Chief Financial Officer

Position: Chief Financial Officer 
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer 
Location: Headquarters located in San Jose, CA –serving the Bay Area 
Type: Exempt, Hybrid (Primarily in-person) 
Compensation: $210-240K 

ABOUT HOMEFIRST 

Established in 1980, HomeFirst™ is a nonprofit organization passionately working to end homelessness. We serve the Bay Area community through low-barrier programming and systems leadership—meeting each person where they are by offering support and resources that address immediate and long-term housing needs. With more than 40 years of experience, we view housing as a fundamental human right and understand that solving homelessness requires a collaborative effort. 

POSITION OVERVIEW 

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a key member of the executive leadership team and serves as the financial steward of HomeFirst, guiding the fiscal strategy, sustainability, and infrastructure needed to support a growing and mission-driven organization. This role oversees all financial, audit, compliance, risk management functions and plays a critical leadership role in managing cost-reimbursement government contracts, real estate ownership and operations, and complex cash flow cycles. The CFO may also oversee property management and facilities and/or information technology (IT), depending on experience and expertise. 

The CFO reports to the CEO, and partners closely with the executive leadership team, and Board of Directors to ensure HomeFirst’s financial integrity while supporting strategic expansion and community impact. The ideal candidate is a hands-on and tactical financial leader with experience in nonprofit organizations with diverse funding streams including a large number of government contracts. For more information, please visit https://www.homefirstscc.org 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Lead HomeFirst’s financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and analysis to ensure fiscal sustainability and alignment with strategic goals. 

• Oversee the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP, and present financial reports to the CEO, Finance Committee, and Board of Directors. 

• Ensure effective cash flow management and liquidity planning, particularly within a cost-reimbursement contract environment. 

• Establish and maintain financial systems and internal controls to support compliance with federal, state, and local government contract requirements. 

• Provide financial oversight of the agency’s real estate portfolio, including ownership and management of affordable housing properties. 

• Direct all audit functions, including external audits, internal reviews, and preparation of audit schedules and compliance documentation. 

• Direct the management and administration of the agency’s 401(k) retirement plan, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, optimizing plan performance, and coordinating with third-party administrators and fiduciary advisors.  

• Lead risk management strategies, including insurance procurement and claims management (e.g., general liability, workers' compensation, real estate, and cybersecurity). 

• Serve as principal liaison to the Finance and Audit Committees of the Board of Directors, preparing clear, actionable reporting and strategic insight. 

• Manage the agency’s investment policies in coordination with the CEO and Board Finance Committee. 

• Supervise the accounting department, ensuring accurate processing of payroll, accounts payable and receivable, reconciliations, and compliance reporting. 

• Participates in the development and implementation of an IT strategy that supports organizational growth, cybersecurity, and program effectiveness. 

• Act as a financial advisor to the CEO and executive team, contributing to strategic decision-making, capital investments, and program expansion opportunities. 

• Develop and monitor KPIs to evaluate the effectiveness of financial operations and inform long-term planning. 

• Oversee the quarterly Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) process for all finance-related functions, ensuring alignment with organizational goals. 

• Represent HomeFirst in external partnerships, funder relations, and compliance reviews when financial expertise is required. 

POSITION COMPETENCIES 

• Excellence: Commits to high achievement by setting personal standards of excellence, driving results, and continuously improving performance while fostering team success and organizational goals.  

• Collaboration: Works effectively to build strong relationships, foster open communication, and create a cohesive and high-performing team. 

• Diversity & Inclusion: Cultivates an inclusive environment that values and respects the social identities of all individuals, creating space for authenticity and equity. 

• Managing Performance: Ensures team goals are met by proactively addressing concerns, providing guidance, and fostering accountability to achieve desired outcomes. 

• Empowering & Developing Others: Delegates authority confidently, provides the freedom for individual styles, and offers recognition and constructive feedback to develop team members effectively. 

• Managing Change: Leads teams through organizational shifts by positively guiding others, encouraging adaptability, and aligning priorities with the agency’s mission. 

• Risk Management: Evaluates and mitigates risks in operational and strategic areas, prioritizes safety, and raises concerns to address potential issues proactively. 

• Technical Expertise: Maintains a high level of skill and knowledge relevant to the role, staying adaptable and current in their field. 

• Customer Service: Understands the needs and goals of both internal and external stakeholders, working collaboratively to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes. 

• Planning and Organizing: Develops and adheres to efficient workflows, ensuring deadlines and processes are streamlined for maximum effectiveness. 

• Critical Thinking: Approaches challenges with a logical, systematic, and thoughtful methodology to effectively navigate complex situations and make informed decisions 

BENEFITS 

HomeFirst provides comprehensive benefits, including 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage, mental health resources, pet insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program. We offer a 401(k)-retirement plan with generous matching, life and disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, commuter benefits, and workers’ compensation. Paid time off includes 12 holidays, sick leave, and PTO starting at 15 days annually, plus civic engagement leave. 

ORGANIZATIONAL EQUITY STATEMENT 

At HomeFirst, diversity, equity, and inclusion guide our services, workplace, and decisions. Recognizing housing as a social justice issue, we prioritize equitable practices, honor lived experiences and uphold dignity for all. By fostering belonging, accountability, and continuous improvement, we embed DEI values in our processes, recruitment, and leadership, striving for excellence at every level. 

HomeFirst is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law. Additionally, HomeFirst participates in the E-Verify program, as required by law.  

HomeFirst is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please let your recruiter know.  

YOU HAVE (QUALIFICATIONS) 

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Business, or related experience. 

• 7–10 years of senior-level financial leadership experience, ideally in a nonprofit or government-funded environment. 

• Demonstrated experience managing cost-reimbursement contracts, federal and state grants, and nonprofit audits. 

• Experience overseeing IT or enterprise systems implementation a strong plus. 

• Knowledge of nonprofit real estate ownership, property management, or housing development preferred. 

• Strong analytical skills and the ability to translate complex financial data into clear, actionable insights. 

• Experience working directly with Boards of Directors and finance-related board committees. 

• Ability to manage multiple priorities, operate under pressure, and communicate with a diverse range of stakeholders.