Description
Overview
Covenant House PA is a force united by a promise to end youth homelessness as we know it in Pennsylvania. For over 25 years, we’ve led the way with community health initiatives and advocacy in local communities in Philadelphia and York. Covenant House PA provides shelter and a continuum of care for youth experiencing homelessness or commercial exploitation to make a significant impact with this critical issue. CHPA strives to perpetuate a culture of passionate, growth-minded professionals who thrive in a team environment and work collaboratively to inspire greatness! We take an ongoing approach to ensure open communication from all levels throughout the organization.
To gain deeper insights into how Covenant House PA builds bridges of hope for young people facing homelessness and trafficking, please visit www.covenanthousepa.org.
Are you ready to become a part of the solution and offer your talents and expertise to help this most vulnerable population?
About the Role
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the Director of Finance serves as CHPA’s senior financial leader and a key member of the executive leadership team. This role functions as the organization’s chief financial steward and strategic partner—overseeing accounting, audits, grants, budgeting, cash management, compliance, and financial strategy for a missiondriven nonprofit with an annual operating budget of approximately $6M and plans for continued growth.
The Director of Finance ensures the integrity, sustainability, and transparency of CHPA’s financial operations so the organization can advance its mission to end youth homelessness. This leader balances handson execution with highlevel strategy, supporting sound decisionmaking by the CEO, Board of Directors, and Finance Committee, while strengthening systems, controls, and team capacity.
A hybrid work arrangement may be available, subject to organizational needs and the ability to meet onsite requirements for key meetings, audits, and operational responsibilities.
Travel Requirements
Minimal local travel between Covenant House Pennsylvania sites, as needed. Minimal overnight travel required.
Americans with Disabilities Specifications
The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.
The employee may occasionally be required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to handle objects or controls, reach with hands and arms, climb stairs, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and communicate verbally. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
Work Environment/Physical Demands
Considerable concentration required Frequent interruptions Moderate noise level Moderate sitting, walking, standing, eye strain, light lifting, and bending
Our Community
Our critical mission demands that we have all voices at the table. A team of diverse people, perspectives, and experiences is smarter, stronger, and more effective for our young people. At Covenant House, every team member is valued, respected, heard, and supported, and we welcome honest and courageous self-reflection on any aspects of our work that are based on biased or outdated viewpoints. We deliberately create opportunities for our staff to grow and thrive.
Covenant House Pennsylvania is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind: CHPA is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at CHPA are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, family or parental status, disability status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. CHPA will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics and encourages all qualified applicants to apply.
Benefits:
403b
Dental insurance
Health insurance
Paid time off
Vision insurance
Education:
Bachelor’s (Required)
Experience:
Accounting & financial management in nonprofit: 7 years (Required)
License/Certification:
CPA (Preferred)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Philadelphia, PA 19144
Requirements
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Serve as CHPA’s senior finance leader and trusted advisor to the CEO and Board, aligning financial strategy with CHPA’s mission, values, and longterm goals. Partner with executive and program leadership to evaluate financial implications of strategic initiatives, program expansion, and funding opportunities. Prepare and present financial reports, dashboards, and analyses to the Board of Directors and Board Finance Committee. Contribute to the development and execution of a multiyear financial and capital strategy that supports organizational growth and sustainability.
Develop long-range financial models and scenario (‘what-if’) analyses to support the CEO and Board in strategic planning, growth, and expansion decisions.
Oversee all accounting functions, ensuring timely, accurate financial reporting in accordance with GAAP for nonprofit organizations. Produce monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, including Statements of Financial Position, Activities, and Cash Flows. Ensure accurate accounting of all revenue streams, including government grants, private grants, donations, inkind contributions, and earned revenue. Provide high-level oversight and final review of monthly reconciliations and journal entries performed by staff, including variance analysis and general ledger review.
Own organizational audit readiness year-round, including oversight of indirect cost rate development, negotiation, and compliance for City, DHS, and other government funding.
Lead planning and execution of the annual independent audit, single audits, and any required funder or internal audits. Serve as primary liaison to external auditors, ensuring timely completion, clean audit opinions, and implementation of recommendations. Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal financial regulations, including Form 990, payroll taxes, W2s, 1099s, and grantrelated reporting. Maintain and strengthen internal controls, financial policies, and procedures to safeguard organizational assets and mitigate risk.
Oversee financial management of government and private grants, ensuring compliance with funder requirements, allowable costs, reporting deadlines, and reimbursement processes. Collaborate with program leadership and development staff to support grant budgeting, financial reporting, and audits. Manage contracts, leases, and vendor agreements, ensuring proper review, documentation, and annual updates as needed.
Lead the annual operating and capital budgeting process in collaboration with leadership and program teams. Monitor budgettoactual performance and provide clear explanations of variances. Oversee cash flow management, forecasting, and reserve planning to ensure organizational stability and liquidity. Manage banking relationships, insurance coverage, and financial risk exposure.
Lead the organization-wide transition from Lawson to NetSuite, ensuring data integrity, staff readiness, and the development of streamlined, decision-useful reporting for leadership.
Lead, mentor, and develop the finance team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Monitor cash flow and approve weekly disbursement runs to ensure alignment with approved budgets. Provide oversight of accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll coordination, and vendor management. Partner with People & Culture to ensure accurate payroll processing, benefits administration, and proper allocation of labor costs to funding sources. Maintain fixed asset tracking, inventories, and depreciation schedules in compliance with funder and audit requirements.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field. Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in nonprofit accounting, finance, or grants management. Demonstrated experience leading audits, managing complex funding streams, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Proven experience managing and developing teams.
Required Qualifications
Experience serving as a senior financial leader or acting CFO within a nonprofit organization. Experience with nonprofit financial systems and ERP transitions (e.g., Lawson, NetSuite).
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Qualifications
CPA certification preferred. Master’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field. Advanced knowledge of GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards. Strong understanding of government grant compliance and fund accounting. Exceptional analytical, financial modeling, and Excel skills. Ability to translate complex financial information into clear, actionable insights for nonfinancial stakeholders. Strong relationshipbuilding, communication, and leadership skills. High level of integrity, discretion, and commitment to CHPA’s mission and values.
