Chief Financial Officer - Union of Pan Asian Communities (UPAC) : Job Details

WHAT WE DO

UPAC is a multicultural beacon of hope for all underserved communities in San Diego. With an annual operating budget of over $18M and a dedicated team fluent in over 30 languages, we deliver more than 18 programs across 10 office sites and more than 20 schools each year, serving nearly 6,000 individuals. Our comprehensive programs encompass mental health, addiction recovery, housing counseling, community engagement, business development, and cultural competency education.

OUR HISTORY

Since our founding over 50 years ago, our mission remains steadfast: to strengthen and empower diverse, underserved, and vulnerable communities in San Diego. Every day, our team works to unite people across cultures while empowering individuals and strengthening communities toward self-sufficiency. In 1974, Beverly Yip and six Asian and Pacific Islander (API) community leaders founded the Union of Pan Asian Communities (UPAC) to address the urgent need for cultural adjustment and language assistance programs in San Diego, breaking barriers to essential services for impoverished, elderly, and limited-English-speaking residents. UPAC has expanded its offerings to include culturally and linguistically tailored behavioral health services, supporting individuals from a variety of ethnic backgrounds and languages. We are extremely proud to serve community members from all over the world who have chosen to make San Diego their home.

LEADERSHIP & CULTURE

As a trusted service provider in San Diego, UPAC is guided by an engaged board of dedicated community leaders deeply committed to our mission. UPAC's culture of connection and cultural competency is at the heart of everything we do – honoring, respecting, and empowering the diverse communities we serve.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Salary – $140,000 – $185,000
• Employer paid Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• ROTH/403B with an employer match after 6 months of employment
• PTO: Accrue up to 160 hours of PTO, accrue 80 hours of sick leave, 14 paid holidays, 1 floating holiday
• Bereavement Leave (up to 3 days)

LOCATION

This is an in-person role based at UPAC's administrative office (1031 25th Street, San Diego, CA 92102).

POSITION SUMMARY

As a key member of UPAC's senior leadership team, the Chief Financial Officer will drive financial strategy and operational excellence while emphasizing the organization's commitment to serving all cultures across San Diego. Reporting to the CEO and working closely with the Board of Directors, they will oversee a $18M budget and will lead the finance and accounting functions. The CFO will play a vital role in strengthening financial sustainability by supporting the diversification of revenue streams, including UPAC's growing social enterprise—a $500K catering business with exciting expansion potential. Leading a dynamic team of 3 direct reports and a total staff of 209, they will collaborate with top executives across the sector and champion a culture of transparency, inclusion, and innovation.

Strategic priorities for the first 12 months include:

• Partner with the CEO to develop a comprehensive business plan to expand and diversify UPAC's revenue streams.
• Lead the modernization and implementation of new accounting systems, as well as organizational policies and procedures.
• Oversee the organization's overall compliance requirements.
• Prepare for and oversee the organization's various financial and program audits.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Finance

• Manage cash flow to ensure adequate availability of funds.
• Oversee cash, investment, and asset management.
• Lead finance strategies, banking relationships, and related activities.
• Develop and utilize forward-looking financial analyses to inform operations and business plans.

Accounting and Finance Functions

• Oversee the accounting department to ensure proper systems, internal controls, and financial procedures are maintained.
• Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting for federal and state funders, foundations, and the board, including monthly and annual statements.
• Manage accounts receivable transactions for UPAC's business ventures.
• Coordinate audits, tax returns, and ensure legal/regulatory compliance for all financial functions.
• Promote transparent communication between accounting staff, vendors, and clients.
• Strong accounting skills with practical and technical knowledge of nonprofit and fund accounting, nonprofit to GAAP conversion, and experience with federal government contract accounting standards (OMB) is a must.
• Strong knowledge of government contracts and grant accounting, especially related to the various social service agencies of the Federal, State, and County governments (for example the California Department of Social Services and county financial reporting requirements with grants).
• Leads UPAC's accounting, contract compliance, and vendor management (administration) work and ensures accurate and timely processing of accounting information and provides critical timely, accurate, and relevant financial reports to Association Office and business unit management staff.
• Maintains the integrity of the Association's general ledger and related accounting systems. Will have full charge of GL, AR, AP, and cash functions. This position will handle cash management, including wire transfer and check approvals, credit card merchant administration including user assignment, Payment Card Industry (PCI) compliance and monitoring rates.

Planning, Policy, and Management

• Develop and monitor budgets while partnering with the board on financial plans and forecasts.
• Engage the finance committee to develop financial plans and projections.
• Liaise with financial partners, including banks, donors, foundation leaders, auditors, and public officials.
• Remain informed on nonprofit audit best practices and relevant state and federal laws.
• Supervise, coach, and mentor staff to foster departmental success and ensure they have the tools, training, and direction needed to be effective in their roles.
• Maintain open communication with staff, providing feedback and modeling respectful, collegial behavior.

BACKGROUND PROFILE

• Committed to the UPAC's mission; leads with empathy, and an understanding of the challenges faced by diverse and underserved communities.
• Strategic and hands-on approach to finance, accounting, and operations; adept at analysis, business planning, and forecasting.
• Demonstrated experience with audit, legal compliance, and budget development.
• Ability to multi-task while maintaining vigilant attention to detail.
• BA/BS required, CPA/MBA desirable.
• Prior nonprofit experience preferred.