Director of Finance

Organizational Mission: Esperanza Community Housing Corporation is a social justice non-profit in South Central Los Angeles that achieves long-term, comprehensive community development. We recognize that Indigenous, Black, Latino, and immigrant communities are disproportionately impacted by historical oppression, health disparities, disinvestment, and displacement. Therefore, we develop and preserve affordable housing; elevate health equity and access to care; mobilize for environmental justice; create and protect local economic opportunities; expand engagement in arts and culture; and advocate for policies protecting human rights. Esperanza works collaboratively to strengthen South Los Angeles. In all of our actions, Esperanza builds hope with the community.

Position Summary:

Under the direction of the Executive Director, the Director of Finance is responsible for all financial matters and activities to ensure the financial health of Esperanza Community Housing Corporation and its affiliate entities (Mercado La Paloma & Housing Portfolio). Working closely with the Executive Director and Board Finance Committee, the Director of Finance will manage day-to-day financial operations for a growing organization and provide strategic financial planning, implement financial decisions, improve financial processes, manage debt, improve revenue, maintain a healthy financial position, enhance funder confidence, and promote long- term financial growth. This position will manage 1 part-time financial assistant/bookkeeper and will collaborate with & supervise the HR Manager.

Financial Operations Management:

With the assistance of the bookkeeper, manage and complete the following duties:

• Weekly payment processing and check issuance
• Grant invoice preparation and tenant invoice preparation
• Cash/check receipts and bank deposits
• Bank account reconciliations, balance sheet reconciliations, and entries to maintain general ledger in QuickBooks Online
• Maintain vendor files
• Ensure appropriate approvals, back up documentation, and oversight of the organization’s Fiscal Policies & Procedures

Financial Analysis Responsibilities:

• Prepare financial reports, cash flow projections, budgets, and other financial analysis for Executive Management, Finance Committee, and Board of Directors
• Ensure timeliness and accuracy of financial reporting for federal and state funders, foundations, lenders, and other funders.
• Maintain all financial records and documents for audit and tax authority review; coordinate timely completion of audits and tax filings including annual 1099 filings.
• Oversee compliance for government contracts and other grants.
• Develop and oversee financing strategies and activities for cash investments, affordable housing, and other property management for Esperanza and affiliate entities in conjunction with Executive Management
• Represent the organization to financial partners, lenders, auditors, etc.
• Participate in Staff, Finance Committee, and Board of Directors meetings, as requested
• Collaborate with the executive director and program managers to develop budgets and track key performance indicators
• Assist departments with forecasting, invoicing, and training as needed
• Ensure legal and regulatory compliance regarding all financial functions
• Stay up to date on nonprofit audit best practices and state and federal law regarding nonprofit accounting and operations

General Organizational Policies and Management Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement strategies, policies & procedures to achieve strategic plan initiatives, long-term financial health, integration of staff with finance activities, strong information security, and stable employee relations
• Participate in organizational policy development and oversight
• Ensure periodic review of Fiscal policies by Board of Directors
• Ensure appropriate procedures and internal controls for maintenance, data quality and information security on all financial and non-financial systems and records
• Supervise HR Manager and associated HR functions such as payroll processing, onboarding, offboarding, timekeeping, salary adjustments, and benefits administration.
• Collaborate with Tech Consultant on IT needs for the organization
• Assist with Insurance renewals and work with the leadership of the organization to develop policies and procedures that safeguard the organization
• Provide general support in organization-wide purchasing and leases

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business, or related field is required.
• Master’s Degree is preferred.
• Certified Public Accountants and Chartered Financial Analysts are preferred.
• 4+ years’ experience in accounting with at least 2 years’ nonprofit finance experience
• Strong understanding of GAAP
• Proficiency with QuickBooks Online required
• Experience with fund accounting required
• Experience in financial management, including public and private grants
• Experience working with growing non-profit organizations is preferred.
• Highly proficient in Microsoft Excel and with Windows operating systems
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage and appropriately prioritize multiple projects simultaneously
• Ability to work independently and build long-term solutions for the organization
• Experience working on year-end audit or taxes
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Ability and desire to work in a multi-cultural & bilingual environment
• Ability to develop strong working relationships with colleagues across departments and seniority levels
• Desire to work for a community-based, social justice, non-profit organization

Employment Type: This is a full-time (40 hours/week), exempt, salaried, at-will staff position, employed by Esperanza Community Housing Corporation. This position requires independent judgment, and direct administrative work relating to internal processes. Exempt employees are expected to work at minimum 40 hours a week, spending the necessary time within reason to accomplish all assigned duties and tasks, in order to complete key assignments and related tasks on schedule, and will have an orientation period of 90 days for benefits, and 6 months for performance and review.

Compensation & Benefits: Competitive starting salary range of $100,000-$125,000, based on qualifications and experience. Esperanza Community Housing offers comprehensive benefits that include: 100% medical and dental, cash in lieu of medical and dental, unemployment, 401K with matching, group life, accidental death, long-term disability, and holiday/vacation/sick leave pay.

Work Environment: This is a full-time in-office, 40-hour/week position that will work on-site at Esperanza’s South Los Angeles office, on a work schedule that facilitates direct engagement and support. There are options to work a hybrid schedule with Executive Director approval. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones and photocopiers. The work environment is usually consistent with that of a typical office’s noise level.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This job requires that the employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Also required is the ability to listen, hear, speak, read, write, concentrate, and climb stairs, bend, and stoop. Must be able to use a telephone and computer to accomplish a variety of job tasks.

To apply: Email a cover letter, resume, and 3 professional references to hr@esperanzacommunityhousing.org with the subject line: Director of Finance

Esperanza Community Housing is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, religion, disability, or any other status protected by laws or regulations. We work to ensure fair treatment of applicants and employees and actively enforce zero tolerance policies against discrimination and harassment. Women, people of color, and South Los Angeles residents are strongly encouraged to apply