Finance Director

HUMANE SOCIETY OF VENTURA COUNTY • Ojai, CA

1d

About The Position

The Finance Director serves as the organization's chief financial officer and comptroller, providing strategic fiscal leadership and overseeing the organization's investment portfolio. This role oversees all financial and accounting operations, establishes and maintains robust internal controls and compliance frameworks, manages cash flow and treasury operations, leads the annual audit process, and supports the Executive Director in contract negotiations and administration.
The FD is a proactive communicator who provides clear, forward-looking financial analysis to the Finance and Audit Committees of the Board of Directors. Working closely with the Executive Director, Board of Directors, and senior leadership team, the FD will address both immediate financial needs and long-term strategic planning, investment oversight, and capital projects to advance the organization's mission and financial sustainability.

Requirements

• 5+ years of progressively responsible financial and accounting management experience in a nonprofit agency or comparable experience
• Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or related field
• Demonstrated comptroller/controller experience with responsibility for financial reporting, internal controls, and compliance
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards (ASC 958)
• Proven experience managing annual financial audits, including preparation, auditor coordination, and implementing recommendations
• Cash management and treasury operations experience
• Experience procuring and managing comprehensive insurance programs (property, vehicles, general liability, cybersecurity, workers compensation)
• Experience supervising accounting staff
• Grant accounting, restricted fund management, and compliance reporting experience
• Ability to translate financial concepts for non-financial audiences
• Proficiency with MS 365, Google Workspace, QuickBooks or other fund accounting software, and Mac operating systems
• Strong attention to detail with ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to build strong working relationships across departments and seniority levels
• Ability to lead and inspire in a collaborative, multi-project environment
• Must thrive in a fast-paced environment and balance competing priorities with speed and accuracy

Nice To Haves

• CPA certification
• Master's degree in finance, accounting, or business administration
• Investment management or nonprofit portfolio oversight experience
• Experience managing trusts, endowments, grants, and annual fund plans
• Form 990 preparation and nonprofit tax compliance experience
• Experience implementing or improving internal controls and financial systems
• Animal welfare or animal shelter experience

Responsibilities

• Serve as comptroller, overseeing all accounting operations, financial reporting, and ensuring compliance with GAAP, nonprofit accounting standards (ASC 958), and all applicable regulations.
• Establish and maintain comprehensive internal controls to safeguard assets, ensure accurate reporting, prevent fraud, and ensure compliance with regulations, donor restrictions, and organizational policies.
• Oversee general ledger, chart of accounts, month-end and year-end close processes, journal entries, account reconciliations, and financial statement preparation.
• Ensure accurate and timely recording of all financial transactions, including revenue recognition, expense allocation, grant and restricted fund accounting, in-kind contributions, and capital asset management.
• Lead the annual financial audit process, including: Coordinate with external auditors on scheduling and planning Prepare all audit schedules, supporting documentation, and financial records Serve as primary contact for auditors and respond to all inquiries Review and address audit findings, recommendations, and management letter comments Present audit results to the Audit Committee and Board of Directors Develop and implement corrective action plans Maintain year-round audit readiness through proper documentation and controls
• Manage relationships with external CPAs and consultants
• Coordinate all other audits as required, including single audits, program audits, and funder-specific audits.
• Manage cash flow forecasting, treasury operations, bank accounts, and ensure liquidity to meet organizational obligations.
• Oversee the organization's investment portfolio in collaboration with the Board's Finance Committee and external advisors; monitor performance, asset allocation, and compliance with investment policies.
• Prepare annual budget for Finance Committee and Board approval. Monitor monthly budget-to-actual results and provide variance analysis with actionable recommendations.
• Prepare and present comprehensive financial reports to the Finance Committee, Board of Directors, and leadership team, translating complex financial information for non-financial stakeholders.
• Develop monthly departmental budgets to ensure contractual compliance and operational efficiency.
• Supervise accounting staff in processing accounts receivable, accounts payable, contract compliance, billing, and grants administration, ensuring proper segregation of duties and timely payment of obligations.
• Oversee payroll processing, payroll records, regulatory and voluntary deductions, and employment tax compliance.
• Develop and maintain fiscal procedure manuals and agency policies relating to administrative operations, internal controls, and financial management.
• Prepare and approve all financial reports for outside agencies, contractors, and government entities, including federal and state tax returns (Form 990) and regulatory filings.
• Ensure compliance with all grant and contract financial reporting requirements and proper documentation of restricted funds usage.
• Advise the Finance and Audit Committees of the Board. Monitor cash flow and ensure vendor payments are processed efficiently and funds are segregated according to donor restrictions and board policies.
• Manage all insurance programs, including procurement and renewal of property, vehicle, general liability, cybersecurity, workers compensation, and directors and officers liability coverage. Monitor policies for compliance and risk management; manage all claims.
• Oversee selection, implementation, maintenance, and security of automated accounting systems. Ensure proper controls, data integrity, and disaster recovery procedures.
• Monitor compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements affecting financial operations, including nonprofit governance, donor restrictions, and contractual obligations.
• Assist in preparing federal, state, county, city, and third-party grants and contracts, including budgets and financial narratives.
• Develop financial modeling and cost-benefit analysis for new initiatives in collaboration with Program Officers.
• Prepare funding sources and contract compliance reports with department directors.
• Evaluate departments to ensure contractual and budgetary compliance, operational efficiency, and quality of service.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director