Chief Financial Officer

Established in 1937, Jacksonville Area Legal Aid is a nonprofit law firm focused on delivering economic, social, and housing justice to low-income and at-risk individuals and families on the First Coast. JALA, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, has a budget of approximately $12.5 million, and in an average year, we manage over 30 grants.

JALA seeks a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to lead our financial operations in service to our mission.

As a member of the Executive Management Team, the CFO plays a critical role in developing and implementing JALA’s overall financial strategy to carry out JALA’s mission and advocacy objectives. The CFO manages and oversees the accounting unit, which focuses on JALA’s finances, financial reporting, budgeting, fiscal policies, and fiscal compliance. The CFO is a fiduciary of the organization in conjunction with the President & CEO, the Executive Management team, and the Board of Directors. The CFO oversees financial compliance for government (federal, state, and local government) contracts and private grants.

Salary commensurate with experience. Benefits package include, but are not limited to, hybrid work model, medical, dental, vision, long-term disability insurance, group life insurance, 401(k) (match 100% of deferrals up to 6% of compensation), generous leave policy (13 paid holidays plus 22 personal leave days in first year, one-month sabbatical every four years), and membership in Access Perks, a private discount network.

To apply, submit a resume, a cover letter that thoughtfully addresses your alignment with the position, a minimum of two professional references, and salary requirements.

All employees must clear Florida’s Level II background screening. Information on the background screening process can be found on the https://info.flclearinghouse.com/.

Jacksonville Area Legal Aid is an Equal Opportunity Employer

$100,000 minimum DOE

• Support the President and CEO in fulfilling JALA’s mission and vision and help ensure ongoing alignment between financial, operational, and programmatic objectives.
• Apprise and assist the board in its responsibilities as to the organization’s finances. Work with the board to set an annual budget, and select and engage outside consultants (e.g., auditors, investment advisors), as needed.
• Oversee budgeting, budget implementation, tracking, and reconciliation to monitor progress. