THE UNITY COUNCIL
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

 ABOUT THE UNITY COUNCIL

The Unity Council is a non-profit Social Equity Development Corporation founded during the Civil Rights movement to serve the diverse needs of the Fruitvale neighborhood of Oakland. The Unity Council’s mission is to promote social equity and improve quality of life by building vibrant communities where everyone can work, learn, and thrive. Their holistic programs and services reach more than 8,000 individuals and families annually in five languages. The Unity Council employs a diverse workforce of more than 300 people who reflect the linguistic, cultural, and ethnic identity of the communities we served.

Their programs aim to provide community members with the tools, knowledge, and resources to transform their lives and ultimately achieve their long-term educational, career, and financial goals. Programs include early childhood education, youth mentorship and leadership development, employment services, career readiness training, housing and financial stability, senior citizen services, affordable housing and neighborhood development, and arts and cultural events. Their work expands beyond the Fruitvale district and now reaches across Oakland and into Concord.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Unity Council seeks an entrepreneurial, mission-aligned CFO to creatively provide the leadership and management for all financial planning and budget management functions. The person in this role will lead their department in support of the new strategic plan and in service of organizational goals. Plans, organizes, directs and controls the financial activities of the agency; Cash management planning; Manage real estate assets and real estate development; Ensures efficient use of financial resources; Ensures that policies and actions taken by the agency are not in conflict with board guidelines.

For more information, please visit https://unitycouncil.org/.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

Position reports directly to the CEO and currently manages a team of 14 staff members. This position will serve as a member of the Senior Management Team.

OPPORTUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

  • The salary range for this position is $200,000-$225,000

  • Robust benefits include:

o   Medical and dental benefits + flexible spending amount for medical and dependent care costs

o   Holidays: 14 holidays + up to 5 floating holidays

o   PTO: 3 weeks of PTO annually + sick time

o   Retirement: 403(b) with employer match

o   Other benefits: Life insurance policy + commuter benefits

  • Opportunity to improve the quality of life for thousands of individuals and families in the Fruitvale neighborhood of Oakland.

YOU ARE

  • Dynamic, forward-thinking CFO with a passion for the mission and values of The Unity Council

  • Strategic, analytical mindset with fluency in understanding of finance, accounting, budgeting, business analysis, and P&L management in a complex organization offering wraparound services

  • Seasoned leader who models excellent collaborative behavior, consensus-building, and proactive mentorship and within the Finance team and in partnership with other departments

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Direct and coordinate financial planning and budget management.

  • Oversee operations of the finance and accounting department. CFO may also supervise additional departments, depending on experience.

  • Effectively communicate financial analysis and how that translates to impact on the organization, its capacity, its processes, and supports a smooth decision-making process.

  • Implement necessary policies and procedures for process improvement based on observations of and data collected about gaps.

  • Serve as the finance “quarterback” who can translate complex financial information to other team members and leaders.

  • Staff and oversee the Finance Committee with support from the Board of Directors.

  • Strategize with President, CEO, extended leadership team, and Board Finance Committee on financial growth and sustainability.

  • Collaborate to create a climate of integrity, accountability, and strong ethical service delivery in the areas of financial contract and grant management, budgeting, project financing, payroll, accounts payable and receivable, general ledger and financial reporting in accordance with GAAP.

  • Collaborate with Senior Management Team and Board of Directors to diversify revenue stems and address the need for more funding.

  • Establish practices and procedures that assure proper internal control safeguards that meet current and future generally accepted accounting principles and federal and state regulatory requirements. 

  • Review and sign all financial reports, tax returns and audit reports.

  • Oversee audit and tax functions, coordinate activities with outside audit firms and review organizational performance.

  • Manage real estate properties and developments with projected cost and reporting.

  • Manage monthly and other periodic financial reporting for the agency, including executive reporting, extensive cash flow projection, budgets and forecasts.

  • Employ a business mindset to support real estate development in financing projects.

  • Cultivate, grow, and mentor a high-functioning Finance team.

  • Empower the Finance team to continue to grow, develop and expand their knowledge of different financial functions.

COMPETENCIES

  • Five (5) to ten (10) years in a senior-level finance, CPA or accounting position preferred

  • Minimum five (5) years supervisory experience

  • Knowledge of finance, accounting, budgeting, and cost control principles including non-profit Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)

  • CPA preferred

  • Must have experience with legal/risk mitigation 

  • Knowledge of federal and state financial regulations

  • Demonstrated experience in audit and compliance management, asset management, public funding, and government contracts

  • Experience working with multi-business lines in non-profit environment

  • Expert in use of accounting tech tools including Accounting software (Intacct, Payroll ADP Workforce, etc)

  • Adept, skilled leader with proven experience in building, supporting, mentoring, and growing an effective, efficient team

  • Experience working in affordable housing, real estate development or nonprofit with a similar mission preferred

  • Strong computer and technology skills

  • Passion for the mission of The Unity Council

VALUES STATEMENT & COMMITMENT TO EQUITY

The Unity Council is an equal-opportunity employer with a commitment to racial justice and racial equity. The Unity Council does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law and is an employment-at-will organization. TUC welcomes and encourages people of color, women, LGBTQIA+ people, and members of other historically disenfranchised groups to apply.

COMMUNITY We create community with and for one another. We build on the strength that guides and nourishes our families, children, seniors, and partners to live and thrive.

EMPOWERMENT We believe people and communities have the power, skills, knowledge, and leadership to gain control over factors and decisions that shape their lives.

EQUITY We believe people have certain inalienable rights to live, work, and thrive in their neighborhood without regard to race, income, language, or background.

INTEGRITY We are committed to living and working with honesty and transparency, and believe this builds trust with and among partners and our community.

JOY We believe in celebration, and that pleasure and happiness improves quality of life.

PASSION & SERVICE We deliver community-focused services with heart, propelling positive and lasting systemic change in our neighborhoods.

ROOTED IN CULTURE We welcome, embrace, and celebrate the beauty of our rich community diversity.

TO APPLY

To apply for this position, or for additional information on the opportunity, please send a copy of your resume with a cover letter to Victoria Silverman at apply@cooksilverman.com.

All applications and inquiries will receive a response and be kept strictly confidential.