience with accounting software and the evaluation of financial systems, policies, and procedures.
- In-depth knowledge of accounting principles and best practices, federal, state, and local laws and provisions.
- Knowledge of current and evolving trends and best practices in not-to-profit accounting.
- Exceptional fiscal and process management skills and knowledge of non-profit and fund accounting.
- Strong math and analytical skills.
- Demonstrated leadership and team management.
- Strong project management, time-management, and problem-solving skills.
- Strong written and oral communication skills, and customer service orientation.
- Exceptional interpersonal and administrative skills, a positive attitude and working style, and an ability to balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, etc.), accounting software, and other programs.
- Values diversity of thought, background, and perspectives.
- Ability to model the organization’s values (compassion, collaboration, trust, accountability, and equity) in personal behavior and throughout operational processes.
- Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and commitment to CLA SoCal’s mission.
Preferred Qualifications
- Legal services experience a plus.
- Non-profit experience extremely beneficial.
- MBA degree
- CPA certification
What We Offer
Our staff members work 35-hour week, and we offer a flexible and hybrid work schedule. Some positions may work beyond a 35-hour week, including evening and weekend meetings and events, when caseload or other obligations so necessitate. We also offer an outstanding benefit package which includes medical/dental/vision, 401k with employer contribution; life insurance with an optional employee buy-in; and short-term and long-term disability. Our employees have access to paid holidays, vacation, personal time, and sick time on their first day. Employee Assistance Program available. Employees who can prove bilingual proficiency are eligible for a monetary bonus.
About Community Legal Aid
Community Legal Aid SoCal (CLA SoCal) is a diverse non-profit organization dedicated to meeting the legal needs of low-income residents and seniors throughout Orange and Los Angeles Counties. We focus on removing barriers to equitable access and provide compassionate, high-quality legal aid. Employees are offered professional development and growth opportunities, a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and a collaborative team spirit.
CLA SoCal is an Equal Opportunity employer. We're a welcoming, hopeful, anti-racist, anti-sexist, and anti-oppressive organization that celebrates diversity. CLA SoCal seeks to fill all positions with people who share our values, including our organizational commitment to diversity. We strongly encourage all interested individuals to apply including people of different abilities, religions, identities, orientations, nationalities, and ethnicities.
Please note: Research suggests that individuals identifying as Black, Latinx, Asian, Pacific Islander, Indigenous, members of the LGBQIA community, women, and people living with disabilities may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive at CLA SoCal to apply for this role.