Chief Financial Officer

About the Organization

Come join Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz County! We are the first food bank in the State of California, and the second in the nation. We pride ourselves in providing 10 million pounds of food annually to over 65,000 people per month through our network of 150-member agencies and programs. We believe that a thriving community is one where everyone has access to nutritious food to support their health and wellbeing. Our team is dedicated to inspiring and supporting our community to provide nourishment for all community members.

Description

The CFO serves as a forward-thinking strategic member of the organization’s executive leadership team and plays a critical role in Second Harvest’s future growth and development. Working in partnership with the CEO, s/he provides input on a broad range of strategic, operational, IT and financial issues. S/he works with C-suite peers to enhance performance and capabilities to maximize output. The CFO is an adaptable leader who optimizes the financial well-being of the organization, while ensuring compliance with financial and governmental standards and regulations. The ideal candidate will bring a strong mix of strategic thinking and hands-on practical execution, capable of diving deep into financial operations while also maintaining a big-picture perspective.

REPORTS TO: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

SUPERVISES: Budget Director/Controller, Accounting Specialist (indirect supervision)

JOB SUMMARY

Finance

• Assess the current financial situation of the organization and develop a roadmap for continued financial strength.
• Develop long-term financial strategies that grow and maximize the organization’s financial resources
• Develop, implement, and maintain all financial policies and procedures and ensure appropriate internal controls.
• Direct and manage all fiscal operations of Second Harvest, including financial planning and forecasting, financial analyses, the handling of investments, cash management and provision of appropriate controls and reports, accounting, and payroll.
• Utilize a strong accounting background and expert-level knowledge of accounting processes to manage the complex processing of restricted and unrestricted funds, government and grant funding, etc.
• Work in partnership with C-Suite peers to identify opportunities to maximize performance and efficiencies.
• Actively engage in hands-on financial analysis, process improvements, and cost-saving initiatives.
• Ensure that the investment portfolio is administered and maximized consistent with the Board-approved investment policy, monitor investment policies and conduct periodic reviews of investment and endowment funds.
• Ensure the production and analysis of monthly, quarterly, and annual financials and other financial reports.
• Serve as support staff to the Audit Committee and Finance Committee of the Board of Directors.
• Direct all aspects of budget planning and presentation, ensuring a robust budget that is created with a bottom-up and top-down approach.
• Ensure that department executives receive monthly expenditures against budget projections and forecasts.
• Answer executive and board questions about budgets and improve the financial literacy of mid-level and upper management so that they can take ownership of their department’s budgets.
• Provide financial information for the annual audit, working closely with external auditor.

Coaching and Supervision

• Hire, train, supervise, and motivate Finance Department staff.
• Establish sound financial structure and division of duties for department staff (including self).
• Provide periodic performance evaluations, job description updates as appropriate for department staff.
• Communicate an inspiring vision and align department goals with organizational goals.
• Ensure that department staff receive appropriate training in key job elements, cross training, volunteer supervision and food bank policies and procedures.

Internal and External Leadership

• Forge and maintain positive relationships with internal stakeholders (peers, volunteers, trustees, etc.).
• Ensure strong positive relationships with external stakeholders, including peers from other food banks (i.e. donors, vendors and contractors).
• Act as the CEO’s chief financial advisor.
• Demonstrate enthusiasm for Second Harvest’s mission.
• Participate in strategic and operational planning for the organization.
• Facilitate the execution of organization strategy by working collaboratively and effectively with cross-departmental staff and ensuring that strategies are communicated to all throughout the organization.
• Communicate effectively and respectfully with people from different racial, ethnic, and cultural groups and from different backgrounds and lifestyles; demonstrates knowledge of and sensitivity to their needs.

Business Process Development

• Review results and continually improve the effectiveness and efficiency of Finance & other administrative functions as determined.
• Research, recommend, and implement improvements to business processes and procedures.
• Develop systems and procedures that ensure the smooth functioning of Finance & IT; document and update procedures and train staff on policies and procedures.
• Evaluate each area of financial operations, perform departmental audits to determine cost benefit and systematically report these results to the CEO.
• Recommend changes as necessary to improve systems or to enhance customer service.

Compliance and Risk Management

• Ensure that Second Harvest is in compliance with all federal, state and local laws and regulations.
• Manage Financial Risk Management for the organization.
• Ensure that the organization has strong data and information integrity.
• Work with insurance providers, monitoring coverage and communicating procedures to staff (Workers’ Compensation, Fire, Liability, Auto, etc.)

Position Requirements

Training and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution with a preferred major in Accounting, Business Administration/Management or equivalent.
• 10+ years’ work experience in finance or accounting
• 3+ years minimum experience in a finance leadership position.
• History of success in evaluating, recruiting, developing and empowering team members.
• Significant experience in or knowledge of nonprofit accounting, including fund and grant accounting, compliance and reporting.
• Audit experience and CPA or MBA are a definite plus.

Knowledge/Skills/Ability

• Strategic and quick thinker with prudent business judgment.
• Adaptable to change and not afraid to innovate.
• Highly computer literate with in-depth experience in accounting and CRM software (Navision or Ceres, experience a plus).
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to effectively communicate and work with people from different racial, ethnic and cultural groups, backgrounds and lifestyles.

Additional Requirements

• Must have access to a motor vehicle, as well as valid auto insurance coverage.
• Must have a valid California Driver’s License and a satisfactory driving record, as documented by a current MVR (will be obtained by the Food Bank’s insurance carrier).
• It is the responsibility of all SHFB personnel to participate in our Food Safety/Food Defense programs.
• Demonstrate ethical business practices, in conformance with all state and federal laws and regulations.
• Commitment to serving vulnerable populations and ending hunger in Santa Cruz County
• Demonstrate full adherence to the Code of Conduct and all policies/procedures related to compliance.
• Adherence to all applicable federal and state laws and regulations including, but not limited to, those governing confidentiality, privacy, program, billing, and documentation standards.
• Given the front-line nature of our work, there will be instances where staff are required to work a flexible schedule in order to respond to community needs. Advanced notice will be provided.
• In instances of a federal, state or locally declared emergency, Second Harvest is considered an essential service and emergency responder; all its employees may be called in to perform regular or emergent duties.
• Ability to meet the following physical requirements with or without reasonable accommodation:
• Able to hear conversations on the phone and in-person. The person in this position frequently communicates with donors, trustees, and vendors over the phone and by video meeting; must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
• Must be able to sit or stand at a desk for long periods of time to perform certain job functions.
• Be able to read, write, and interpret written reports, documents and manuals.
• Able to safely lift or carry items weighing up to 15 pounds.
• Bi-manual dexterity and able to use a computer keyboard.
• Frequent standing and sitting throughout the day.
• Use hands to manipulate, handle, feel, and control items or equipment, including laptop computer and motor vehicle.
• Climb up or down stairs.

STANDARD WORK SCHEDULE: Our business hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00 – 5:00pm. Occasional evening and weekend work is to be expected.

WORKSITE: 800 Ohlone Parkway, Watsonville, CA 95076

WORK FROM HOME: Possible after meeting probation period

JOB DETAILS: This is a full-time, regular, exempt position with a salary of $177,000-197,000; depending on education and experience.

To Apply: Please submit a cover letter and resume by November 30th at www.thefoodbank.org/careers

EOE Statement

Second Harvest seeks to attract and retain a diverse workforce that brings a broad range of perspectives and experiences to our work. We value lived experience alongside learned experience and we encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of our qualifications. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals.

Second Harvest is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

Second Harvest will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if Second Harvest is concerned about a conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report.

All job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by their supervisor.