Director of Finance

Black Cultural Zone CDC • Oakland, CA

5h • $117,000 - $135,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Are you an experienced financial leader interested in playing a pivotal leadership role and making a real impact? Black Cultural Zone Community Development Corporation (BCZ CDC) is seeking a Director of Finance with a demonstrated track record in strategic financial stewardship. This role is responsible for the organization's financial resources and ensuring its long-term sustainability. The Director will manage daily financial activities and navigate complex financial landscapes, including significant grant management, real estate development finance, and diverse regulatory frameworks. This position is vital for advancing BCZ CDC's mission to unapologetically center Black arts, culture, and economics in East Oakland and to guide the organization toward sustainability and maximizing its mission impact. We are seeking someone who is connected to and has a love for the East Oakland community. We are excited to welcome a new member to our team who shares our vision and is ready to jump in and make a difference.

Requirements

• Education & Experience: You must have a Bachelor's degree in Finance or Accounting with a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible financial management experience. Alternatively, a Master's degree in Finance or Business Management with a minimum of three years of relevant experience is acceptable. A minimum of five years of senior-level non-profit accounting experience is required, with supervisory experience strongly preferred.
• Specialized Knowledge: The role requires a strong understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and non-profit accounting principles. Experience with Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards (GAGAS) is also a requirement. Expertise in Community Development Corporation (CDC)-specific accounting and practical experience with tax credit-based financing (LIHTC, NMTC) are highly desirable.
• Abilities: You must have strong leadership qualities, with the ability to provide strategic vision and decisive guidance. Excellent written, oral, and presentation skills are essential to communicate complex financial data clearly and effectively to diverse audiences. You must also be highly organized, self-disciplined, and able to manage multiple responsibilities with minimal supervision.

Nice To Haves

• Expertise in Community Development Corporation (CDC)-specific accounting and practical experience with tax credit-based financing (LIHTC, NMTC) are highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead Financial Strategy & Planning: You will lead the development and activation of the annual operating budget in collaboration with executive leadership and the Board. You will also develop comprehensive long-term budgets aligned with BCZ CDC's strategic plan and anticipated capital needs, conduct rigorous budget variance analysis, and strategically assess revenue streams to ensure the organization's financial stability.
• Manage Accounting Operations: You will manage all day-to-day finance operations and lead the finance and accounting team, which includes a Program Controller, a real estate controller, an AP/AR Specialist, and an Accounting Assistant. You will serve as the primary administrator of the NetSuite, Bill.com, and other accounting systems, and support the conversion from QuickBooks to NetSuite. You will also lead all monthly reconciliation processes and the accurate and timely execution of monthly and year-end financial closes, ensuring strict compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and developing and implementing internal controls.
• Guide Contract, Grant and Real Estate Finance: You will guide contract and grant financial administration, ensuring meticulous accounting for both restricted and unrestricted funds and strict compliance with all donor and federal regulations. You will also provide expert financial guidance for complex real estate holdings and development projects, including residential properties, Community Land Trust programs, and new housing construction, and manage specialized tax credit financing mechanisms like Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) and New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC).
• Lead Compliance and Audits: You will lead the preparation and timely filing of all required tax returns, including the IRS Form 990. You will also direct and manage the annual financial audit, serving as the primary liaison with external auditors. You will also develop and implement proactive strategies to identify, assess, and mitigate financial risks.

Benefits

• Health and Wellness: Medical (Kaiser Gold 80 HMO with buy-up options), Dental (MetLife Dental Plan), Vision (MetLife Vision Plan), Life Insurance (MetLife Basic Term Life / AD&D), Long-Term Disability (MetLife Long-Term Disability), and a Legal Plan (MetLife “MetLaw” Legal Plan).
• Retirement: CalSavers Program.
• Professional Development: Access to an Employee Assistance Program with 5 free sessions per incident and Thrive Coaching for professional and personal development.
• Work-Life Balance: Hybrid work options, paid lunches, events, and other perks, and a generous paid time off policy that includes BCZ Wellness Days (the 4th Friday of each month), 15 observed holidays per calendar year, 72 hours of paid sick leave, and 12 vacation days per calendar year.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees