DIRECTOR OF FINANCE

About the role

This is a senior leadership role at a mission-driven organization where finance directly powers community impact. You'll be a true thought partner to the Executive Director, help shape strategy on a small, collaborative leadership team, and build the financial systems a growing nonprofit needs to scale - while keeping equity, transparency, and community at the center of every decision.

Responsibilities

• Lead the annual budgeting and planning process with the Executive Director; track performance against budget and keep the leadership team informed of the organization's financial position.
• Manage cash flow, forecasting, and long-term financial planning to support sustainable program growth.
• Provide financial oversight, including sound fiscal management practices, internal controls, and regulatory compliance.
• Analyze and present timely, accurate financial reports tailored to the Board, leadership team, funders, and program staff.
• Oversee long-term investment strategy and reserves, making mission-aligned decisions that strengthen the organization's resilience.
• Identify and implement systems improvements (accounting, payroll, HRIS, contracts management) to streamline operations and support scaling.
• Manage the accountant and oversee monthly accounting operations - bookkeeping, payroll, AP/AR, invoicing, and financial tracking of restricted grants - reviewing for accuracy and integrity.
• Maintain a robust contracts management and financial reporting system; ensure billing and collection schedules are met, and cash flow stays steady.
• Oversee all financial, program, and grants accounting, and develop financial reporting for all donor segments.
• Care for the accountant with a coaching mindset, fostering a team culture rooted in equity, accountability, and continuous learning.
• Serve as a thought partner to the Executive Director and an active member of the leadership team in strategic decision-making and planning.
• Translate financial data into clear insights that help leaders, the Board, and program teams make confident, mission-aligned decisions.

Requirements

• 7+ years of progressive finance or accounting experience, including meaningful time supporting a nonprofit.
• Experience across general accounting, grant tracking, payroll, and core business systems, with the ability to oversee these functions through a direct report.
• Proven track record in building and managing systems in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment; strong project management skills.
• Strong financial leadership: budgeting, forecasting, internal controls, and regulatory compliance.
• Ability to think strategically and connect strong execution to organizational goals.
• Experience managing and developing staff; comfortable leading inclusive, equity-centered teams.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; at ease with funders, board members, auditors, vendors, and program staff.
• Demonstrated commitment to Mandela Partners' mission and values.
• Self-directed, collaborative, and adaptable, with a learning orientation and openness to feedback.

Qualifications

• Senior nonprofit or social enterprise finance experience, particularly with restricted grants and government contracts.
• Experience leading audits, board finance committees, and donor financial reporting.
• Familiarity with food systems, community development, or related mission areas.
• Proficiency with platforms such as QuickBooks, Ramp, Bill.com, ADP, Salesforce, and Google Workspace.
• CPA, MBA, or equivalent advanced credential is a plus, but not required.

Benefits

We back that work with real benefits and balance: a full week off in June for Juneteenth and another at year-end, generous accrued sick, vacation, and holiday pay, access to wholesale produce at cost, and a 50% discount on weekly produce boxes. You'll lead finance with an accountant on your team handling day-to-day transactions, freeing you to focus on strategy, systems, and stewardship.

Pay

This position is: salaried, varies DOE, $120,000.00 - $130,000.00

Schedule

Based in Oakland, CA, in a hybrid (on-site and remote) work environment. Occasional local travel within the East Bay for site visits, partner meetings, and community events.