CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
LA’s BEST AFTER SCHOOL ENRICHMENT PROGRAM
(Los Angeles, California)
THE ORGANIZATION
LA’s BEST was created in 1988 by Mayor Tom Bradley and is a nationally recognized after school enrichment program serving more than 25,000 children in 194 public elementary schools throughout Los Angeles. The core activities of LA’s BEST are divided into “three and a half beats”: help with homework, a learning activity that boosts core academic skills such as reading and math, something that’s new and just plain fun, and a nutritious meal. These components provide structure for a program that is otherwise customized based on students’ needs and the site staff’s interests and experience. Enhanced and specialized programs have been added throughout the years to supplement the core activities available at each of the participating school.
Culture and Values
A core value that permeates the organization at every level is the belief that after school all children need a safe place to be with caring, responsible adults and engaging activities that connect each child to his or her school, family and community. The activities in LA’s BEST programs are not an extension of the academic school day and are not seen as ends in themselves. Instead, they are vehicles for creating values, building skills and solidifying peer and adult relationships. The core philosophy of the organization is that, “nothing we do is as important as the effect it has on a child.”
LA’s BEST programs are located at schools with high rates of poverty and in neighborhoods most vulnerable to gangs, drugs, and crime. Programs are tailored to the unique needs of the schools and communities where they are based. That includes hiring staff from those same communities. It also means that parents are equal and accountable partners in improving student achievement and their views and priorities are solicited and respected.
Organizational Structure
A unique organizational structure exists that includes a partnership with the Los Angeles Mayor’s Office and a co-management arrangement with the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). Since its inception, LA’s BEST corporate offices have been housed in City Hall. This is a reflection of the origins of the organization as a pilot project of the Mayor’s Office and the continued close relationship. While LA’s BEST is an independent nonprofit, it works hand-in-hand with LAUSD in providing the program through the Operations Office of the organization, overseen by the Chief Operating Officer. There are nearly 2,400 operations staff members working at schools and in field offices. The Corporate Office, which is overseen by the President & CEO, is comprised of 18 staff members who are responsible for finances, communication and public affairs, fund development and strategic relationships. LA’s BEST funding comes from the California Department of Education, the City of Los Angeles, foundations, individual donors and fundraising events.
THE POSITION
The role of the CFO is to manage the finances of the organization, supervise financial staff, ensure cohesion between our Operations and Corporate offices, prepare and manage successful audits, ensure that policies and systems that support financial control and effectiveness are in place and fully functioning, and prepare clear and concise reports to the President & CEO and Board of Directors.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Management & Leadership
- Provide leadership for finance department, working closely with the President & CEO, the Finance Committee, and corporate and operations staff.
- Assess the organization’s staffing and contract needs and advise the President & CEO on relevant changes to organizational structure.
- Hire and/or train accounting staff.
Fiscal Management
- Develop and monitor annual budget for corporate office and portion of operations budget managed by the corporation.
- Issue monthly and/or quarterly financial statements.
- Produce reports as requested to detail income and expenditures summaries.
- Prepare supporting documentation for board finance meetings.
- Facilitate audits and fiscal monitoring.
- Ensure compliance with tracking and reporting requirements set forth by funders.
- Assure adequate internal controls and accounting of all incoming funds, including developing and maintaining sound financial practices; execute legal documents appropriately.
- Ensure that the organization uses the most effective technological financial monitoring and management tools.
- Maintain corporate records and documents and helps to ensure compliance with federal, state and local regulations and reporting requirements.
- Understand and anticipate the challenges of public funding at local, state, and federal levels.
Communication and Coordination
- Serve as finance liaison between LA’s BEST and Los Angeles Unified School District, including the LA’s BEST Operations Office. Beyond the Bell, Specially Funded Accounting, Budget Services and Office of General Counsel.
- Review donor reports for content and accuracy.
- Provide counsel for fundraising initiatives to insure needs of organization are met.
- Work with operations team and Finance Committee to understand the operations budget prepared by the Operations Office for fiscal year.
- Assure adequate control and accounting of all funds, including developing and maintaining sound financial practices and disbursements of funds in accordance with contract requirements and donor designations.
- Work with the President & CEO, staff, Finance Committee and the board in preparing a budget; help to see that the organization operates within budget guidelines.
Required Qualifications:
- Significant professional experience of progressive financial management responsibility, preferably in a nonprofit or government environment that involves partnerships with both the public and private sectors.
- Understanding of nonprofit accounting.
- Experience working in complex and large organizations preferred.
- Knowledge of and experience with public and private grants preferred.
- Financial management experience with at least a $3 million budget.
- Experience working with a board of directors and developing engaged and effective governance.
- Experienced in originating, coordinating, controlling and completing fiscal projects within budget guidelines.
- Significant experience in audits, financial reporting and accounting; Certified Public Accountant preferred.
COMPENSATION:
Annual compensation is competitive and will be commensurate with experience. An attractive employee benefits package is provided.
TO APPLY:
Confidential nominations and applications are encouraged.
Qualified candidates are invited to apply by sending their resume, cover letter and salary requirements.
Job Type: Full-time
Experience:
- Accounting : 10 years (Required)
Education:
- Bachelor’s (Required)
Language:
- United States (Required)