Chief Financial Officer

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW

As a center for Jewish philanthropy, the Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund (the Federation) mobilizes assets to support the most pressing issues of our time, while building and sustaining thriving Jewish communities in the Bay Area, Israel, and beyond for generations to come. We inspire personal and collaborative philanthropy and facilitate grantmaking, impact lending, and advocacy to make the world a better place.

Guided by our Jewish values, the Federation acts as a community foundation, collaborating with individuals and families to realize their charitable visions while also connecting and strengthening the Jewish nonprofit sector. In 2024, the Federation provided grants and loans totaling over $222 million, establishing it as the largest funder of Jewish causes in California. Learn more about us.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is the chief fiscal officer of the Jewish Community Federation, responsible for developing the overall financial strategy in accordance with and in service to the organization’s overall mission and strategy. The role will provide leadership and management direction to the accounting and finance, risk management and building-related functions and staff of the organization including all financial and accounting operations, building operations, policies and procedures, reporting systems, annual audit, tax returns, and internal financial statements. In all functions and responsibilities, the CFO provides the highest level of client service and responsiveness to all stakeholders of the Federation as well as leadership and embodiment of the highest standard of integrity and transparency.

We currently work in the hybrid environment and are expected to be in the office at minimum two days a week (Wednesday & Thursday).

MANAGERIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

This role has managerial responsibilities for Finance and Accounting and Building Management.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Financial Management

• Support the ongoing development of a sustainable business model strategy in conjunction with the Board, lay committees (Finance, Business Strategy & Growth) and the Executive Management and Leadership teams.
• Oversee development of the annual operating budget.
• Oversee audit and tax preparation processes for the Federation and all related entities; work closely with Audit chair and Audit Committee.
• Formulate and implement accounting policies and practices in conformance with all relevant law, FASB and IRS regulations.
• Develop, monitor and improve internal accounting controls and performance efficiencies.
• Monthly monitoring of performance compared to budget.
• Provide disciplined financial analysis to major organization decisions.
• Produce regular financial information and analysis for senior management, Board of Directors and relevant governing bodies for the Federation leadership, supporting foundations, endowment funds, donor advised funds and other relevant stakeholders.
• Develop and produce in close partnership with the Data Operations teams financial metrics dashboard to support the regular operations and strategic decision making of the Federation.
• Ensure that all grants made by the Federation comply with all appropriate policies, procedures, regulations and legal requirements.

Investment Oversight

• Oversee Outsourced Investment Management in management of financial assets under the guidance of the Investment Committee of the Board of Directors.
• Responsible for the cash management and treasury functions
• Represent Federation to donors (DAFs, Supporting Org boards).
• Champion, provide support and partnership for our impact investing efforts with Impact Investing team and lay subcommittee.

Business Operations

• Oversee payroll in close partnership with the HR team, purchasing and all disbursement functions of the Federation.
• Seeks continuous improvement in organizational performance, effective use of financial and human resources, and reporting to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the organization.
• Responsible for organization’s risk management including general liability and related insurance coverage and risk mitigation and disaster response.
• Responsible for the oversight and management of the organization’s buildings.

Management

• Leverage the strengths of the current Finance and Accounting teams, providing training, development and supervision in order to maximize and reach optimal individual and organizational goals.
• Evaluate direct reports and ensure timely and meaningful evaluation of all department staff by Controller and other management team members.
• Act as primary staff liaison to Finance Committee, Investment Committee, Audit Committee and Building Committee. Attend meetings for the Executive Committee, Board of Directors, and with donors and other supporting organization boards as appropriate and requested.
• Closely collaborate with CEO and as a strategic partner to the Executive Management team, including Chief Operating Officer and Chief Philanthropy Officer to align on business strategy, resource allocation, project implementation, and performance measurement.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES)

• Experience in not-for-profit financial accounting strongly preferred.
• Experience with oversight of endowment investment functions and external investment managers is highly preferred.
• Highly skilled relationship manager and communicator, both verbal and written, with a wide range of stakeholders, including executive management, board members, and community leaders.
• Experienced manager with demonstrated ability to select, develop, motivate, mentor, and retain high-performing staff.
• Knowledge of or experience in Jewish communal services is a huge plus.
• Demonstrated financial, analytical and project management skills.
• Experience related to business process re-engineering for increased efficiency and cost reduction; not afraid to be hands-on looking at people, processes, and technology to develop and implement recommendations.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and delegate responsibilities, to motivate lay leadership and staff and to manage multiple and varied projects.
• Demonstrated success driving technological advancement and end-to-end ERP integration. Previous experience implementing NetSuite and working in Salesforce environments is a huge plus.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of 8-10 years of successful management and leadership experience in all aspects of accounting, finance, investment management, risk management, and information technology with a demonstrated track record in personnel management and evaluation, budgeting, financial reporting and strategic thinking, and decision making.
• CPA, CMA and/or MBA required.

The Federation offers excellent benefits — medical, dental, vision, vacation, sick pay, holidays (including Jewish), and retirement plan.

EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES

The Federation views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a company culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible talent pool to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values. The Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund is an equal-opportunity employer