Lead Program Financial Analyst

POSITION SUMMARY:

Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County is committed to disrupting poverty and changing lives for good. As a social service agency, our team is focused on helping people rise out of poverty and overcome the barriers to self-sufficiency and wellness.

The Lead Program Financial Analyst (LPFA) is the fiscal partner to the program operations of the agency. In this position, LPFA’s responsibilities – from grant contract billing, financial reporting and analysis to identifying opportunities for process improvements – provide critical insights that guide leadership in making strategic decisions to further the agency’s mission and objectives. Working on multiple assignments/projects at a time, the LPFA looks for creative ways to take on big-picture challenges including financial analytics, process improvements and serve as a collaborative business partner to our program teams. The LPFA is a detail-oriented, organized, and experienced accounting professional with a strong understanding of nonprofit accounting practices. The LPFA has high visibility to the agency’s leadership team and interacts with a wide range of key stakeholders (Program, Development and Funders). This role reports to the Controller.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Revenue Tracking & Analysis: Monitor and track billed and unbilled revenue across the Program Financial Analyst (PFA) group. Prepare and maintain key schedules, such as, revenue billing/unbilled revenue by contracts (MRR) and accounts receivable (AR) aging reports. Regularly update leadership on AR status and aging concerns.
• Grant & Budget Monitoring: Oversee grant budget performance by monitoring budget categories, spending rates, and time restrictions. Prepare grant billings and record revenue for complex contracts and grants. Ensure grant expenditures align with budgets and proactively engage with program staff to address discrepancies. Support the preparation of budget modifications when necessary.
• Month-End Close & Transaction Accuracy: Ensure timely and accurate recording of financial transactions in alignment with the monthly close calendar. Collaborate with PFAs to review financial entries, follow up on outstanding items, and ensure proper recognition of restricted/unrestricted revenue, indirect costs, and shared direct cost allocations.
• Account Reconciliation: Perform reconciliations of key general ledger accounts to ensure accuracy and compliance with internal controls and grant requirements.
• Financial Performance Analysis: Review program financials to assess performance, identify strengths and challenges, and monitor for any budget deficits resulting from insufficient revenue or overspending on contracts. Collaborate with the Controller and program teams to analyze the root causes of such deficits and explore creative, feasible solutions to address program gaps.
• Audit Support: Assist with the annual financial audit, Single Audit, and other statutory audits by preparing schedules, gathering supporting documentation, and responding to auditor inquiries in a timely and thorough manner.
• Policy & Procedure Development: Contribute to the documentation, implementation, and periodic updates of accounting policies and procedures to ensure consistency and compliance.
• Team Leadership & Mentorship: Provide mentorship and support to PFAs, fostering collaboration and consistency across the team. Coordinate shared activities and promote best practices in financial analysis and grant management.
• Ad-Hoc Projects & Analysis: Support special projects and respond to ad-hoc requests from leadership, finance, and program teams as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or an approved related field.
• Minimum of 7+ years of progressive experience in accounting or finance, preferably in a complex nonprofit environment.
• Experience in nonprofit accounting, including fund accounting, contract billing, and management of restricted funds.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Solid understanding of GAAP nonprofit accounting, fund accounting, and grant compliance.
• Skilled in financial analysis, contract billing, revenue recognition, and AR management.
• Proficient in Adaptive, Excel, PowerPoint, and MIP Abila accounting systems.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Self-starter with a proactive mentality to challenge the status quo and bring in innovative ideas.
• Ability to lead and mentor team members, collaborate cross-functionally, and manage multiple priorities.
• Detail-oriented, organized, and able to identify and address financial gaps in programs.
• Capable of translating financial data into actionable insights to support program goals.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to work at a desk for extended periods of time.
• Ability to use a computer workstation and standard office equipment.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:

• Criminal background check via livescan fingerprint.
• Must have TB test performed and submit results.
• Automobile, valid driver’s license and auto insurance per agency policy; or have access to reliable transportation.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work will be conducted in a shared office environment.
• Minimal travel for agency staff events and program meetings and/or conferences.

HOURS AND OTHER CONDITIONS:

• Standard office hours are Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• This is a full-time, exempt position. Some evenings and weekends may be required to do program workload.

This position description intends to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. It is not intended to include all duties and responsibilities. The order in which duties and responsibilities are listed is not significant. Because of a need to remain responsive to the needs of our clients and our Agency’s operations, responsibilities may be modified at any time.

Catholic Charities is a non-profit, non-discriminatory service organization and employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation or disability. Persons receiving services in our programs are entitled to freedom from harassment and retaliation and reasonable accommodation for qualified disabilities.