Position Purpose
The Chief Financial Officer leads and directs the organization’s financial objectives with progressive accounting practices. Position is responsible for ensuring the financial integrity of Inspire Development Centers’ Accounting System, communicating with all funding sources, implementing internal controls and monitoring of administrative functions to ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations applying to Inspire Development Centers’ funding sources. Position will be responsible for the timely management and coordination of all required accounting, contracting and reporting of all fiscal functions for agency’s Fiscal Unit which includes supervision of staff, and representing the agency with DHHS/ Administration for Children and Families (ACF) and other funding sources.
Distinguishing Characteristics
Inspire Development Centers provides Early Childhood Education (ECE) and social services to more than 4000 children, in center based and home based setting, at more than 25 Child Development Centers (CDC) throughout the State of Washington. Inspire provides services under various federal and state funded programs with differing regulations and stipulations, which must be coordinated and adhered to, including, but not limited to: Regional Head Start (RHS), Migrant Seasonal Head Start (MSHS), Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) and Early Head Start (EHS). The agency is required to meet an annual quota of non-federal share (in-kind) funds. A large majority of children’s first language is Spanish.
Supervisory and Other Relationships
Position reports to and works closely with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Incumbent supervises up to ten (10) individuals, including Accounting Manager, Payroll Manager, Purchasing/Inventory Manager, and General Ledger Accountant as regular part of the job. Position is a member of the Executive Leadership Team, working closely with Early Childhood Education Director, Human Resources Director, Program Support Director and Compliance Director.
Examples of Essential Duties and Accountabilities
The following examples of duties and accountabilities illustrate the general range of tasks assigned to the position but are not intended to define the limits of required duties. Other essential duties may be assigned consistent with the general scope of the position.
1. Maintain fiduciary responsibility under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) for company-provided 401(k) plan.
2. Provide direction and oversight of all financial and accounting functions and requirements of all Inspire Development Centers funding sources in accordance with federal and state regulations.
3. Ensure that Federal, State and local government regulations are followed related to accountability and allowability of funds.
4. Set department priorities for the fiscal unit in consultation with the CEO.
5. Design, implement and update Financial Management Systems inclusive of key functional areas i.e. accounting and budgeting, reporting, information services, procurement, property/inventory management and non-federal share.
6. Ensure financial data integrity of organization’s financial systems.
7. Assist in the development of budgets with each department or program.
8. Monitor and ensure ongoing budget compliance.
9. Keep the CEO informed on the overall financial status, contracts compliance; and, of any budget variations that may result in budget over-expenditures.
10. Communicate and coordinate, under the guidance of the CEO, with Federal and State officials regarding all matters pertaining to grants/contracts management.
11. Attend and report at the Board of Directors and Policy Council meetings.
12. Provide technical assistance on fringe rates, historical expenditures, and budget projections and provide budgeting templates as necessary.
13. Inform and Assist program directors and management in the evaluation of budgets, year-to-date and monthly expenditures, and year end projections.
14. Ensure that monthly financial statements and reports, periodic and year-end closings, budget and cash flow projections for all funded programs are completed in a timely manner.
Other Specific Duties
A. Responsible for agency cash management and to develop strategies that meet the needs of the Agency. Responsible for the cash management of the Self Insured Medical fund. Design and maintain a system of calculating interest earned under the 45 CFR Part 74, as applicable.
B. Responsible for preparation and timely submittal of agency financial reports, including the Corporate Audit, the IRS 990, IRS 941, SF 269’2 and SF 272’s, the development and negotiation of the Indirect Cost Rate Proposal to the Division of Cost Allocation, as well as all corporate tax filings.
C. Serve as principal staff advisor on financial and audit issues and other matters affecting Inspire Development Centers. Schedule all corporate audits in a timely fashion as required.
D. Approve all job descriptions and leave requests for, and assigns performance rating on, all departmental staff.
E. Review and approve billing/reports and final grant accounting reports prior to submittal on grants and/or contracts.
F. Shows interest in furthering professional growth by attending staff meetings, workshops, trainings, and seminars.
G. Engages in positive leadership by adhering to high standards of clear and positive communication, ethics, and consistent constructive collaboration with Executive Leadership Team.
Minimum Qualifications
Incumbents are required to have demonstrated knowledge and abilities in these areas:
• Extensive knowledge of financial management principles, concepts, theories, and techniques;
• Extensive knowledge and understanding of Business Administration theories and practices;
• Experience working in a federally funded and regulated environment;
• Experience in policy and procedure development;
• Experience in strategic planning and facilitating planning groups;
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills;
• Experience in risk management;
• Understanding of the interrelationships between services and systems;
• Ability to interpret financial data;
• Ability to learn new tasks quickly and efficiently;
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and meet deadlines;
• Ability to gather and analyze data for reports via multiple modes;
• Strong customer service focus;
• Ability to work with culturally diverse population;
• Proficiency with personal computer, including Microsoft Office; and
• Accurate data management, documentation and recordkeeping skills.
These skills and abilities are typically acquired through a combination of education, experience and training, which would include at least a B.A. Degree in Accounting or Business Administration with three (3) to five (5) years of experience which will provide the competence and skills to perform the work of the position.
Preferred Qualifications
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• Previous Head Start experience;
• Supervisory experience;
• English/Spanish bi-lingual fluency
• Master’s Degree.
Position Requirements
Incumbents are required to have the following:
• Valid Washington State driver’s license;
• Must maintain acceptable driving history;
• Proof of automobile insurance;
• Ability to travel to perform job duties and responsibilities;
• Must pass initial and periodic criminal and background check;
• Must pass initial and periodic employee health clearance; (present it within forty-five (45) days of employment);
• Current First Aid / CPR cards; (suggested for Safety Committee Members within thirty (30) days of membership);
• Subject to initial and periodic TB screen;
• Subject to random drug screen;
• Must sign a Confidentiality Agreement; and
• Must complete and sign a Conflict of Interest Disclosure Statement on an annual basis.