Los Angeles, CA

Full-time

Title: Director of Finance and Operations
Status / Classification: Full-time / Exempt
Compensation: $95,000- $110,000
Benefits: Health, vision, dental, CalSavers option, co-share working space, and gym membership
Location: Hybrid (remote with regular in-person activity required)
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Start Date: August 2024

MISSION
Arts for LA (AFLA) activates artists and organizations and leads communities to advocate for an equitable, healthy, and creative Los Angeles region through the arts.

DESCRIPTION
AFLA seeks a full-time Director of Finance and Operations. The Director of Finance and Operations provides strategic leadership and vision to finance, budgeting, and information technology operations. They oversee all accounting functions, ensure accurate and timely program monitoring and annual audits, and provide regular financial reports to the staff and Board of Directors. The Director of Finance and Operations serves as liaison to the Board of Directors Finance and Audit Committees and as a trusted collaborator and thought partner with the CEO and Senior Leadership Team. This is the ideal position for an experienced mission-driven finance leader (e.g., Controller, Director of Finance) ready to take the next step in their career. This person will continue to build and execute the financial processes and systems and operational processes and systems of AFLA in partnership with the CEO.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Finance Management

• Manages and oversees all financial operations including but not limited to accounting, forecasting, budgeting, payroll, investments, grants management/ invoicing, and scenario planning to safeguard the ongoing sustainability of the organization.
• Ensures all financial operations comply with local, state, and federal laws; updates finance policies as needed and provides training to relevant staff to ensure compliance. Manages internal controls, conducts internal audits and reconciliations to identify any gaps or red flags.
• Ensures all required filings (including but not limited to payroll taxes; sales & use tax; property tax, forms 990, 199, RRF-1, etc.) are timely and accurate.
• Participates in organizational revenue planning and development of grant budgets, optimization of resources, identification of areas of risk and potential solutions to mitigate them.
• Ensures there are documented up-to-date standard operating procedures to support implementation of the finance function in accordance with accounting standards.
• Oversees all agency banking activities and actively manages cash flow to meet organizational needs. Alerts the CEO to any potential shortfalls and to plan alternatives.
• Serves as primary contact for independent auditors to ensure annual audit is completed timely; cooperates with funder audits and prepares corrective action plans, if needed.
• Prepares monthly financial reports and periodic forecasts for the organization overall and for individual programs/functional areas; develops and presents quarterly and ad hoc financial reports for the Finance Committee and Board of Directors.
• Oversees preparation of financial reports required for funders in cooperation with the development team; ensures that complete and accurate cost reimbursement and fee for service invoices are submitted timely.
• Develops an investment policy statement (IPS) and monitors, tracks, and reports on investment performance monthly, quarterly, and annually.
• Monitors grant spending to ensure compliance with grant requirements, applicable codes of federal regulations, or other oversight bodies to ensure satisfactory audits and avoid disallowed costs. Prepares final budget reports for grants.
• Leads preparation of annual program and organizational budgets in partnership with Executive and Senior Leadership teams.
• Serves as a member of the Senior Leadership Team and serves as liaison to AFLA’s Finance and Audit Committees and the Board of Directors. Provides input on organizational strategy and is responsible for achieving relevant strategic goals.
• Leads implementation of accounting, payroll, and timekeeping software.
• Processes the staff’s health care payments and Cal Savers.
• Manages accounts payable and receivables; processes vendor invoices and payments.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Operational Management

• Drafts and implements vendor contract agreements and other contracting protocols for guest artists, vendors, contractors, consultants, etc.
• Manages the AFLA’s CRMs as needed to ensure they’re up-to-date and in compliance; ensure data integrity, uniformity, maintenance, input, and integration across all systems.
• Supports adequate reporting around performance and execution against organizational goals and objectives.
• Is responsible for computer systems administration, including the server, networking, and workstations, both in-house and remotely as well as supervises computer consultants.
• Ensures compliance with regulatory and governmental agencies’ requirements.
• Supports the implementation of AFLA’s 2022 – 2026 strategic plan and mid-year organizational goals checkpoints.
• Supports the organization’s major annual projects/events:conferences, collective impact work, virtual programming, etc as needed.

Organizational Leadership

• Provides strategic leadership and vision to the Finance Department and oversees all accounting functions, ensures accurate and timely program monitoring and annual audits, and provides regular financial reports to the Board of Directors.
• Works with the Director of Development to manage AFLA’s financial and development database entry and reconciliation processes.
• Shares in the day-to-day operations of the organization as it relates to the duties of the position or as in the normal course of the running of the office as do the other staff members (i.e. logistics etc.).

Supervisory Responsibility
This position oversees finance contractors, outside accountants, and the auditors.

Eligibility
Ideal candidates should hold the following qualifications and experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field is required. MBA or related Master’s degree is highly desired.
• Minimum 5-7 years proven track record as a nonprofit CFO, Controller, or Director of Finance (or comparable work experience) with deep understanding of nonprofit accounting principles, cost allocation practices, grants management, and oversight of government funding required.
• Expert level QuickBooks Online and Microsoft Excel is essential.
• Experience implementing and using Gusto or other payroll/time and attendance platforms.
• Proficient with cash flow management, budgeting, financial analysis and reporting, investment management, accounting functions and payroll.
• Proficient with translating complex financial concepts to individuals at all levels, including finance and non-finance personnel and Board members.
• Demonstrated excellence in organizational, managerial, and communication skills.

Preferred, but not required skills

• Awareness of Los Angeles arts community and local government structures.
• Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

• California state driver’s license and ability to use own car for travel.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with people and organizations of diverse backgrounds and political viewpoints.
• Understanding and supporting the values, mission, and goals of AFLA.

Work Environment
This job operates in a hybrid work-from-home and professional office environment.

Travel
This position requires local travel, as well as occasional travel within the state of California.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work
This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work are M-F from 9:00am- 5:00pm, with some weekend and evening hours required.

Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Compensation
Full-Time position – Starting salary range $95,000 – 110,000 dependent on experience. Benefits include health, vision, and dental care, CalSavers option, co-share working space, and gym membership.

How to Apply
Submit resume, cover letter, and list of contact information for three references to operations@artsforla.org with the subject line: “Director of Finance and Operations” no later than August 14, 2024.