Chief Financial Officer - Naralicensing

Company Overview:

The mission of El Nido Family Centers (El Nido) is to empower families in low-income communities of Los Angeles County to break the cycle of poverty, child abuse, violence, academic failure and teen pregnancy through outstanding educational, youth development, health and therapeutic services. El Nido's vision is one of healthy families and communities that provide the resources and support for all young people to attain their full potential.

Believing that a “child can cannot grow up twice” El Nido was founded in 1925 to provide meals and respite care to undernourished and neglected girls in Los Angeles. Since the 1970s, El Nido has been an innovator in community-based social services developing specialized programs for pregnant and parenting teens, children and families at risk of/impacted by abuse and neglect, youth at risk of gang involvement, early childhood programs, and family centers that offer a range of services to address families’ comprehensive needs.

More than 10,000 youth and family members benefit from El Nido’s services annually, residing in the multiple communities El Nido serves, including the San Fernando Valley and Antelope Valleys, South LA, Metro LA and West LA.

Position Summary:

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is responsible for the development, implementation and smooth operation of the financial/fiscal functions at El Nido. These functions include: finance and accounting, contract fiscal management, banking relationships; insurance/risk management; IT systems planning and management; lease negotiations and facilities management of multiple office sites; office operations including major equipment purchases. Participates as a strategic partner to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the executive management team, Finance Committee, and Board of Directors.

The position requires the expertise, focus, and influence to be a strong accounting and operational leader for the organization. Strong project management and communication skills are a necessity in this role, and the successful candidate will be a proven problem solver who can leverage impact and influence to find clarity in complex situations. They will help lead financial relationships with banks, and funders as appropriate, and represent the organization and its priorities in the field.

General Administration/Accounting

• Acts as CFO relative to budgets, general ledger, banking, payroll, and financial statements, ensuring compliance with generally accepted nonprofit accounting principles.
• Develops systems, procedures and communications to ensure efficient and effective management and implementation of administrative and operational structures of El Nido as it relates to financial/fiscal management; ensures administrative and facility resources are managed in such a way that maximizes and balances cost effectiveness with support to programs and operations; works to reduce overhead costs and provide efficient administrative systems.
• Advises members of executive management team on budget development and cost controls. Monitors program activity as it pertains to budget performance.
• Directs and supervises the work of the Controller and other accounting staff to manage the agency budget and monthly accounting operations.
• Works with the Controller to manage cash flow, including invoicing and collecting receipts.
• Evaluates and modifies purchasing practices of the organization to reduce costs where possible.
• Reviews insurance policies; makes recommendations to the CEO for changes; and ensures that appropriate systems are in place for insurance claims.
• Implements robust internal controls and financial reporting systems to mitigate risks and ensure regulatory compliance.

Strategic Planning and Leadership

• Works closely with the CEO, executive team and senior management to develop and implement strategic plan and goals that support El Nido’s mission and vision.
• Develops a team with diverse skill sets to strive for improved operational solutions and sustainable growth.
• Provides leadership and mentorship to the accounting team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional development.
• Participates in the Executive Management team long-range planning and policy development; evaluates administrative and operational implications of programmatic plans; and participates in problem solving.
• Models and instills a service orientation and continuous improvement culture that inspires a high-performing professional staff.

Board Relations and Reporting

• Provides financial reporting and analysis to the CEO and financial committee, including regular updates on budget performance, forecasts, and financial risks and opportunities.
• Represents El Nido at internal and external meetings, providing financial guidance and support as needed.
• Oversees all tax filing and compliance requirements, ensuring El Nido is compliant with all relevant laws and regulations.
• Manages relationships with external auditors and other financial service providers to ensure compliance with all reporting and regulatory requirements.

Communications and Information Systems

• Responsible for implementing processes to evaluate communications/information systems and office equipment including phone systems, computers, copy machines and postage meters; designs and implements procedures for efficient operations of these systems; evaluates options and develops recommendations for system changes.
• Coordinates purchasing or leasing and installation of office equipment, communications systems (e.g., phone, fax, etc.), copy machines, computers, and other equipment.
• Coordinates the planning, development and coordination of continued agency-wide computerization including ongoing training for staff.
• Develops, monitors and coordinates all database activity at El Nido.

Facilities Management

• Responsible for overseeing facilities and procurement and contracting and evaluating of building services contractors to ensure cleanliness of sites, maintenance of sites, security systems and building equipment and optimal cost-efficiencies on utility consumption.
• Negotiates building leases in conjunction with the CEO and Board of Directors and serves as liaison to realtors and property owners.
• Ensures satisfactory compliance with building codes and license requirements and communicates any code or licensing requirements to staff.
• Coordinates bidding, contracting and project management for major repair work or renovations, in consultation with the CEO.
• Manages security contracts and security for all facilities including periodic assessment of security issues and development of security plans.
• Develops and maintains policies related to facilities.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting or related field; CPA or MBA preferred.
• 7 or more years of progressively responsible experience in financial management with at least 5 years in a nonprofit organization.
• Demonstrated managerial skills to lead a team of 6 or more employees.
• Solid understanding of nonprofit accounting, revenue recognition, cost allocations and single audit requirements.
• Experience in the financial management and reporting of federal and foundation grants, contracts and multi-funded projects.
• Broad range of knowledge and experience in facilities management, purchasing, and systems and procedures in an office environment.
• Ability to translate detailed financial data for strategic use by all in the organization.
• Experience at integrating systems to improve accounting productivity and accuracy.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in financial management software.
• Strategic thinking and business acumen.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license.