Job Details
GHJ Search and Staffing has partnered with Catalyst California to identify a Chief Financial Officer, the newest member of their Executive team.
Mission
Catalyst California advocates for racial justice by building power and transforming public systems. We partner with communities of color, conduct innovative research, develop policies for actionable change, and shift money and power back into our communities.
Learn more about Catalyst California by visiting
Position Summary:
The CFO is a key member of the executive leadership team, and a financial, operational, and strategic business partner in guiding the organization. The CFO will drive and support the financial, operational, and administrative success of the organization. This position will be responsible for creating, maintaining, and enabling organization adherence to Finance department policies and procedures, as well as the preparation of budgets, development of financial reports, design of internal controls, management of external audit activities, and direction of activities related to financial strategy, planning, forecasting, and reporting.
This position will advise and partner with teams across the organization to further develop internal controls to mitigate risk and safeguard assets of the agency by providing financial expertise, establishing strong systems, refining processes, and developing financial literacy to promote accountability and ownership organization-wide. The CFO will ensure the highest standards of fiscal management and guide how the organization manages incoming philanthropic funds and grants, expenses, and overall cash flow.
The CFO will collaborate with other senior leaders, to align mission and operational planning, and promote fiscal accountability throughout the organization. They will work closely with the Board of Directors (BOD) and must be able to demonstrate the ability to think and consult strategically, influence business decisions, and be comfortable working in a cause driven environment. The CFO will bring broad strategic perspectives and a hands-on day-to-day approach, with an eagerness and willingness to innovate. This position is ideal for an individual who thrives on being strategic and forward-looking, while also focused on managing details and ensuring the highest quality of work.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Report to the Executive Vice President (EVP) and serve as the Chief Financial Officer to provide strategic vision and leadership of the financial health of the organization.
- Oversee the finance and accounting functions to lead the establishment and fulfillment of complex financial forecasting, tracking, analysis, and control processes and systems.
- Analyze, review, and ensure accurate and timely financial statements, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow reports.
- Monitor performance, including budget vs actual, variance to forecast, and track and report on key performance indicators.
- Drive the annual operating budget process and develop plans to deploy/manage all resources and investments most effectively and economically.
- Develop and execute cash management strategies to ensure sufficient liquidity for ongoing operations and future initiatives.
- Supervise the Controller and the Director of Budget and Grants Management in their day-to-day accounting and budgeting activities, including but not limited to, accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, and grants and donations management to help manage spending in close alignment with budgets and forecasts. Work closely with the BOD on investment, financial, and operational overviews.
- Regularly interact with the Board s Finance and Audit Committees on the oversight of their respective areas of responsibility.
- Work with BOD to manage the organization s investment portfolio to optimize returns while managing risks, following a Board-approved Investment Policy Statement.
- Create Board presentations related to financial information in an easily understandable narrative.
- Collaborate with the Development Team to strategize and secure funding through grants, donations, and sponsorships.
- Improve current systems and software for financial reporting and tracking to enable a more efficient and transparent workflow.
- Identify and amplify talent across the team, managing and mentoring individuals to achieve ambitious results, while fostering a high standard of excellence and accountability.
Qualifications, Skills, and Abilities:
- Bachelor s degree in business, accounting, or related field. A CPA is highly desirable, and an MBA or other advanced degree is considered a plus.
- 10+ years of financial leadership experience; preference for at least five years of experience leading the finance function for a growing nonprofit organization.
- Exceptional strategic and analytical skills, including financial planning, forecasting, modeling, and data analysis.
- Experience working with a suite of financial reporting and donor-tracking software.
- Track record of providing enterprise-wide financial planning and analysis to support decision-making, budget development, and budget management.
- Demonstrated ability to build relationships with and engage diverse, high-level board members and senior team leaders.
- Demonstrated success in leading and mentoring high-performing teams.
- High ethical standards, emotional intelligence, and personal integrity.
- Detects problems and is a visionary for developing workable alternatives.
- Commitment to the mission and values of Catalyst California.
- Travel may be necessary for meetings, conferences, or events.
Salary and Benefits:
In the spirit of transparency, the base salary range for this position is $180,000 - $200,000. When hired by Catalyst California, the selected candidate s final salary compensation will be determined based on factors such as skills, education, and/or experience. In addition to those factors, we believe in the importance of pay equity and consider internal equity of our current team members as a part of any final offer. Please keep in mind that the range mentioned above is the full salary range for the role. Hiring at the maximum of the range would not be typical to allow for future and continued salary growth.
- Medical, dental, and vision benefits for eligible employees and their spouses and/or dependents, including registered Domestic Partners.
- 403B retirement plan with employer matching benefits after 90-days.
- Flexible Spending Account for eligible employees to allocate pre-tax money throughout the year.
- Fifteen vacation days, three personal days, eight sick days, along with national and office holidays.
- Organizational and team Wellness Days to help build team cohesion and camaraderie.
- Flexibility of a hybrid work environment combining remote work with in-person office work.
- Opportunity to work in an environment that is sensitive to employee wellbeing and encourages work-life balance.
- Opportunity to see the meaning and impact of your work at an organization that is actively building more equitable communities and systems across California.
- Opportunity to work in a company dedicated to pay equity and a diverse work culture.
- Yearly professional development allowance and personalized professional development goals.
References:
Successful candidates will be required to provide professional references upon request. These references should include previous direct supervisors or senior executives who can speak to the candidate's qualifications, achievements, and character in a professional capacity.
Catalyst California is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Catalyst California is partnering on this search with GHJ Search and Staffing. Please direct all inquiries to Derrick Coleman, Partner and Practice Leader, at ...@ghjadvisors.com. No other agency referrals please.