Director of Finance

Description

SUMMARY

UACDC’s financial management, accounting operations, grants administration, budgeting, compliance, and financial reporting functions. This position oversees the day‑to‑day financial operations of the organization while ensuring strong internal controls, fiscal accountability, compliance with nonprofit accounting standards, and alignment with organizational goals and strategic initiatives.

The Director of Finance plays a critical role in supporting the financial sustainability of UACDC’s community development, affordable housing, infrastructure, workforce development, youth development, and capital improvement initiatives. This role works closely with executive leadership, department directors, funders, auditors, government agencies, and the Board of Directors to ensure effective financial planning, reporting, operational accountability, and stewardship of organizational resources.

In addition to financial leadership, this role provides operational and program oversight support to ensure organizational programs, contracts, grants, and initiatives are implemented efficiently, sustainably, and in compliance with funding requirements and organizational objectives. The Director works collaboratively across departments to strengthen operational systems, improve financial and program performance, and support organizational growth and long‑term sustainability.

The Director oversees accounting operations, grant and contract financial management, budgeting, audits, banking relationships, financial systems, and operational financial analysis while supporting compliance with federal, state, local, and private funding requirements. This position requires strong nonprofit accounting experience, knowledge of federal grant compliance regulations, and the ability to manage complex financial and operational activities in a multi‑program environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Core duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Provide leadership and oversight of all financial operations, accounting functions, grants administration, budgeting, financial reporting, and related operational support activities
• Oversee day‑to‑day operations of the accounting and finance department, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll coordination, reconciliations, and financial reporting
• Support organizational operational effectiveness by collaborating with department leaders on budgeting, contract implementation, procurement, operational planning, and program sustainability
• Assist executive leadership in evaluating organizational operations, financial performance, staffing structures, and resource allocation to improve efficiency and long‑term sustainability
• Provide program financial oversight and support for federally, state, locally, and privately funded initiatives to ensure compliance, accountability, and alignment with organizational goals
• Develop, implement, and maintain financial policies, procedures, and internal controls to ensure fiscal accountability, operational consistency, and organizational efficiency
• Prepare and manage organizational, departmental, programmatic, and grant budgets; monitor financial performance and recommend adjustments as necessary
• Assist executive leadership with financial forecasting, strategic financial planning, sustainability planning, and operational decision‑making
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, reports, dashboards, and financial analyses for executive leadership, Finance Committee, Board of Directors, funders, and external stakeholders
• Oversee all grant and contract financial management activities, including budget tracking, reimbursement requests, grant reconciliations, financial reporting, and compliance monitoring
• Ensure expenditures are aligned with approved grant budgets, funding agreements, procurement requirements, and applicable regulations

Support financial and operational compliance for federal, state, local, and private funding sources, including knowledge of:

• 2 CFR 200 Uniform Guidance
• Federal grant compliance requirements
• Cost allocation methodologies
• Procurement standards
• Audit requirements
• Financial reporting standards

• Coordinate and manage annual audits, financial reviews, single audits, and monitoring visits conducted by auditors, government agencies, and funding entities
• Ensure timely preparation and filing of required tax documents, financial filings, grant reports, and compliance documentation including IRS Form 990 and related reporting requirements
• Monitor cash flow, banking activities, investments, organizational financial performance, and operational expenditures to ensure fiscal stability and sustainability
• Conduct financial and operational analyses related to organizational initiatives, capital projects, redevelopment activities, housing initiatives, and funding opportunities
• Collaborate with program and department leaders to support financial understanding, operational planning, budget management, and grant compliance across the organization
• Develop and implement financial systems improvements, reporting tools, operational workflows, and process efficiencies to strengthen organizational performance
• Monitor financial and operational risks, identify areas for improvement, and recommend corrective actions as needed
• Support implementation and monitoring of organizational strategic initiatives, operational goals, and performance benchmarks
• Supervise finance and accounting staff while fostering accountability, collaboration, accuracy, customer service, and professional development
• Coordinate with external vendors, auditors, consultants, financial institutions, and government agencies as necessary
• Support strategic initiatives, business planning, capital planning, and organizational growth opportunities through financial and operational analysis
• Attend Board meetings, Finance Committee meetings, leadership meetings, and other organizational meetings as required
• Represent UACDC professionally with funders, auditors, government agencies, financial institutions, and community stakeholders
• Foster a culture of transparency, accountability, compliance, collaboration, operational excellence, and mission‑driven stewardship throughout the organization

ACCOUNTABILITY

Controls of Cost, Budgets, Quality Control, Customer Service, Records, Safety and Other Employees.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Manages a small staff of direct reports to assist with the various development implementation and administration. Is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of these units. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

COMPETENCIES

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Conflict Resolution (Collaboration & Problem Solving): Seeks mutually beneficial solutions; addresses conflict constructively and collaboratively; identifies and addresses root causes of issues with transparency and professionalism.
• Interpersonal Effectiveness (Communication, Teamwork): Builds strong, respectful relationships across all levels of the organization; communicates clearly and effectively in both written and verbal formats; listens actively and engages others with openness and professionalism; fosters a positive, team‑oriented environment.
• Self‑Management (Adaptability, Reliability, Composure): Demonstrates flexibility in a fast‑paced environment; maintains focus and effectiveness under pressure; works independently with minimal supervision; consistently delivers reliable, results‑driven performance while maintaining professionalism and composure.
• Judgment & Decision‑Making (Analytical Thinking, Innovation, Quality Focus): Gathers and evaluates relevant information before making decisions; identifies connections across issues; considers alternatives and risks; makes timely, sound decisions that support organizational goals and quality standards.
• Motivation & Initiative (Professionalism, Ethics, Influence): Demonstrates commitment to organizational success; takes initiative and assumes leadership when needed; generates innovative ideas; exhibits confidence, integrity, and strong persuasive and negotiation skills.
• Planning & Organization (Prioritization, Attention to Detail): Effectively manages multiple priorities; develops clear plans and timelines; anticipates challenges and develops solutions; maintains a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Leadership (Development, Empowerment, Team Orientation): Leads, mentors, and develops staff; empowers others to take ownership and make decisions; promotes continuous improvement and professional growth; collaborates effectively and builds cohesive, high‑performing teams.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Position Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance is required.
• Three - five years of progressively responsible accounting experience with a minimum of two years of nonprofit accounting within a nonprofit organization required.
• Leadership experience required.
• Heavy federal grant management/budgeting experience required.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization. Bilingual language skills are an added plus.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to apply mathematical concepts.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to apply principles of logical or thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems.

COMPUTER SKILLS

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of all Social Media Platforms; Contact Management systems; Database software; Design software; Development software; Human Resource systems; Internet software; Project Management software; Spreadsheet software and Word Processing software. Must be proficient in MS Excel, MS Word, Outlook, and Windows.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

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

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outdoor weather conditions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

ADA Statement:

1. Occasional reaching 2. Occasional bending 3. Occasional stooping
2. Occasional kneeling 5. Occasional crouching 6. Occasional stair climbing
3. Frequent standing 8. Frequent walking 9. Frequent sitting
4. Frequent turning 11. Occasional carrying, pushing and/or pulling up to 10 lbs.

Disclaimer:

Job descriptions are not meant to be all-inclusive and the job itself is subject to change. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.

University Area CDC does not discriminate applicants or employees for terms of employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, or genetic information. University Area CDC is a drug‑free workplace.