Director of Finance

About ScholarMatch

Founded in 2010 by author Dave Eggers, ScholarMatch began as a scholarship crowdfunding platform and has since evolved into a full-service college access and persistence organization.

At ScholarMatch, we are committed to supporting first-generation college students from low-income backgrounds earn a bachelor’s degree within five years. We’re working towards realizing our vision where all students have access to higher education, support to persist to graduation, and opportunities to succeed in fulfilling careers.

Education opens doors to opportunity and social mobility by allowing students a chance to build fulfilling careers. However, the road to higher education is paved with challenges that can be particularly daunting for first-generation college students. We strive to change this scenario for young people from low-income backgrounds by offering them comprehensive support services focusing on individualized college and career advising, targeted scholarships, and ongoing mentorship from high school to college graduation and the launch of their careers.

Our ultimate goal is to nurture a community of young people who can successfully navigate the higher education landscape, confronting its challenges, breaking barriers, and redefining success on their paths to graduation and beyond. Learn more at ScholarMatch.org.

Position Description

ScholarMatch is seeking a full-time, exempt Director of Finance to manage the organization's financial health, oversee budgeting, financial reporting, grant management, and ensure compliance with financial regulations. The Director of Finance is responsible for financial forecasting, leading the creation of the annual budget, managing accounts payable/receivable and payroll, coordinating annual audits, and reporting to the board and funders. This role ensures the organization's long-term financial stability and sustainability, and will oversee all day-to-day accounting functions. This position is ideal for a candidate who has a passion for our mission, strong leadership experience and project management skills.

This position reports to the Executive Director and works closely with the Leadership Team, and the Finance Committee on the Board of Directors. ScholarMatch offers flexible hours with remote capability depending on business needs; travel to different sites and evenings and weekend hours may be required as needed or necessary to conform with changing priorities and deadlines. The candidate must live in the Greater LA Area or San Francisco Bay Area.

Primary Responsibilities

• Manage all financial and accounting platforms, ensuring accurate and efficient operations
• Maintain, update, and adhere to all financial processes to ensure accurate, efficient and streamlined operations
• Manage all financial activities, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll processing
• Work with the Executive Director to develop and implement financial controls, policies, and procedures to ensure the integrity of the organization's finances
• Oversee cash flow, banking relationships, and investment accounts
• Lead the annual budgeting process in collaboration with the Executive Director and leadership team
• Track and monitor budget performance, providing regular analysis and recommendations for adjustments
• Provide strategic financial input and analysis to support organizational planning and decision-making
• Prepare and present accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports to the Executive Director, Finance Committee, and Board
• Serve as the main liaison for the annual independent audit, ensuring a smooth and successful process
• Coordinate the preparation and filing of the organization's IRS Form 990
• Ensure that all financial practices adhere to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) for nonprofits and all other regulatory requirements
• Collaborate with the Development director to prepare budgets and financial reports for grant proposals and reporting
• Track grant expenditures to ensure compliance with funder requirements
• Supervise, mentor, and coach the Finance and Program Coordinator and any additional future finance staff
• Manage the consulting accounting group that prepares our monthly financials
• Work collaboratively across departments and with any external parties to provide financial guidance and insight
• Promote a culture of financial literacy and responsible stewardship throughout the organization through training and guidance as needed
• Perform all other duties and tasks as assigned, “all-hands-on deck” mindset

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
• Seven (7) years of experience in nonprofit finance and accounting
• Must have supervisory experience, specifically around performance management and managing workflows
• Proficiency with financial software and systems (e.g., QuickBooks Online, Bloomerang, Q-Give)
• Proficient in MacOs, Google Suite, Microsoft Office Excel
• Knowledge of nonprofit accounting principles and regulations: Expertise in restricted and unrestricted fund accounting, grant budgeting, and management of government and foundation funding sources.​
• Experience designing and implementing internal controls, mitigating financial risks, and safeguarding organizational assets.
• Capability in financial modeling, KPI tracking, and dashboard reporting using tools like Excel, Power BI, or Tableau.
• Proficiency with financial software and systems (e.g., QuickBooks Online, Bloomerang, Q-Give)
• Ability to translate financial concepts to – and to effectively collaborate with -- programmatic and fundraising colleagues who do not necessarily have finance backgrounds
• Excellent communication and relationship building skills with an ability to prioritize, negotiate, and work with a variety of internal and external stakeholders, i.e. auditors, accounting consultants
• Ability to work well under pressure and manage sensitive or controversial subjects with tact, kindness, and professionalism
• Must be able to perform all functions of this position within what would be deemed to be reasonable accommodations
• Must be comfortable working in an anti-racist organization with a diverse group of external constituents and internal staff at all levels

Preferred but not Required

• An advanced degree (MBA) or certification (CPA) (CNAP)
• Proficiency in project management and data systems, e.g. Airtable and Basecamp

Compensation and Benefits

Starting salary is commensurate with experience, regional location, and is based on a competitive public interest salary scale.

ScholarMatch practices a transparent, negotiation-free salary process. While starting salary is commensurate with experience, regional location, and is based on a competitive public interest salary scale, ScholarMatch aims to provide a living wage to all staff:

The salary range for this position is:

• San Francisco Bay Area: $98,584 - $146,453
• Greater Los Angeles Area: $90,827 - $125,000

As a growing organization, ScholarMatch prides itself in offering a competitive benefits package:

• 100% paid medical, dental, vision, and basic term life for full-time employees
• 401k retirement plan with 4% employer automatic contribution, 100% vested on day 1
• 20 accrued PTO days per year
• 11 paid holidays every year, birthday off, plus a staff-wide “winter break” from Christmas Eve through New Year’s Day with reduced workload
• Annual retention bonus that increases with every year
• Eligibility for a one-month paid sabbatical after your 5-year anniversary
• FSA/HSA
• Chiropractic/Acupuncture
• Pre-tax commuter benefits
• Phone and internet stipend
• Staff and dependent EAP access

How to Apply

Apply online through the career page: scholarmatch.org/careers

ScholarMatch does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

ScholarMatch is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Please join us!

As a growing organization, ScholarMatch prides itself in offering a competitive benefits package:

• 100% paid medical, dental, vision, and basic term life for full-time employees
• 401k retirement plan with 4% employer automatic contribution, 100% vested on day 1
• 20 accrued PTO days per year
• 11 paid holidays every year, birthday off, plus a staff-wide “winter break” from Christmas Eve through New Year’s Day with reduced workload
• Annual retention bonus that increases with every year
• Eligibility for a one-month paid sabbatical after your 5-year anniversary
• FSA/HSA
• Chiropractic/Acupuncture
• Pre-tax commuter benefits
• Phone and internet stipend
• Staff and dependent EAP access