Chief Financial Officer

About Upward Bound House

Upward Bound House is a community-based, social agency founded in 1991 to help mitigate the affordable housing crisis on the West side of Los Angeles County and its impact on homeless families with children.

Our mission is to eliminate homelessness among families with children in our community by providing housing, supportive services, and advocacy. We strive to reduce the number of homeless families with minor children who are hungry and living on the streets of Los Angeles, by helping them access basic resources and successfully transition into their own homes with the capacity to remain there permanently.

Since our inception, UBH has helped over 2,930 families – including more than 5,730 children – transition from homelessness into permanent housing, with over 90% of families remaining stably housed more than one year later.

Strategic Plan 2022 to 2023

In 2022, and in partnership with the Center for Nonprofit Management, the Board of Directors adopted a new strategic plan for 2023 through 2025. The Plan identified two north stars that are woven into the initiatives that flow from the plan:

• Disrupting intergenerational homelessness
• Centering financial sustainability for families

Study patterns show that intergenerational homelessness is on the rise. This occurs when two generations of a family experience homelessness: either together (i.e., family homelessness) or separately. The widening economic, social, and health disparities created over the last decades have exacerbated this trend, and we now see sequential generations of families experiencing homelessness. In order to end family homelessness, it is critical to develop and implement solutions for the entire family unit and not just the head of household. UBH’s approach involves working directly with children within the family because data shows that generational poverty is a key driver of intergenerational homelessness. Children who grow up with housing insecurity and a lack of resources and opportunities are 3 to 4 times more likely to experience homelessness. Intentionally embracing children as central beneficiaries and participants in stabilizing families will be a game changer in ending family homelessness. Leveling the playing field for these children means access to educational, social, and health resources which will give them a chance to compete for opportunities that will lead to self-sufficiency.

The majority of homeless families cite economic reasons as the primary cause of their homelessness. Addressing this root cause is the key to ensuring housing stability. In centering financial sustainability as a lifestyle practice, UBH’s approach is to empower each family to articulate what a sustainability practice looks like for them and then charting a pathway to achieve it.

Learn more about Upward Bound House at UBH’s website.

The Opportunity

Upward Bound House has experienced significant growth over the past decade, expanding from a $1.5M to an $11M budget through a strategic and incremental approach to expansion. This deliberate strategy has enabled the organization to focus on building essential infrastructure and human capital for future sustainability.

In light of this, we are seeking a strategic and confident Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to join the Executive Leadership team and uphold this commitment to sustainability within the Finance and Accounting Department. Diplomatic and impactful, this individual will have the opportunity to build upon Upward Bound House's legacy of success while addressing the evolving needs of the communities we serve.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the CFO will oversee all finance, accounting, and reporting activities. They will play a key role in supporting presentations to the Board and Finance Committee and collaborate closely with the Senior Leadership Team. Responsibilities of the CFO will include leading day-to-day finance operations and supervising staff, with functional oversight of accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and grants administration. Additionally, the CFO will ensure the implementation of effective systems and procedures to support program implementation and facilitate flawless audits. Furthermore, they will work closely with Senior Management and Human Resources to enhance and integrate finance functions where appropriate.

The CFO will join a dedicated and mission-driven team, collaborating with various contracts and funders with diverse needs and requirements. They will serve as a trusted leader, collaborator, manager, and advisor within Upward Bound House's leadership team. This presents an exciting opportunity for a financial leader with a genuine interest in making a meaningful impact in the Los Angeles community by addressing intergenerational homelessness.

Roles & Responsibilities

Finance and Accounting Leadership

• Oversee all accounts, ledgers, and reporting systems ensuring compliance with appropriate GAAP standards and regulatory requirements.
• Manage routine accounting functions (accounts payable, payroll, billing, client trust).
• Maintain internal control and safeguards for receipt of revenue, costs, program budgets, and actual expenditures.
• Month-end close and financial reporting to the Board of Directors and Senior Management.
• Coordinate all audit activity (annual financial audit and grant audits).
• Consistently analyze financial data and present financial reports in an accurate and timely manner; clearly communicate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements; monitor progress and changes; and keep the CEO abreast of UBH’s financial status.
• Lead UBH’s annual budgeting and planning process; develop UBH’s annual budget in collaboration with Senior Management; administer and review all financial plans and compare to actual results with a view to identify, explain, and correct variances as appropriate.
• Support the CEO in engaging the Board’s Finance Committee around issues and trends in financial operating models and delivery.
• Oversee all financial, project/program, and grants accounting; ensure that expenditures are consistently aligned with grant and program budgets throughout the grant/fund period; collate financial reporting materials for government, corporate, and foundation grants.
• Manage organizational cash flow forecasting by working in partnership with the program leadership; continuously collaborate with program leadership to assess the financial efficacy of program operations and establish finance and administrative systems to support program operations.
• Manage and track the performance of invested assets in keeping with policies and investment guidelines.
• Staff Finance Committee meetings.
• Other duties as assigned. 

Team Leadership

• Leverage strengths of the current Finance team, help to clarify roles and responsibilities, and develop and implement training programs in order to maximize and reach optimal individual and organizational goals.
• Provide leadership in strengthening internal communications with staff at all levels throughout the organization; create and promote a positive and supportive work environment.

