Director of Finance

GHJ Search and Staffing serves as the recruitment division of GHJ, a prominent national accounting and advisory firm. Our team provides qualified Accounting and Finance professionals on a temporary and permanent basis across a broad range of industries. GHJ’s relationship with our Global Advisory and Accounting Network provides the resources needed to better understand client’s needs, attract a higher caliber of candidates and assess candidate potential. About Connections for Children Connections for Children (CFC) has long been a key community resource, empowering families and childcare providers to ensure every child has access to quality early care and education. Through comprehensive resources, referrals, and training programs, CFC strengthens the link between families, providers, and the broader community, promoting the well-being and development of all children. Committed to equity and excellence, CFC remains a steadfast advocate for the nurturing and educational needs of children, continually evolving to meet the changing demands of the community. Connections for Children is focused on expanding programs to serve more people throughout the Westside and South Bay communities of Los Angeles County, 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. About the Position The Director of Finance reports to the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and plays a critical role in supporting CFC's day-to-day financial operations. This position is responsible for managing core financial functions, including budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, audits, and regulatory compliance. The Director of Finance ensures accurate and timely financial information, maintains sound financial controls and systems, and supports organizational planning by collaborating closely with program and operations leadership. This role may also coordinate and oversee external consultants, such as auditors or accounting professionals, to ensure compliance and operational effectiveness. Key Responsibilities Financial Leadership & Strategy • Serves as the principal financial advisor and strategic partner to the COO and executive leadership team. • Leads organizational budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning to support mission and growth. • Develops and maintains financial policies, procedures, and internal controls to ensure fiscal integrity and compliance. • Provides timely and accurate financial analysis, reports, and recommendations to leadership and the Board of Directors. Budgeting & Financial Management • Oversees the development and monitoring of the annual organizational budget, working collaboratively with department leaders. • Monitors cash flow, revenues, and expenses to ensure financial sustainability. • Reviews financial performance against budget and forecasts, identifying risks and opportunities. • Ensures appropriate allocation and tracking of restricted and unrestricted funds. Accounting, Reporting & Compliance • Oversees day-to-day accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and reconciliations. • Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including grant and contract fiscal requirements. • Manages the annual audit process and serves as the primary liaison to external auditors. • Prepares financial reports for funders, government agencies, and other stakeholders as required. Cross-Departmental & Organizational Support • Works collaboratively with program and operations teams to support contract budgeting, financial reporting, and fiscal compliance. • Builds financial literacy and capacity among department leaders through guidance and consultation. • Supports fund development efforts by providing financial data, projections, and grant budget support as needed. Other Leadership Responsibilities • Serves as an active member of CFC's leadership team, modeling professionalism, integrity, and collaboration. • Participates, as feasible, in organizational planning, fund development, and community engagement activities. • Represents the organization in financial or administrative matters with external partners, funders, and vendors. Qualifications • Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or a related field required; master's degree or CPA a plus. • Demonstrated experience in nonprofit financial management, including budgeting and audits. • Experience in government funding, compliance, and fiscal oversight in a public-funding environment is preferred. • Strong knowledge of nonprofit accounting standards and fiscal compliance requirements. • Proven ability to analyze financial data and communicate complex financial information clearly to diverse audiences. • Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills. • Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment in a dynamic environment. 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. Connections for Children is partnering on this search with GHJ Search and Staffing. Please direct all inquiries to Derrick Coleman, Partner and Practice Leader, at [email protected]. No other agency referrals please. #GHJSS #LI-SV1