Director of Financial Planning and Analysis in Oakland, California at First Place for Youth

About First Place for Youth, we’re a leading non-profit organization dedicated to supporting foster youth in their transition to adulthood, with a focus on education, employment, and housing. We believe that all young people deserve the opportunity to thrive and lead successful, independent lives. Our comprehensive programs empower foster youth to overcome the unique challenges they face and build the skills, confidence, and connections they need to succeed.

Why Work at First Place for Youth:

Meaningful Impact:  Help to transform the lives of foster youth on the cusp of adulthood. Your role will support them in their journey to conquer challenges, achieve independence, and fulfill their aspirations.Innovative Approach: We thrive on innovation, pushing the boundaries of foster care support. Your voice here matters, and you’ll contribute to programs that redefine the futures of these young lives.Collaborative and Supportive Environment: Embrace a dynamic and supportive workplace, where every team member is valued. Together, we're a force dedicated to uplifting youth. Expect professional growth, fueled by teamwork and collaboration.Comprehensive Benefits: We value the well-being of our employees and offer a comprehensive benefits package. From health and wellness benefits to retirement plans, we ensure that our team members are taken care of so they can focus on their important work supporting foster youth.Culture of Diversity and Inclusion: We celebrate diversity in every form. At First Place for Youth, inclusivity reigns, creating a workplace where all voices are heard, respected, and empowered.POSITION OVERVIEW: The Director of Financial Planning & Analysis is a pivotal financial planning & analysis (FP&A) leadership role at the heart of First Place for Youth's mission. The Director of Finance & Accounting drives budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis across a portfolio of approximately $30M in annual revenue spanning 25+ government and county contracts, private fundraising, and national expansion initiatives.

The Director of Financial Planning & Analysis will serve as the CFO's key strategic partner on budgeting and financial analysis, own the accuracy of monthly financial reporting, and play a lead role in selecting and implementing a new budgeting/FP&A system integrated with the general ledger. This is a hands-on, detail-oriented role for someone who is equally comfortable building a contract-level budget model and briefing the CFO on organization-wide variance trends.

DUTIES + RESPONSIBILITIES

Organizational Financial Planning & Analysis

Lead the annual organization-wide budget process and mid-year forecasts in partnership with the CFO; develop revenue and expense assumptions and conduct scenario planning.Build and maintain financial models that support long-range planning, new program investment decisions, and Board-level financial presentations.Monitor monthly financial performance versus budget at the organizational level; analyze variances and proactively flag risks and opportunities to the CFO.Develop dashboards and management reporting that translate complex financial data into clear, actionable insights for the CFO and Executive Team.Act as a trusted financial thought partner to Programs, Development, and National Expansion teams, translating financial data into terms non-finance colleagues can act on.

Contract & Grant Financial Planning

Own the development, monitoring, and modification of individual budgets for county and government contracts, ensuring alignment with contract terms and expenditure rules.Partner with Programs and Contracts teams on RFP budgets, contract renewals, and budget amendments, maximizing expense reimbursement and overhead recovery.Track spending against contract and grant budgets throughout the year; identify underspending or overspending risk early and drive corrective action with program leadership.Support development of grant budgets and financial narratives for new and renewing private and government funding proposals.

Monthly Reporting Accuracy & Close Support

Review monthly and quarterly financial reports for accuracy prior to distribution, partnering with the Controller and Accounting Manager to resolve discrepancies before close.Validate that revenue and expense allocations across contracts, grants, and programs are properly reflected in monthly financial statements.Serve as a second set of eyes on the monthly close package, flagging unusual variances, coding errors, or reconciliation issues for follow-up.

Systems & GL Integration

Serve as a key contributor to the selection of a new budgeting/FP&A system, evaluating tools for fit with FPFY's contract and grant structure.Lead the design and integration of the new budgeting system with the general ledger (Sage Intacct), ensuring clean data flow between planning and actuals.Partner with the IT Director and implementation partners to test, document, and roll out new financial planning tools and reporting structures.Build repeatable processes and templates that allow budgets, forecasts, and actuals to be maintained consistently as the organization scales.Identify and implement process improvements and automation opportunities that increase the efficiency and scalability of the budgeting and FP&A function.Other duties as assigned.QUALIFICATIONS:

A Bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field and 4+ years of related experience Required.Alternatively, candidates without a degree must demonstrate a combination of relevant education and a minimum of 7 years of related experience.Progressive financial planning & analysis (FP&A) experience, including budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis required.5+ years of managerial experience requiredA strong dedication to cultural competency that creates conditions that remove barriersDemonstrated experience building and managing contract or grant-level budgets, including budget modifications.Experience reviewing financial reports for accuracy and partnering with accounting teams to resolve discrepancies.Excellent analytical, modeling, and communication skills — written and verbal — including the ability to translate financial data for non-finance audiences.Experience with budgeting and planning systems, including system selection and implementation or improvement projects.Advanced proficiency in Excel and financial modeling; high proficiency with Microsoft Office.Prior program budget management experience is required for this role.Availability for occasional evening and weekend work and some travel as needed.

Benefits:

15 days of vacation time in the first year12 days of sick time2 floating holidays15 paid holidaysEmployee’s choice of Kaiser or UCH HMO/PPO with up to 90% of the premium covered by First Place on certain plansPrincipal dental and vision coverage with up to 90% of the premium covered by First PlaceHealthcare and Dependent care FSA plansPrincipal basic life and voluntary life insurance coverageEmployee Assistance Program401(k) retirement savings plan Paid sabbatical

*We do not offer relocation assistance Local candidates preferred

*Pay will be determined based on Education and Experience.

If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of transition age foster youth and want to join a dynamic and impactful organization, we invite you to apply. Together, let's empower transition age foster youth to achieve their dreams and build a brighter future. To learn more about First Place For Youth and view our current job openings, please visit our website at www.firstplaceforyouth.org/careers.

We are unable to sponsor work visas now or in the future.

First Place will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and applicable law. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting the California Civil Rights Department Fair Chance Act webpage or reviewing this guidance provide by the City of San Francisco. For additional information regarding your rights, please also review the Summary of Your Rights Under the FCRA.