Candidate Profile

The Chief Financial Officer should possess a minimum of 10 years of progressive finance and accounting experience, including at least 3 years in a management capacity. Additionally, they should have 5-7 years of nonprofit experience, with a strong understanding of nonprofit accounting, grant management, cost allocation concepts, and other nonprofit accounting practices/standards.

Ideal candidates will demonstrate expertise in grant administration and government contracts, along with excellent proficiency in QuickBooks and MS Excel. A Bachelor's Degree in accounting or a related field is required for this role. 

While no one candidate will possess every quality outlined for this position, a successful candidate will bring many of the following professional competencies and personal attributes: 

Passion for the Mission

The CFO will demonstrate an unwavering commitment to Upward Bound House's mission and a profound dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion, along with a commitment to trauma-informed care. They will possess a clear understanding of how their role aligns with UBH's vision and mission and will exemplify personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and professionalism.

Strategic Financial Leadership

The CFO will be a hands-on strategic thinker, taking full ownership of the agency's Finance Department. Serving as a crucial thought partner to the CEO, Senior Staff, and Board of Directors, they will play a pivotal role in developing and implementing a financial vision to ensure the organization's financial health, future sustainability, and impact. Additionally, the CFO will be responsible for optimizing the organization's resources and funding, leveraging them effectively.

Proactive and resourceful, the CFO will anticipate potential problems and areas of risk, identify trends, and devise practical solutions and strategies to mitigate risk in a dynamic and rapidly growing environment. They will possess a balanced approach, able to switch between strategic planning and hands-on execution as needed, while also demonstrating strong delegation skills and a commitment to recruiting, mentoring, training, and retaining a diverse team. 

Furthermore, the CFO will be adept at navigating ambiguity and adaptable to shifting priorities, efficiently managing multiple tasks and projects.

Finance and Accounting Expertise

The Chief Financial Officer must possess extensive financial and accounting expertise, including a strong understanding of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). This executive will bring experience and proficiency in various areas such as fund accounting, cash flow management, financial planning and analysis, risk management, financial reporting, budget development, investment management, and oversight of audit processes, accounting functions (accounts payable and receivable, general ledger), and payroll. Additionally, the CFO will have a comprehensive understanding of uniform guidance requirements for single audits and a proven track record in grants management, ensuring compliance and accurate reporting for government, corporate, and foundation grants.

The CFO will facilitate a transparent and collaborative budgeting process and deliver timely and accurate financial reports to the CEO and Board. They will actively collaborate with the CEO and Senior Staff on revenue development and grant opportunities to inform strategic decisions. Providing essential financial advice and counsel for tactical decision-making will be another key responsibility, alongside effectively managing day-to-day financial functions. Moreover, the CFO will possess knowledge of industry-standard tools and metrics. 

Analytical, Organizational, and Problem-Solving Skills

The Chief Financial Officer will bring sharp analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, enabling strategic data interpretation rather than simple reporting. With a proven track record, this leader will drive operational improvements by leveraging systems and technology to streamline workflows, simplify policies and procedures, and eliminate redundancies. Proactive and resourceful, the CFO will set priorities aligned with the mission, solve problems, and guide appropriate investments in human capital and systems for optimal performance and alignment with present and future organizational needs. Additionally, the CFO will serve as an effective change agent, adept at gaining buy-in and leading change initiatives during periods of growth and ambiguity. 

Excellent Communication, Relationship-Building, and Collaboration Skills

The CFO will possess robust interpersonal and relationship-building skills, fostering effective and collaborative relationships throughout the organization. This executive will engage with all levels of the organization, serving as an accessible and hands-on partner to identify solutions, address pressing issues, and explore opportunities. With excellent communication abilities, the CFO will effectively convey key data, including presentations to senior management, the CEO, the Board, and external partners in a concise and clear manner. Moreover, the CFO will have the critical thinking skills and capability to translate complex financial concepts into understandable terms for individuals at all levels, ensuring buy-in around strategic financial priorities organization-wide. 

Compensation & Benefits

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. The salary range for this role is $150,000 - $165,000 with a generous benefits package.

Contact

Koya Partners has been exclusively retained for this engagement. Express interest in this role by filling out our Talent Profile or emailing the search team directly at [email protected]. All inquiries and discussions are strictly confidential.

Koya Partners l Diversified Search Group is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals living with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual living with a disability and need assistance expressing interest online, please email [email protected]. If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the interview process.

Upward Bound House is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ+ applicants.

About Koya Partners l Diversified Search Group

Koya Partners, a Diversified Search Group company, is the nation’s premier search firm dedicated to mission-driven leadership. Since its founding in 2004, Koya has had an exclusive focus on mission-driven clients and was founded on the belief that the right leader can transform an organization and have a deep and measurable impact on our world. Koya works with nonprofits & NGOs, responsible businesses, and social enterprises in local communities and around the world.

Diversified Search Group is consistently recognized by Forbes on its top 10 list of “America’s Best Executive Recruiting Firms” and is an industry leader in recruiting transformational leaders for a changing world. The firm is deliberately different in its approach, with best-in-class teams who have decades of experience in cultivating inclusive leaders, understanding the dimensions of diversity, and building equitable teams.

Learn more about Koya Partners l Diversified Search Group via the firm's website.