VP of Finance & Accounting

Catalyst Family has retained Armanino to lead the search for their Vice President of Finance & Accounting. We look forward to hearing from you!

Position Overview

The Vice President of Finance & Accounting is responsible for managing the organization’s financial operations, ensuring strong fiscal stewardship, accurate reporting, and efficient financial processes. This role provides strategic financial insights to senior leadership, oversees key accounting and payroll functions, and partners across departments to support organizational goals. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), the VP ensures compliance, strengthens internal controls, and leads a high-performing finance team.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategy and Planning

• Partner with the COO to develop and implement long-term financial strategies that support the organization’s mission and sustainability.
• Contribute to resource development planning to support long-term financial sustainability.
• Lead the annual budgeting process, providing financial analysis to inform decision-making.
• Ensure compliance with nonprofit financial regulations, reporting requirements, and relevant state and federal grant guidelines.
• Oversee complex allocation of expenses across multiple state and school district contracts and funding streams, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely reconciliation.

Financial Management

• Oversee day-to-day financial operations, including accounting, budgeting, cash flow, and financial reporting, and payroll.
• Ensure accurate and timely financial statements in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Monitor financial performance and provide recommendations to ensure organizational sustainability.
• Maintain effective relationships with financial institutions, external auditors, and key stakeholders.
• Oversee organizational banking relationships, insurance programs, and investments
• Advise leadership on financial risks, opportunities, and resource allocation.

Team Leadership

• Lead and mentor team members within the finance and payroll functions, promoting growth, accountability, and operational excellence.
• Ensure strong management discipline by upholding chain-of-command, maintaining role clarity, and preventing workarounds or bypassing of established processes.
• Foster collaboration with other department leaders to support cross-functional initiatives and organizational priorities.
• Communicate financial goals, expectations, and performance metrics to ensure team alignment.

Reporting and Analysis

• Prepare accurate and timely financial statements and reports for senior leadership and the Board of Directors.
• Demonstrated ability to speak confidently and accurately to detailed financial data in Board and leadership settings.
• Conduct financial analysis to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement.
• Develop and monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to support data-driven decision-making.
• Oversee financial systems and accounting software.
• Ensure data accuracy and reporting efficiency across finance and program teams.

Audit and Compliance

• Coordinate annual financial audits and serve as the main point of contact for external auditors.
• Ensure compliance with nonprofit financial regulations, funding requirements, tax laws, data requirements, and internal policies. · Ensure compliance with the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200) for federally funded programs when applicable.
• Implement and enforce robust internal controls, financial policies, and documented procedures to ensure compliance and support audit readiness.

Contracts, Grants, and Funding Management

• Oversee grant and contract accounting to ensure compliance with budgets, regulations, reporting requirements, and timelines.
• Ensure accurate grant and contract accounting across numerous diverse funding sources, including compliance with complex allocation and reporting requirements.
• Ensure proper allocation of restricted vs. unrestricted funds.
• Monitoring allowable costs and compliance requirements.
• Work with program and development teams to ensure alignment between grant objectives and financial allocations.
• Support exploration of new funding opportunities by providing financial modeling and insights.

Required Qualifications

• 10 years of progressively responsible experience in finance or accounting, preferably within the nonprofit or education sector.
• Minimum 5 years of supervisory or team leadership experience.
• Hybrid role requiring a minimum of three days per week onsite in the Morgan Hill office.
• Exceptional ability to manage highly complex financial environments with precision, including multi-layered funding structures and high-volume allocations.