[Remote] Senior Director, Finance

Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. UpStart is an organization focused on accelerating the success of social entrepreneurs within the Jewish community. They are seeking a Senior Director of Finance to oversee financial reporting, compliance, and the management of an outsourced accounting firm, ensuring accuracy and integrity in financial practices.ResponsibilitiesOwn the monthly close process end-to-end: direct the external bookkeeping firm’s close activities, review and approve all deliverables before they reach leadership, prepare variance commentary with explanations sufficient for board-level review, and obtain CEO sign-off on the final monthly packagePrepare monthly and quarterly financial reporting packages for the Finance Committee and the full boardMaintain grant-level financial tracking, including award receipt, net asset classification, expense drawdown against grant budgets, and timely release from restriction in accordance with donor intentEnsure financial statements are GAAP-compliant and audit-ready at all times, not only at year-endPrepare and review the annual Form 990 in coordination with the accounting firm; reconcile 990 figures to audited financials before filing, ensure Part VII compensation disclosures, Schedule B, and functional expense allocations are reviewed and signed off by the CEO prior to submissionOwn the annual audit process: manage the auditor relationship, prepare all PBC schedules, resolve open items, present findings to the Finance Committee, and coordinate execution of the management representation letter with the CEODrive resolution of all prior-year audit findings with documented remediation evidenceMaintain the internal controls environment; ensure the Accounting Manual is reviewed and updated annually following each audit cycleEnsure all disbursements carry documented approvals per policy; hold staff accountable to the standardMaintain restricted fund tracking at the project level: intake, classification, monthly balance review, and timely release from restrictionServe as the primary point of accountability for the outsourced bookkeeping and accounting firm; reviewing all deliverables before they reach leadership or the Finance Committee, owning the chart of accounts structure in QuickBooks Online, and directing the firm on proper coding, class tracking, and account mappingLead the transition from the current accounting firm to a new provider (Q2–Q4 FY27), including vendor selection, onboarding, and knowledge transferHold the firm accountable to SLA and quality standards; document performance issues; escalate to the CEO when warrantedPartner with the Deputy CEO on the annual budget process; maintain the master budget workbook and consolidation across operating and fiscal sponsorship entities, develop and maintain a rolling 12-month cash flow forecast updated monthly and presented to the Finance CommitteeManage fiscal sponsorship financial reporting as a distinct environment from operating financials, maintaining fund isolation across sponsored projects, tracking pass-through revenue and disbursements at the project level, calculating and reconciling admin fees, and producing financial reports for individual sponsored projects sufficient to support their programmatic and compliance needsDesign and maintain a controls environment sufficient to prevent and detect material misstatements, unauthorized disbursements, and grant misclassification; document the controls framework and assess it against findings each audit cycleImplement and document a grants accrual process for all incoming awards, with CEO sign-off at month-endOversee Bill.com and related disbursement workflows; ensure approval trails are complete and retainedIdentify and deploy finance technology and AI-powered workflow improvements consistent with UpStart’s efficiency-forward operating strategySkills7+ years of progressively responsible finance or accounting experience, including at least 3 years in a senior role with direct audit and close ownershipDeep working knowledge of ASC 958: you are an expert in net asset classification, donor restrictions, release from restriction, functional expense allocationHands-on audit experience: you have personally led or co-led an annual audit, managed auditor relationships, identified and remediated audit findings, and prepared PBC schedulesVendor management: you have demonstrated the ability to manage external accounting or bookkeeping vendors to quality and timeline standardsMulti-fund accounting experience: you are proficient in multi-entity or multi-fund accounting environmentsFamiliarity with fiscal sponsorship structures: you understand fund isolation, pass-through revenue treatment, admin fee mechanics, and the obligation to maintain clean separation between sponsored project activity and the sponsor's own financialsWorking proficiency in QuickBooks Online (QBO): you can navigate the chart of accounts, run and interpret standard reports, and identify coding errors in a bookkeeper-maintained environmentCommitment to leading through a lens of community and belongingAdaptability and agility in the face of change, both organizational and technologicalPassion for UpStart's mission and the work of UpStart's networkCommitment to upholding UpStart's values and Guiding Principles Regarding Client and Program PartnershipsCPA, MBA, or equivalent credentialYou've managed fiscally sponsored project reporting, funder compliance, or fund isolation across multiple concurrent sponsored projectsFamiliarity with project-level restricted fund trackingExperience supporting a Finance Committee or board-level reportingExposure to AI-powered finance workflow tools or interest in deploying themBenefitsA comprehensive benefits package, including 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance.Life, short-term, and long-term disability insurance.16 weeks of paid parental leave with no waiting period.100% employer-funded Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) for medical-related travel, up to $1,950 per year.FSA and Commuter Benefits accounts.Employer-sponsored 401K with employer match.Flexible discretionary paid time off.Annual $1,500 professional development stipend.One-time $300 office setup stipend and provided Mac.Monthly $50 cell phone stipend.3:00pm local close-of-business on Fridays.Days off for all work-prohibitive Jewish holidays, in addition to secular US holidays.A one-month (30 days) paid sabbatical per every five years of employment.Occasional travel for meetings, conferences, and other business-related activities.Company OverviewUpStart strives to dream, build, and grow bold initiatives that enhance the vitality of Jewish life. It was founded in 2008, and is headquartered in Oakland, California, USA, with a workforce of 11-50 employees. Its website is https://upstartlab.org.