Director of Finance

Position Summary:

Reports to the Executive Director as a member of the executive team. The Director of Finance will be responsible for providing strategic financial leadership and overseeing all financial operations of the organization. This role ensures strong financial management, regulatory compliance, effective internal controls, and clear financial reporting to support organizational sustainability and mission success.

The Agency:

Since 1975, Pathways of Hope (formerly Fullerton Interfaith Emergency Service) has been working to end the dual plights of hunger and homelessness in North Orange County. We have multiple housing sites and programming models that intersect at working to end hunger and homelessness across the greater North Orange County area. Our team is dynamic, forward-thinking, and works closely with stakeholders and partners in the community to achieve our mission and vision.

The Candidate:

All Pathways of Hope employees must embrace a culture of teamwork, collective success and support in assisting the agency in achieving its mission and vision. The ideal candidate will possess a strong work ethic, knowledge of accounting systems for nonprofits, and the understanding of accounting by funding sources.

Salary Range and Benefits:

This is an exempt position that works at our Executive Offices in Fullerton on a 4 day/10 hour a day schedule, Monday – Thursday (this is a trial schedule and may revert to Monday – Friday, 8 hours per day in April 2026). The salary range for this position is $100,000 - $110,000 annually, DOE. Benefits available include health, dental and vision, paid vacation and sick time, and a retirement plan option. As part of its cultural values, Pathways of Hope respects and values work/life balance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Develop and implement financial strategies aligned with organizational goals.

2. Advise the Executive Director and leadership team on financial planning, forecasting and risk management.

3. Participate in long-term strategic planning, annual goal setting and organizational budgeting.

4. Present clear financial reports and insights to senior leadership and the Board of Directors.

5. Lead the annual budgeting process, including department budget development.

6. Monitor budget performance and provide variance reports with analysis and recommendations.

7. Oversee day-to-day accounting functions, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, and general ledger maintenance.

8. Ensure timely month-end and year-end close processes.

9. Implement and maintain financial policies, procedures and internal controls.

10. Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations.

11. Prepare and oversee required financial filings.

12. Coordinate annual financial audits and facilitate communication with external auditors.

13. Support grant reporting, cost allocations, and tracking of restricted and unrestricted funds.

14. Manage organizational cash flow and liquidity.

15. Oversee banking relationships, credit lines, and investment accounts.

16. Collaborate across departments to improve financial literacy and ensure accurate financial input.

17. Work closely with Operations, Programs, and Development to align financial processes and goals.

18. Provide training, tools and support to non-financial managers responsible for budgets or grant spending.

19. Oversee all grant billing done by Staff Accountant.

20. Ensure invoicing and reporting of costs comply and adhere to funder specific regulations, and assist to resolve any issues surrounding grant invoices, including disallowed expenses or technical issues. This means working with clients’ account departments, funders and program staff.

21. Prepare and oversee check runs in Blackbaud’s Financial Edge (includes checks for utilities, invoices, housing deposits/rental assistance, services, etc.). Ensure all payments are made accurately and in a timely manner.

22. Post all accounting entries (AP, AR, Payroll, Journal Entries).

23. Create weekly deposits and apply payments to according to account.

24. Reconcile all balance sheet accounts.

25. Provide assistance as needed with the filing of governmental reports as required (e.g. Registry of Charitable Trusts, County of Orange Social Welfare Exemptions and Property Tax Reports).

26. Issue monthly financial reports and commentary to the Finance Committee and Board of Directors.

27. Hold monthly Finance Committee meetings.

28. Hold monthly Grant Spend Down meetings.

29. Hold monthly Development/Finance meetings.

30. Coordinate development of annual budget with Executive Team

31. Evaluate financial aspects of grant applications as required and provide grant budgets as needed.

32. Provide financial advice and consultation to Executive Director as necessary.

33. Perform general administrative duties to include, but not limited to, photocopying, emailing, mail distribution and filing.

34. Attend executive meetings, management meetings, staff meetings and all other meetings/trainings assigned.

35. Support and assist staff with financial-related needs.

36. Performs other duties as assigned.

Contacts and Relationships:

The Director of Finance reports to the Executive Director and oversees the Staff Accountant.

Qualification Guidelines

Knowledge & Skills:

· Strong understanding of financial reporting standards

· Proficiency in Office 365, Microsoft Word, and Excel

· Proficiency with accounting software; MIP and Blackbaud preferred

· Demonstrated leadership, integrity and sound judgement

· Excellent analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex data

Ability to:

· Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, Board members, volunteers, funders and vendors

· Plan, organize and prioritize duties

· Interpret, apply and explain rules and regulations, policies and procedures

· Work independently with little or no direction

· Problem-solve (identify issues and look for solutions/proactively seek to improve processes)

· Clearly communicate information and instructions verbally and in written form

· Prioritize and multi-task in a fast-paced environment

Education and/or Experience:

· Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance or related field required

· Three years of progressive experience in nonprofit financial management, including supervisory experience, strongly preferred

Physical Job Requirements:

· Sits for extended periods of time at a computer station or work desk. Stands and walks throughout the day.

· Uses hands and fingers to operate computer and office equipment for up to 8 hours each day.

· Requires clear vision at 20 inches or less with or without corrective lenses and vision sufficient to use office equipment.

· Hearing and speech within normal ranges and sufficient for clear communication, face-to-face and over the telephone.

· Lifts up to 15 pounds regularly and up to 40 pounds occasionally.

· Exposed to typical office environment conditions and noise levels.

Note: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Management reserves the right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Pathways of Hope reserves the right to modify, supplement, rescind or revise all job descriptions to meet the overall needs of the organization.

Pathways of Hope is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Pay: $100,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $100,000 - $110,000