Director of Finance and Accounting

Job Description

Job Description

First Place For Youth-Join Our Team Video!

Are you dedicated to empowering and supporting youth, regardless of their background? We're searching for passionate individuals to make a positive impact on the lives of foster youth. Become an integral part of their transformative journey and join the First Place for Youth team. 

About First Place for Youth, we’re a leading non-profit organization dedicated to supporting foster youth in their transition to adulthood, with a focus on education, employment, and housing. We believe that all young people deserve the opportunity to thrive and lead successful, independent lives. Our comprehensive programs empower foster youth to overcome the unique challenges they face and build the skills, confidence, and connections they need to succeed.

  Why Work at First Place for Youth :

• Meaningful Impact :  Help to transform the lives of foster youth on the cusp of adulthood. Your role will support them in their journey to conquer challenges, achieve independence, and fulfill their aspirations.
• Innovative Approach:  We thrive on innovation, pushing the boundaries of foster care support. Your voice here matters, and you’ll contribute to programs that redefine the futures of these young lives.
• Collaborative and Supportive Environment: Embrace a dynamic and supportive workplace, where every team member is valued. Together, we're a force dedicated to uplifting youth. Expect professional growth, fueled by teamwork and collaboration.
• Comprehensive Benefits: We value the well-being of our employees and offer a comprehensive benefits package. From health and wellness benefits to retirement plans, we ensure that our team members are taken care of so they can focus on their important work supporting foster youth.
• Culture of Diversity and Inclusion: We celebrate diversity in every form. At First Place for Youth, inclusivity reigns, creating a workplace where all voices are heard, respected, and empowered.

POSITION OVERVIEW:  This is a senior finance leadership role at the heart of First Place for Youth’s mission. The Director of Finance & Accounting oversees all revenue accounting, financial planning, and compliance across a portfolio of approximately $30M in annual revenue spanning 25+ government contracts, private fundraising, and national expansion initiatives.

You will lead a team of two, serve as a key strategic partner to the CFO, and act as the primary finance liaison for government auditors, agency partners, and private funders. This role requires both big-picture strategic thinking and meticulous attention to detail.

DUTIES + RESPONSIBILITIES:

Government Revenue

• Oversee preparation and approval of monthly and quarterly government contract invoices, ensuring accuracy, proper cost allocations, and full supporting documentation.
• Ensure the organization adheres to all contractual expenditure rules and requirements for each government contract.
• Review revenue entries and ensure all balances are reconciled monthly in the accounting system.
• Collaborate with Programs and Contracts teams to track spending and resolve expenditure questions; provide actionable reports and tools.
• Monitor accounts receivable and drive timely collections; escalate and resolve aged receivables in partnership with relevant teams.
• Lead the organization’s response to all government audits — including scheduling, documentation, cross-functional coordination, and resolution of any findings.
• Partner with Programs and Contracts teams to develop financial strategies for new contracts, maximizing expense reimbursement and overhead recovery; review all RFP budgets and amendments.

Private Fundraising

• Oversee revenue recognition and coding for all private fundraising; collaborate with Development to ensure proper documentation and GAAP-compliant accounting.
• Calculate and record monthly releases from net assets in accordance with each restricted donation’s terms.
• Support development of financial strategies for new grant proposals; ensure accuracy of grant budgets and reports; provide financial insights to donors as needed.

National Expansion

• Collaborate with the National team to develop contract budgets that support long-term financial sustainability.
• Ensure timely billing, collections, and GAAP-compliant revenue recognition for all National contracts.

Financial Planning & Analysis

• Lead the annual revenue budget and mid-year forecast processes; develop revenue assumptions in partnership with leadership; conduct scenario planning as needed.
• Monitor monthly revenue performance versus budget and proactively develop strategies to address variances.

Team Leadership & Operations

• Hire, develop, and manage a team of two; set annual goals, provide regular coaching and feedback, and support ongoing professional growth.
• Identify and implement process improvements and automation opportunities to increase efficiency and support organizational scalability.
• Serve as backup for the Accounting Supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or a related field; or 7+ years of related experience.
• 5+ years of progressive experience in a complex organization.
• A strong dedication to cultural competency that creates conditions that remove barriers
• 5+ years of managerial experience required
• Demonstrated experience managing program or contract budgets.
• Strong working knowledge of government contracts and billing.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills — written and verbal.
• High proficiency with Microsoft Office; ability to work independently and collaboratively across teams.

Preferred

• Experience in a nonprofit organization or with government-funded programs.
• Familiarity with MIP (and/or Sage), Concur, and/or ADP.
• Commitment to cultural competency and creating inclusive, equitable environments.
• Prior program budget management experience is required for this role
• Computer/Software skills.
• Availability for occasional evening and weekend work and some travel as needed.

  Benefits:

• 15 days of vacation time in the first year
• 12 days of sick time
• 2 floating holidays
• 15 paid holidays
• Employee’s choice of Kaiser or UCH HMO/PPO with up to 90% of the premium covered by First Place on certain plans
• Principal dental and vision coverage with up to 90% of the premium covered by First Place
• Healthcare and Dependent care FSA plans
• Principal basic life and voluntary life insurance coverage
• Employee Assistance Program
• 401(k) retirement savings plan 
• Paid sabbatical