Director of Finance

About the role

The Director of Finance is a key member of the Leadership Team and is responsible for the organization’s overall financial management and the continued strengthening of the finance function. Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the Director partners closely with the Leadership Team to advance the organization’s mission. This role supports Board-level meetings, staffs the Board Finance Committee, and serves as the primary liaison to external accounting, audit, and other financial consultants.

Responsibilities

• Leads all financial operations, including development of the annual operating budget and production of regular financial reports for the Executive Director and Board.
• Pairs with budget managers across programs, campaigns, initiatives, and special projects to monitor financial performance, ensure responsible stewardship of resources, and identify opportunities to strengthen financial systems and department capacity.
• Develops the agency’s annual budget and forecasts, and monitors spending across all departments, funding sources, and programs to ensure the effective use of organizational resources.
• Leads the annual mid-year budget revision process and submits budget modifications or revisions to funders as needed.
• Oversees the preparation of monthly and quarterly financial statements, analyses, and dashboards for the Executive Director and Board, ensuring timely, complete, and accurate financial records in coordination with external accounting providers as needed.
• Ensures compliance with all applicable financial laws, regulations, funder requirements, and audit standards, including tax reporting and audit readiness.
• Serves as the primary liaison to external accounting, audit, and other financial consultants, and supports the work of the Board Treasurer and Finance Committee by organizing meetings, preparing materials, and staffing committee sessions.
• Maintains and improves budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting systems, tools, and templates to align with organizational activities and goals.
• Participates in organizational strategic planning with the Executive Team, staff, and Board, and leads special projects to strengthen administrative, financial, and operational systems.
• Covers the annual audit process with external auditors, including preparation of supporting documentation and oversight of the Form 990 and other required tax filings.
• Pairs with program and development staff to prepare budgets and financial documentation for grant proposals, renewals, invoicing, and funder reports.
• Manages organizational cash flow, including monitoring reimbursement timing, accounts payable aging, and short-term liquidity needs.
• Leads financial planning and analysis, including forecasting, scenario modeling, and variance analysis to support strategic decision-making.
• Renews insurance policies and manage claims.

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of nonprofit accounting, grants management, and government contract compliance.
• Strong knowledge of financial planning, budgeting, internal controls, and applicable laws and regulations.
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to present financial information clearly to staff, leadership, Board members, funders, and external partners.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across teams while effectively directing and developing staff.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, exercise sound judgment, and drive work to timely completion.
• Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality, professionalism, and discretion in all aspects of the role.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including financial modeling, pivot tables, complex formulas, and forecasting tools; strong proficiency in Office 365 applications is required.
• Experience building meaningful dashboards and financial reporting tools for executive and Board audiences is highly desirable.
• Direct experience with government contracts, particularly with City and County of San Francisco departments such as HSH, HSA, CCSF, DPH, MOHCD, DCYF, OEWD, or ADM, is strongly preferred.
• Experience with financial audits and single audits is preferred.
• Experience with Sage Intacct, CARBON, Rippling, and Ramp is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to design, assess, and strengthen internal controls, including segregation of duties and authorization practices, is highly valued.
• Experience preparing budget-to-actual reports, variance narratives, invoice packages, and other funder-required financial documentation is preferred.

Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 7–10 years of progressively responsible experience in finance, accounting, or a related function within a nonprofit organization, including at least 3 years in a senior leadership or director-level role.
• CPA or comparable advanced financial credential preferred.