Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

The ideal candidate for this role is a strategic, mission-driven financial leader with deep experience in nonprofit finance and operations. They will have a strong understanding of DDS/Regional Center funding, GAAP, regulatory compliance, and financial reporting, as well as demonstrated success managing multi-million-dollar budgets and leading cross-functional teams.

The candidate should possess a track record of building strong relationships with boards, auditors, and external stakeholders, and be comfortable translating complex financial information into actionable insights for diverse audiences. A collaborative leadership style, high emotional intelligence, and a commitment to supporting individuals with disabilities are essential. Experience overseeing facilities, capital projects, and investment portfolios is strongly preferred, along with the ability to balance strategic planning with hands-on operational management in a dynamic and evolving organizational environment.

Finance and Accounting Functions:

• Establish and monitor accounting policies and procedures in accordance with GAAP, enhancing internal controls and financial reporting systems
• Lead the annual budget process and monthly analysis of progress and variances, including overseeing cashflow and forecasting
• Ensure compliance with state and federal tax reporting, including IRS 990 and overseeing reporting for corporate and regulatory requirements
• Serve as primary liaison to independent auditors and maintain strong banking, investment, and financial institution relationships
• Lead the monthly close process and compliance with internal close schedules
• Manage payroll functions and benefits-related accounting
• Ensure accurate accounting of grants, donations, loans, billing processes, and revenue cycle accuracy

Facilities Oversight Functions:

• Provide strategic and operational leadership of the Director of Facilities
• Ensure safe, compliant, and efficient operation of all AbilityFirst properties
• Oversee capital projects and facility upgrades, including budgeting and timelines
• Ensure the facilities team develops and maintains systems for facility inspections, repairs, and preventive maintenance
• Support compliance with safety regulations, building codes, and ADA standards

Board Engagement:

• Serve as key advisor to the CEO and Board on accounting/finance, budgeting, investments and growth initiatives (revenue diversification, acquisitions/mergers, etc.)
• Partner with the CEO and Treasurer to protect and grow the assets of AbilityFirst
• Serve as the lead staff person for the Finance and Investment, Retirement, and Audit Committees

Executive Leadership Team:

• Work collaboratively with the Executive Team on building and fostering a welcoming, positive and responsive work culture
• Partner with Executive Team on all aspects of business operations, serving as a respectful and dedicated thought partner to colleagues and helping the team move towards solutions
• Collaborate on all strategic initiatives, frameworks and plans and actively engage in the implementation of the organization’s goals

Supervisory Responsibility:

• The CFO oversees a team of approximately 7 finance and 2 facilities staff, in addition to consultants and contractors. This position provides proactive leadership across the organization.

Other duties and responsibilities as assigned to support the mission of the program and organization.

SKILLS YOU’LL NEED:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field is required; CPA or advanced degree is preferred.
• A CFRE certification is preferred but not required.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive financial leadership experience, ideally in a nonprofit setting is required.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams, manage projects, and meet deadlines is required.
• Advanced knowledge of GAAP, budgeting, audit, tax, and financial compliance is required.
• Experience managing DDS/Regional center contracts is required.
• Experience with diverse government funding contracts and commercial insurance is highly preferred.
• Exceptional interpersonal, leadership, and written communication skills is required.
• Exceptional strategic planning, communication, and relationship-building skills is required.
• Experience working directly with Boards and executive leadership is required.
• Demonstrated experience overseeing facilities or operational teams strongly is preferred.
• Deep commitment to AbilityFirst’s mission and values
• A valid California driver's license with a clean driving record is required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Changes in the environment, such as the office or outdoors.
• Physical effort/lifting, such as sedentary- up to 15-20 pounds at times.