Chief Financial Officer

Chief Financial Officer Opportunity

HomeFirst
San Jose, California

Hybrid
Compensation up to $265,000

CONTACT

This retained search is managed by Mary Law Executive Search, the Bay Area leader in placing nonprofit senior Finance and HR roles.

Mary Law

mary@marylawexecutivesearch.com925-785-6991

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ABOUT HOMEFIRST 

HomeFirst™ is a Bay Area nonprofit focused on ending homelessness. In the last five years, we've tripled our impact by providing accessible programs and systems leadership. We deliver comprehensive services to help people secure and keep housing, addressing both immediate and long-term needs. With 45 years of experience, $80M in revenue, clean audits, a strong leadership team, and 450+ employees, we believe housing is a fundamental right that requires collaborative solutions.

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, 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 CFO manages a strong and experienced Big 4 Controller, and total team of 13. The ideal candidate is a strategic and tactical financial leader with experience in diverse funding streams. Large government contracts experience helpful.

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 

This role offers total compensation up to $265,000, 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 5% 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.