Director of Finance and Accounting

Director of Finance

Communities First, Inc. is a Michigan based nonprofit 501c3 whose mission is to build healthy, vibrant communities through economic development, affordable housing, and innovative programming. CFI is focused on providing safe, quality, affordable housing, increasing economic opportunities, and improving the quality of life of the populations that the organization serves. 

Job Summary 

The Director of Finance is responsible for the financial leadership, oversight, and fiscal integrity of Communities First, Inc. This position provides strategic financial guidance to the President and CEO, senior leadership, and the Board of Directors to support sound decision-making and sustainable organizational growth. 

The Director of Finance oversees financial planning, accounting operations, financial reporting, compliance, and grant financial management. The role ensures adherence to nonprofit financial best practices, Uniform Guidance, and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). 

Essential Functions 

Financial Management and Internal Controls 

• Provide leadership and oversight of all organizational financial operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll oversight, and financial reporting. 
• Ensure adherence to established accounting cycles and financial reporting deadlines. 
• Monitor organizational cash flow and maintain strong financial controls. 
• Develop, implement, and maintain financial policies and procedures. 
• Ensure compliance with Uniform Guidance, GAAP, and nonprofit financial standards. 
• Identify and implement strategies to minimize financial risk. 
• Supervise, lead, and support finance staff and consultants as needed. 

Grant Financial Management 

• Develop tools and processes to track and monitor grant expenditures and ensure compliance with funder requirements. 
• Develop and manage grant budgets and assist in budget revisions as needed. 
• Oversee financial reporting requirements for public and private funders. 
• Ensure systems are in place to track eligible expenses and maintain compliance. 
• Oversee preparation for financial monitoring or audits conducted by funding agencies. 
• Collaborate with leadership to evaluate funding opportunities and develop financial projections for new grants or funding streams. 

Organizational Budgeting and Financial Planning 

• Lead the development of the annual organizational budget in partnership with executive leadership and department leaders. 
• Develop and monitor financial forecasts and long-term financial planning. 
• Provide financial modeling and analysis to support organizational strategy and decision-making. 
• Partner with housing and real estate leadership to review property-level financial performance and long-term asset management planning. 
• Analyze financial trends and provide insights to support organizational growth. 

Financial Reporting and Audits 

• Oversee the preparation and review of monthly organizational financial statements. 
• Prepare financial reports for executive leadership and the Board of Directors. 
• Support department leaders with financial reporting related to program and funder budgets. 
• Manage the annual audit process and serve as the primary liaison with external auditors. 
• Ensure timely preparation of all required financial documentation for audits and regulatory filings. 

Organizational Leadership 

• Serve as a member of the Senior Leadership Team. 
• Provide financial analysis and recommendations to support strategic initiatives. 
• Participate in Board of Directors meetings and support the Board Finance Committee. 
• Provide financial insights to support new initiatives, partnerships, and growth opportunities. 

Job Requirements 

• Nonprofit accounting experience preferred. 
• Real estate or asset management financial experience is strongly preferred. 
• Knowledge of partnership taxation and tax compliance preferred. 
• Minimum of three years of progressively responsible leadership experience in finance or accounting. 
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial software such as QuickBooks or similar systems. 
• Ability to synthesize complex financial data and communicate insights clearly. 

Technology and Financial Systems Proficiency 

• Demonstrated proficiency with financial and accounting software used in nonprofit or real estate environments. 
• Experience working with property management and affordable housing systems, including platforms such as MRI Affordable Housing Software, Boston Post, or similar systems. 
• Ability to utilize financial and property management data systems to generate reports, monitor property performance, and support financial analysis. 
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly advanced use of Microsoft Excel for financial modeling, forecasting, and reporting. 
• Experience integrating or coordinating data between accounting, property management, and grant management systems. 
• Ability to leverage technology and financial reporting tools to improve financial transparency, reporting accuracy, and organizational decision-making. 

Education 

Bachelor's degree in accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field required. Advanced degree preferred. 

Certification 

CPA preferred but not required. 

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

• Strong understanding of nonprofit financial management. 
• Knowledge of Uniform Guidance and GAAP. 
• Excellent financial analysis and forecasting skills.
• Strong leadership and collaboration abilities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. 

Equal Employment Opportunity & ADA Compliance 

Communities First, Inc. provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law.

This job description does not list all duties of the position. Additional duties may be assigned as needed to support Communities First, Inc.'s mission and operations.