Finance Manager

Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County•Watsonville, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Finance Manager manages Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz County’s day-to-day accounting operations, maintains accurate financial records, prepares financial reports, and supports effective financial management across the organization. The role oversees general ledger activities, reconciliations, monthly and year-end accounting, accounts payable and receivable, payroll accounting, and financial administration related to grants and contracts. It also supports budgeting and forecasting, monitors financial performance, prepares analyses, and helps maintain sound accounting procedures and internal controls. Working closely with the Controller and department leaders, the Finance Manager provides timely financial information to support operational decisions, resource allocation, and compliance with accounting standards and funding requirements. Responsibilities include managing the accounting close and general ledger; preparing financial statements and budget analyses; processing grant, contract, and program invoices; monitoring receivables and grant budgets; supporting organizational budgeting and forecasting; maintaining procedures and audit documentation; and collaborating with departments on financial reporting and resource management. The position is based at 800 Ohlone Parkway in Watsonville and is not eligible for work from home. The standard schedule is Monday through Friday, with occasional flexible scheduling to respond to community needs and possible emergency duties as an essential-service employee. This is a full-time, regular, exempt position. The starting salary is $74,822–$81,472, depending on experience. A bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field and at least five years of progressively responsible accounting or financial management experience are required. A CPA, CMA, or other relevant professional certification is preferred.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
At least five years of progressively responsible accounting or financial management experience.
Experience preparing financial statements, journal entries, and supporting schedules.
Experience with budgeting, budget-to-actual reporting, and financial analysis.
Experience using accounting software and financial reporting systems.
Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, general ledger accounting, account reconciliations, and financial reporting.
Demonstrated experience with monthly and year-end accounting close activities.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel or comparable spreadsheet software.
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and meet established deadlines.
Ability to investigate and resolve accounting discrepancies and communicate financial information clearly to finance and non-finance audiences.
Demonstrated discretion and professionalism, including the ability to maintain confidential financial and employee information.
Commitment to serving vulnerable populations and ending hunger in Santa Cruz County.
Ability to meet the listed physical requirements, with or without reasonable accommodation, including hearing conversations, prolonged sitting, reading and interpreting documents, lifting or carrying up to 20 pounds, keyboard use and manual dexterity, frequent standing and sitting, handling equipment, and climbing stairs.
Ability to work a flexible schedule when needed to respond to community needs; advance notice will be provided. Employees may be called in for regular or emergent duties during a declared federal, state, or local emergency.

Nice To Haves

CPA, CMA, or another relevant professional certification.
Experience working in a nonprofit organization.
Experience with nonprofit fund accounting, restricted funds, grants, or government contracts.
Experience with grant billing, cost allocations, and funder financial reporting.
Experience with accounting system improvements and process automation.
Experience supporting annual financial statement audits and Single Audits.
Experience with accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll accounting, and cash management.

Responsibilities

Manage day-to-day accounting activities and maintain accurate, complete, and timely financial records in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
Maintain the general ledger, prepare journal entries, and ensure transactions are properly recorded and documented.
Prepare and reconcile balance sheet accounts, including bank accounts, credit cards, cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll-related accounts, and other general ledger accounts.
Complete monthly, quarterly, and year-end accounting activities and prepare financial statements, reconciliations, journal entries, and supporting schedules for Controller review.
Review accounting transactions, expense allocations, account coding, payroll entries, employee reimbursements, and related expense allocations for accuracy.
Reconcile cash deposits to bank activity and maintain accurate cash receipt records.
Oversee weekly accounts payable processing, including invoice accuracy, approvals, payment scheduling, and timely ACH payments.
Review and reconcile financial information transferred between operational software applications and the accounting system; investigate discrepancies and document corrective actions.
Maintain fixed asset records and depreciation schedules, as assigned.
Cross-train and serve as the primary backup for the Accounts Payable & Payroll Specialist, as needed.
Analyze actual results against budgets, forecasts, and prior periods; monitor departmental expenditures and communicate significant variances, trends, and potential concerns.
Prepare financial reports and analyses, support budget-to-actual reporting and forecasting, and assist department managers in understanding budget performance.
Compile financial information and respond to ad hoc reporting requests from the Controller and organizational leadership.
Prepare monthly and quarterly invoices for designated grants, contracts, and program activities, including complete supporting documentation and cost allocations.
Monitor agency receivables and coordinate with Agency Relations to resolve billing discrepancies and outstanding payments.
Reconcile accounts receivable and grant-related subsidiary ledgers to the general ledger and maintain billing records and documentation.
Maintain grant tracking information, including billing schedules, expenditures, and reporting deadlines, in coordination with the Senior Grants & Contracts Director.
Work with Development, Programs, and other departments to monitor grant budgets and funding utilization, and ensure appropriate classification of restricted revenues and expenses.
Prepare financial information and schedules for reports to government agencies, foundations, and other funding partners; identify and communicate potential billing, funding, or compliance issues.
Coordinate collection of departmental budget information and support annual budgeting, budget submissions, forecasting, revisions, and financial planning.
Follow financial policies, accounting procedures, and internal controls; identify discrepancies, documentation gaps, and control concerns and communicate them to the Controller.
Support annual financial statement audits and Single Audits, as applicable, by preparing reconciliations, schedules, documentation, and responses to auditor requests.
Compile information for tax filings, regulatory reports, and other financial compliance requirements; maintain organized records in accordance with retention requirements.
Recommend and assist with approved improvements to accounting procedures, reporting processes, workflows, and accounting systems.
Serve as a financial resource to staff and managers, provide guidance and training on budgets and financial practices, and collaborate across departments to support effective resource management.
Contribute to accounting system improvements, reporting initiatives, automation projects, and efforts to streamline financial processes.
Participate in Food Safety/Food Defense programs and adhere to ethical practices, the Code of Conduct, applicable laws, policies, and compliance requirements.
Perform other job-related duties as requested by the supervisor.

Benefits

Three weeks of vacation accrual in the first year of service.
12 sick days per year.
10 paid company holidays.
Choice of seven medical plans across Silver, Gold, and Platinum coverage levels.
Employer contribution equal to 90% of the employee premium and 80% of the dependent premium for the Kaiser Gold-level base plan, applicable toward the plan of the employee’s choice.
Employer-paid employee vision, dental, life, long-term disability, accidental death and dismemberment, and Employee Assistance Program benefits.
Employer-subsidized vision and dental insurance for dependents.
AFLAC supplemental plans.
Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts.
Supplemental coverage on Life and AD&D plans.
Pet insurance.
403(b) retirement plan with a generous employer contribution.
Tuition reimbursement program.
Competitive salary and a rewarding work environment.