Director of Finance

Connections for Children (CFC) is a non-profit Child Care Resource and Referral agency serving child care providers, educators, and parents in the West Los Angeles and South Bay communities. For nearly 50 years, CFC has been a key community resource, empowering families and child care providers to ensure every child has access to quality early care and education. Through child care referrals, financial assistance, family engagement, and workforce development programs, CFC strengthens the link between families, providers, and the broader community, promoting the well-being and optimal development of young children. Committed to equity and excellence, CFC is a steadfast advocate for the nurturing and educational needs of all children, continually evolving to meet the changing demands of the community.

Connections for Children is focused on expanding programs to serve more people throughout our service area, while investing in staff and organizational capacity to ensure mission success. By establishing a more diverse revenue base, CFC is sustaining and growing its impact, prioritizing equity, and inclusivity in all efforts. This prioritization affirms CFC’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, particularly in serving underserved populations, and positions the organization to embrace innovation and cultivate strong partnerships for the betterment of countless children and families.

Under the direction of the Chief Operating Officer (COO), the Director of Finance provides leadership and oversight of the Agency’s fiscal operations to ensure accuracy, compliance, and financial integrity. The Director manages accounting, budgeting, reporting, government grant billing, and audit/tax functions and serves as a key liaison to the Board Finance and Audit Committees.

This position plays a strategic role in ensuring strong internal controls, timely reporting, and effective communication across departments, supporting both daily financial operations and long-term planning. The Director collaborates closely with the COO, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), and Leadership Team to ensure financial strategy aligns with organizational priorities and sustainability goals.

Primary Responsibilities

Fiscal Oversight & Compliance

Oversee the daily operations of the Finance Department, including cash and grant management, accounts payable, accounts receivables, general ledger, payroll, and procurement.

Supervise the Accounting and Payments Supervisors to ensure fiscal accuracy, accountability, and adherence to GAAP and funder regulations, including California Department of Social Services (CDSS), LA County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS), City of Santa Monica, and other government agencies.

Ensure effective maintenance and consistent application of accounting systems, policies, and procedures in compliance with GAAP and all regulatory and funder requirements.

Oversee the monthly and year-end close processes, reviewing reconciliations and financial statements prepared by the Accounting Supervisor.

Lead annual financial, funder, and monitoring audits, ensuring timely, accurate, and complete submissions.

Ensure internal controls, fiscal policies, and procedures are current, effective, and consistently implemented.

Oversee preparation of the agency’s annual tax filings and all required compliance reports.

Coordinate workers’ compensation and business insurance renewals, ensuring adequate coverage and compliance in collaboration with the COO.

Budgeting & Financial Planning

Lead the development of the agency’s annual budget and multi-year financial forecasts in partnership with the COO, CEO, and Leadership Team.

Monitor financial performance against budgets, analyzing variances and identifying opportunities for efficiency and improvement.

Provide clear and timely financial reports and analyses to support decision-making and strategic planning.

Collaborate with program and operations staff to develop department and program budgets that align with agency goals.

Oversee and support preparation of reports and presentations for the Board, Finance Committee, and Audit Committee.

Leadership & Staff Development

Provide leadership and mentorship to Finance Department staff, fostering accountability, accuracy, and professional growth.

Supervise and coach the Accounting and Payments Supervisors to ensure effective operations, compliance, and staff support.

Align Finance Department goals with organizational priorities and financial strategy.

Establish systems for regular communication, performance feedback, and evaluation.

Identify and support professional development and succession planning opportunities for Finance Department staff.

Governance & Community Engagement

Serve as a key fiscal liaison to the Board Finance and Audit Committees, supporting the COO in preparing and presenting financial reports, analyses, and materials for Board and Committee meetings.

Develop quarterly and annual financial summaries and insights that inform leadership and Board-level decision-making.

Collaborate with the COO, CEO, and Leadership Team to ensure financial reporting aligns with organizational priorities and strategic goals.

Coordinate and maintain effective working relationships with key external partners, including auditors, funders, financial institutions, consultants, and investment advisors - in collaboration with the COO, to ensure fiscal integrity, compliance, and responsiveness to agency needs.

Represent CFC in select funder, partner, or community meetings, as delegated by the COO or CEO, to enhance the Agency’s visibility.

Participate in fiscal and compliance trainings or briefings convened by the Child Care Alliance of Los Angeles (CCALA), California Alternative Payment Program Association (CAPPA), DPSS, CDSS, and other funders/partner agencies.

Participate in agency events and activities that advance CFC’s mission and goals, such as Holiday Angels, the Betsy Awards, and other community-based events.

Additional Responsibilities

Attend Board and staff meetings, trainings, and annual retreats.

Participate in visibility events, as needed.

Work occasional evenings and weekends, as needed.

Perform other duties, as assigned.

Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Requirements

Required

Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.

Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in nonprofit accounting or financial management.

Minimum 5 years of supervisory experience leading accounting or finance staff.

Demonstrated experience managing financial compliance with government contracts, including CDSS, DPSS, and other public funders.

Experience preparing monthly financial statements and supporting annual audits.

Strong knowledge of GAAP, fiscal monitoring, and internal control principles.

Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word, Teams), Sage 100 or a comparable accounting system, and Paylocity or similar payroll systems.

Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and organizational skills.

Effective verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain financial information clearly.

Professional judgment, confidentiality, and integrity in handling sensitive information.

Preferred

Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.

Familiarity with Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200) and fiscal monitoring requirements for public contracts.

Experience assisting with budget development, implementation, and variance reporting.

Analytical and problem-solving mindset with the ability to identify discrepancies and recommend improvements.

Working Conditions

Typical of an office environment.

Eligible for hybrid/telework schedule upon completion of introductory period.

Must have reliable transportation to regularly attend off-site meetings, trainings, and other work-related events.

Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends.

Must comply with agency health and safety protocols, including vaccination policy.

Organizational Statement

This job description is intended to provide an overview of the requirements of the position. As such, it is not necessarily all-inclusive, and the job may require other essential and/or non-essential functions, duties, or responsibilities not listed herein. Management reserves the sole right to modify this job description at any time. Nothing in this job description is intended to create a contract of employment of any type. Employment at Connections for Children is strictly on an at-will basis.

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

Connections for Children is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at Connections for Children are based on organizational needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to age, race, color, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, disability status, family or parental status, or any other status protected by federal and CA state laws.