Director of Finance

Job Description

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

The Director of Finance provides strategic leadership and oversight of all financial operations of the Agency, including federally funded programs such as Head Start, Early Head Start, and Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) initiatives. The Director ensures fiscal integrity, regulatory compliance, and responsible stewardship of public and private resources in accordance with Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200), Head Start Program Performance Standards, CSBG regulations, GAAP, and GASB standards .

Working closely with the Executive Director, the Director of Finance serves as a strategic advisor on financial matters and collaborates with program leadership, the Board of Directors, and Policy Council to ensure strong fiscal governance. The Director provides high-level oversight of the Finance Department and directly supervises the Accounting Manager, who manages daily accounting functions.

This role requires a mission-driven leader who acts with integrity, innovates with purpose, and pursues exceptional quality in financial management within a complex, multi-funded nonprofit environment.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Core Leadership Expectations:

• Collaborate as Partners with program and executive leadership to ensure financial decisions support mission outcomes.
• Act with Integrity by ensuring transparency, compliance, and ethical stewardship of public funds.
• Supportive by Nature by mentoring finance staff and providing responsive fiscal guidance to departments.
• Remain Community-Centered by recognizing that financial decisions directly impact the children and families served.
• Demonstrate Compassion in Action by balancing fiscal accountability with mission-driven service delivery.
• Pursue Exceptional Quality through strong financial systems, internal controls, and audit readiness.
• Innovate with Purpose by improving financial systems, reporting tools, and operational efficiencies.

Financial Leadership & Strategic Oversight:

• Provide strategic leadership for the Agency's financial planning, fiscal management, and long-term sustainability.
• Lead development of the Agency's annual operating budget in collaboration with the Executive Director, Accounting Manager, and program leadership.
• Develop and oversee the annual budget calendar, allocations, amendments, and financial forecasting processes.
• Provide financial analysis and recommendations to support strategic decision-making.
• Ensure financial operations support the Agency's mission and community-centered service delivery.

Federal Grants & Regulatory Compliance:

• Ensure compliance with Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (2 CFR Part 200).
• Ensure fiscal compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards and CSBG federal and state regulations.
• Oversee cost allocation methodologies and monitoring of non-federal share (in-kind) requirements.
• Ensure required federal financial reports, including SF-425 Federal Financial Reports, are prepared accurately and submitted on time.
• Ensure compliance with Single Audit requirements and federal monitoring reviews.
• Serve as the primary fiscal liaison to federal and state monitoring teams, auditors, and grantors.

Accounting Oversight & Internal Controls:

• Provide oversight of accounting operations managed by the Accounting Manager, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and grant accounting.
• Ensure the Accounting Manager maintains accurate financial records and timely reconciliations.
• Oversee the Agency's cost allocation plan across multiple funding sources.
• Review and approve financial reports, adjusting journal entries, and major fiscal transactions.
• Ensure internal controls, segregation of duties, and financial safeguards are functioning effectively.
• Monitor Agency financial performance to prevent over-expenditures and ensure budget compliance.

Budget Oversight & Program Partnership:

• Monitor departmental and grant budgets to ensure alignment with approved funding allocations.
• Review and approve budget transfers, revisions, and grant amendments in collaboration with the Executive Director.
• Provide fiscal guidance to program directors and leadership staff regarding allowable costs and budget management.

Governance, Transparency & Reporting:

• Prepare and present financial reports for the Executive Director, Board of Directors, Finance Committee, and Policy Council as required by Head Start governance regulations.
• Ensure fiscal transparency and accessibility of financial information for governing bodies.
• Oversee preparation and updates to the Agency Fiscal Policies and Procedures Manual.
• Support Board and Policy Council decision-making through clear financial reporting and analysis.

Leadership & Department Management:

• Directly supervise and support the Accounting Manager, providing guidance on financial operations, compliance, and departmental priorities.
• Oversee the Finance Department to ensure efficient workflows and adherence to regulatory requirements.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, and professional development of finance staff.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, integrity, and continuous improvement within the department.
• Provide fiscal training and support to program leaders to strengthen organization-wide financial literacy.

Confidentiality & Ethical Standards:

• Maintain strict confidentiality of financial and personnel information.
• Exercise sound professional judgment when addressing fiscal matters and regulatory requirements.

Other: This position requires frequent travel to off-site locations.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

This position operates in a moderately paced office environment requiring sustained attention to financial analysis and reporting. Work involves extended periods of computer use and detailed financial review.

Physical requirements include:

• Prolonged sitting and keyboard use.
• Visual focus on computer monitors.
• Ability to lift and carry file boxes weighing up to 30 pounds.
• Work conducted in a climate-controlled office environment.
• Regular local travel to meetings, site visits, and program locations.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field required.
• CPA certification strongly preferred.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive financial leadership experience, preferably in a nonprofit or federally funded environment.

• Demonstrated knowledge of:

  • Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200).
  • Head Start Program Performance Standards.
  • CSBG fiscal requirements.
  • Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB).
  • Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Experience overseeing accounting operations through supervisory roles, such as an Accounting Manager.
• Experience managing multiple federal funding streams and preparing for Single Audits.
• Strong leadership, analytical, and strategic planning skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to ethical leadership and mission-driven service.

QUALIFICATIONS DESIRED:

• Experience with Head Start Performance Standards, family engagement frameworks, community action programs, or two-generation service models.
• Bilingual skills (English/Spanish or other relevant languages) preferred.