Chief Financial Officer

$230,850 - $261,186/Yr

Desc (Downtown Emergency Service Center) - Seattle, WA

Full-time - Senior

Seattle, WA

501-1,000 employees

Funds, Trusts, and Other Financial Vehicles

About the position

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at DESC is a pivotal role under the supervision of the Executive Director, responsible for overseeing all financial matters of the organization. This includes managing DESC's budgeting, financial analysis, accounting activities, and the management of cash, investments, debt, and other financial assets. The CFO plays a crucial role in the planning, coordination, and management of agency activities, ensuring that DESC's financial operations align with its mission to provide solutions to homelessness and support for individuals with complex behavioral health needs. DESC is recognized nationally for its innovative approaches to addressing homelessness, operating numerous facilities that provide supportive housing and behavioral health services. The CFO will oversee a complex financial landscape with an operating budget of $130 million, which includes various funding sources such as government contracts, Medicaid, and private donations. The role requires a deep understanding of nonprofit accounting, compliance, and financial reporting, particularly in relation to Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and other funding mechanisms. In addition to financial oversight, the CFO will lead a team, including the Controller and Finance Director, ensuring the development and monitoring of budgets, maintenance of internal controls, and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. The position also involves preparing financial reports for the board of directors, representing DESC to financial partners, and participating in strategic planning to explore new financing opportunities. The CFO will be instrumental in ensuring the financial health and sustainability of DESC as it continues to serve thousands of individuals in need.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the development and monitoring of budgets.
• Ensure maintenance of appropriate internal controls and financial procedures.
• Oversee cash flow planning and ensure availability of funds as needed.
• Oversee cash, investment, debt, and other financial asset management.
• Oversee financing strategies and activities, as well as banking relationships.
• Oversee the accounting department to ensure proper maintenance of all accounting systems and function; directly supervise the Controller.
• Directly supervise the Finance Director.
• Oversee hiring, orientation, supervision, training, development, and evaluation of staff in area of responsibility.
• Oversee the financial aspects of Low-Income Housing Tax Credit properties including construction accounting, cost certification audits, annual partnership audits and tax returns, and ongoing investor reporting requirements.
• Develop and utilize financial analysis tools to provide insight into the organization's operations and business plans.
• Develop financial business plans and forecasts.
• Participate in long-term strategic planning for the organization, leading on financial planning and exploring new financing opportunities.
• Oversee management of agency property and liability insurance policies and claims reporting.
• Lead and/or participate in various risk mitigation activities for the organization.
• Participate in organizational policy development as a member of the senior management team.
• Prepare financial information and analysis for the board of directors; attend board meetings and interact with board members directly as assigned.
• Ensure timeliness, accuracy, and usefulness of financial reporting for governmental and other funders; oversee the preparation and communication of monthly and annual financial statements.
• Represent the organization to financial partners, including financial institutions, investors, foundation executives, auditors, etc.
• Remain up to date on nonprofit audit best practices and state and federal law regarding nonprofit operations.
• Coordinate audits and proper filing of tax returns.
• Ensure legal and regulatory compliance regarding all financial functions.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in business, finance, accounting, or equivalent required.
• At least eight years experience in a senior financial-management role, preferably in a non-profit organization with a budget of at least $40 million.
• Significant experience in or knowledge of nonprofit accounting, including sophisticated fund and grant accounting, compliance, and reporting.
• Deep knowledge and understanding of relevant federal audit regulations.
• Experience working with information technology staff to manage finance and accounting software packages.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with people across a wide variety of backgrounds and disciplines.
• Demonstrated leadership ability, team management, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent analytical and abstract reasoning skills, plus excellent organization skills.
• Subscription to the value of cooperation and continuity across programs and of consideration and respect for clients.

Nice-to-haves

• MBA or equivalent
• CPA
• Low-Income Housing Tax Credit experience
• Health care finance experience
• Collective bargaining agreement experience

Benefits

• Dental insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability insurance
• Medical insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• ORCA card subsidy
• Paid Time Off (34 days per year)
• Retirement Plan