Director of Finance

JOB TITLE: Director of Finance

REPORTS TO: Executive Director

POSITION STATUS: Full Time (Salary)

SCHEDULE: Monday - Friday

HOURLY WAGE: $81,000-$95,000 DOE

BENEFITS: Medical, dental, vision, retirement plan, generous PTO, holidays, and professional development support.

LOCATION: 4541 19th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98105 (University District, Seattle)

ROOTS is an equal opportunity employer. LGBTQ+, persons of color, and bilingual candidates encouraged to apply.

ABOUT ROOTS: ROOTS Young Adult Shelter is Washington’s largest low-barrier overnight shelter for young adults ages 18–25. For nearly 30 years, we have provided safety, dignity, and belonging for hundreds of young people each year who are experiencing homelessness. As ROOTS moves into its next chapter, we are expanding services, deepening case management, and embarking on a major remodel of our 18,000sq ft site. This includes a capital campaign and construction project that will modernize our shelter, expand accessibility, and create new spaces for community, health, and housing support. Joining ROOTS means being part of a mission-driven, equity-focused team that works together to ensure no young adult has to sleep outside.

POSITION SUMMARY: The Director of Finance is a senior leadership role responsible for the overall financial management of ROOTS. This position oversees all accounting, compliance, contract billing, financial planning, and reporting. The Director of Finance ensures ROOTS remains financially healthy, transparent, and positioned for growth, while also aligning financial systems with our mission and values. This role requires technical expertise, leadership, and the ability to translate financial data into meaningful insights for staff, board members, and external partners. The Director of Finance reports directly to the Executive Director and partners with the Director of Development & Engagement in alignment of agency financial and fundraising integration, and serves as staff lead for the Board Finance Committee.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Financial Leadership & Strategy

• Partner with the Executive Director and full leadership team to develop ROOTS’ financial strategy and long-term sustainability plan and annual budgeting processes.
• Lead preparation of annual organizational and program budgets, capital campaign budgets, and multi-year forecasts.
• Conduct financial modeling and scenario planning to support decision-making during growth and remodel phases.
• Prepare clear, timely monthly financial reports for the Executive Director, Program Departments, Board Finance Committee, and funders.
• Attend board meetings and present financial information in an accessible way.

Accounting & Compliance

• Manage all day-to-day accounting functions including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll.
• Ensure accuracy, transparency, and compliance with GAAP and nonprofit financial standards.
• Lead preparation of annual audit and Form 990, working closely with auditors.
• Oversee cash flow management, reconciliations, and internal controls to safeguard ROOTS’ assets.
• Maintain accurate tracking of restricted and unrestricted funds, donor intent, and grant expenditures.

Public Funding & Contracts

• Oversee billing, financial reporting, and compliance for government funding sources (city, county, state, federal, and private).
• Ensure full compliance with all and other public and private funding regulations.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with contract monitors and funders, providing timely and accurate financial information.
• Support program managers with contract budget management and reporting.

Systems & Internal Controls

• Lead implementation and management of financial systems, ensuring efficiency and reliability.
• Serve as ROOTS’ in-house expert on QuickBooks Desktop, ensuring it is optimized for nonprofit use.
• Develop, document, and maintain finance and accounting policies and procedures.
• Create dashboards, templates, and tools that help staff and leadership track financial performance.
• Ensure strong cybersecurity and financial data protection practices.

Supervision & Team Collaboration

• Supervise finance contractors and future staff, for AR/AP, payroll, and bookkeeping functions as needed.
• Provide training and support for staff in financial literacy, budget management, and compliance.
• Partner with Development staff to align fundraising goals, grant budgets, and donor reporting.
• Work with the Executive Director and Admin and HR Director to integrate finance functions with payroll, benefits, and administrative systems.

Equity & Mission Alignment

• Apply an equity lens to financial practices, ensuring transparency, fairness, and accountability.
• Collaborate with leadership to make sure financial decisions reflect ROOTS’ mission and values.
• Contribute to creating an inclusive and supportive organizational culture.

REQUIREMENTS

• Provide proof of completed COVID-19 vaccination as defined by the CDC.
• Complete and submit application and criminal background check.
• Complete 3 evening shelter training shifts within 90 days of hire.
• Complete online ROPES of youth Homelessness, Conflict Response, and Anti Oppression Training w/in 60 days of hire.
• Provide proof of active CPR certification and food handler’s permit within 60 days of hire.
• Watch Narcan Training and attend De-Escalation training w/in the first 6 months of hire.
• Take additional required training as assigned by the Executive Director
• Must attend mandatory staff meetings

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• Provide proof of completed COVID-19 vaccination as defined by the CDC.
• Complete and submit application and criminal background check.
• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field.
• At least 7 years of progressive nonprofit finance experience, with direct responsibility for contracts and public funding.
• Expert knowledge of QuickBooks Desktop.
• Proven ability to prepare and present financial reports for multiple stakeholders, including boards and funders.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, nonprofit compliance, and audit/990 preparation.
• Experience managing government contracts and local, state, and federal billing systems.
• Supervisory experience and ability to mentor and develop staff.
• Excellent communication skills, with ability to explain complex financial data to non-financial audiences.
• Solid understanding of issues related to systemic racism, poverty, and homelessness.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in an anti-racist, harm-reduction, equity-oriented service organization.
• Demonstrated ability to manage conflict through a trauma-informed lens.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport with a diverse group of individuals, including those experiencing mental health and substance use conditions.
• Strong self-starting skills that reflect ability to perform and prioritize multiple tasks under pressure.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 software, like Outlook, Word, SharePoint, Teams, and OneNote with willingness and comfort in learning new systems.

Preferred:

• CPA, MBA, or other advanced credentials.
• Experience managing financial aspects of capital campaigns and construction projects.
• Familiarity with payroll and HR systems (such as Gusto).
• 3 years prior experience working in youth services or human services organizations.
• Bilingual.

Position to start immediately- open until filled