Chief Financial Officer

Reports to: Deputy Chief Executive Officer

Department: Administration

Region: Orange County

Job Summary

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a strategic and visionary leader responsible for the overall financial health and integrity of Mercy House Living Centers and CHDO. This role provides executive-level leadership and oversight for all financial operations, financial planning, budgeting, risk management, and compliance activities. The CFO acts as a key advisor to the Executive Staff and Board of Directors, driving long-term financial strategy, ensuring fiscal sustainability, and maximizing resources to advance the organization's mission. A strong background in non-profit finance and, specifically, experience in real estate development, including affordable housing projects, is of significant value to this role. The CFO will directly supervise the Financial Director, empowering them to manage daily financial operations effectively.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Strategic Financial Leadership & Planning

• Develop and execute the organization's long-term financial strategy, aligning with the mission and strategic goals of Mercy House Living Centers and CHDO.
• Oversee the annual budgeting process, working closely with the CEO, DCEO and the Finance Director, Finance Committee and department heads to establish sound financial targets and resource allocation.
• Conduct comprehensive financial analysis to inform strategic decision-making, evaluate new initiatives, and assess program effectiveness.
• Develop and implement robust financial models and forecasting tools to predict future financial performance and identify potential challenges or opportunities.
• Identify and secure diverse funding streams, working in collaboration with the development team to support grant applications and donor relations.
• Participate actively in Board of Directors meetings, providing insightful financial reports and strategic recommendations.
• Provide financial leadership and oversight for real estate development projects, including financial modeling, securing development financing (e.g., tax credits, bonds, public/private partnerships), managing construction budgets, and ensuring financial viability of new and existing properties.

Financial Oversight & Management

• Oversee all financial operations, including accounting, accounts receivable/payable, general ledger, and revenue recognition, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.
• Oversee the management of organizational cash flow, investments, and banking relationships to optimize liquidity and secure assets.
• Establish and enforce strong internal controls, policies, and procedures to safeguard organizational assets and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Provide executive oversight for all grant financial management, ensuring strict adherence to grant agreements, timely reporting, and effective utilization of funds.
• Oversee the annual independent audit process, serving as the primary liaison with external auditors and ensuring timely completion and resolution of findings.
• Ensure all financial activities comply with GAAP for Not-for-Profits, IRS regulations for 501(c)(3) organizations, and all other applicable federal, state, and local financial regulations.
• Manage the financial aspects of all organizational properties, including property accounting, debt management, and financial reporting for real estate assets.

Reporting & Analysis

• Prepare and present clear, comprehensive, and insightful financial statements and reports to the Executive Staff, Finance Committee and Board of Directors.
• Provide financial analysis to support strategic decision-making, program evaluation, grant proposals, and new initiatives.
• Monitor key financial performance indicators (KPIs) and provide regular updates and actionable insights to senior leadership.
• Develop and maintain dashboards and reporting tools to provide real-time financial visibility.
• Develop and present detailed financial analyses for real estate development opportunities, including proformas, cash flow projections, and return on investment analyses.

Team Leadership & Development

• Directly supervise, mentor, and empower the Financial Director, fostering their professional growth and ensuring effective management of the finance team.
• Provide leadership and guidance to the entire finance department, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee recruitment, training, and performance management for the finance team.
• Champion professional development opportunities for all finance staff.

Technology & Systems

• Lead the selection, implementation, and optimization of financial management software and systems to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and reporting capabilities.
• Ensure the finance team leverages technology effectively to streamline processes and improve data analysis.
• Evaluate and implement specialized software or systems necessary for real estate development, financial management and reporting.

Risk Management

• Identify, assess, and mitigate financial risks to the organization, including operational, compliance, and strategic risks.
• Develop and implement contingency plans to address potential financial challenges.
• Assess and mitigate financial risks specifically related to real estate development projects.

Requirements:

Experience

• Master’s degree in accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field; CPA required.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive financial leadership experience, with at least 2-3 years in a senior leadership role (e.g., CFO, VP of Finance) within a not-for-profit organization of similar size and complexity.
• Demonstrated significant experience in non-profit finance, including in-depth knowledge of regulations specific to 501(c)(3) organizations.
• Experience in the financial aspects of real estate development, particularly in affordable housing, including securing and managing various financing structures (e.g., LIHTC, tax-exempt bonds, public grants, private equity).
• Proven track record of developing and implementing financial strategies that drive organizational sustainability and growth.
• Extensive experience with GAAP for Not-for-Profits, IRS regulations for 501(c)(3) organizations, grant accounting, and federal funding compliance.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex budgets (60M+ annual budget preferred) and overseeing multiple funding streams.
• Experience with advanced financial management software (e.g., NetSuite, Blackbaud Financial Edge, Sage Intacct) and superior Excel skills.

General

• Strong commitment to the mission and values of Mercy House Living Centers and a deep understanding of the unique financial landscape of not-for-profit organizations.
• Exceptional strategic thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills with meticulous attention to detail.
• Superior verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex financial information to diverse audiences, including non-financial stakeholders and the Board of Directors.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including funders, auditors, banking partners, and real estate development partners.
• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop high-performing finance teams.
• An ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple priorities effectively.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit for extended periods.
• Ability to use a computer and other office equipment.
• Ability to lift, push, and pull up to 50 pounds.
• A valid CA Class C Driver’s License is required.

Core Competencies:

• Adaptability: Ability to adjust to different perspectives, cultures, and backgrounds, recognizing the diverse interconnectedness of individuals and communities
• Compassion: Demonstrate empathy and understanding towards others, acknowledging their interconnectedness and inherent worth
• Humility: Recognize one’s own place within the larger interconnected web of humanity, showing openness to learning from others and acknowledging the contributions of all
• Build Trust: Excel in building and maintaining trust within teams and across organizational levels, consistently demonstrating integrity and honesty in communication, actions, and decision-making
• Accountability: Take responsibility for actions, admits mistakes, and continuously strives for self-improvement, and encourages a learning mindset within the organization
• Continuous Improvement: Commit to personal and professional development, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and encourages a learning mindset within the organization
• Communication: Excel in communicating clearly and persuasively through verbal, non-verbal, and written communication, conveying complex ideas with clarity, and fostering open dialogue across all levels of the organization
• Confidence: Exhibit courage in making bold decisions, taking action in the face of uncertainty, and embracing calculated risks on behalf of constituents
• Critical Thinking: Possess the ability to critically analyze existing policies related to homelessness and constructively advocate for changes that address systemic injustices
• Collaboration: Build and foster positive relationships with diverse range of stakeholders, including clients, coworkers, community organizations, and affected communities and effectively working toward the shared goal of ending homelessness
• Drive Change: Understand and embodies that every action is an opportunity to be innovative and draw ideas from others; implements valuable change to forward our mission and shares the “why’s” behind changes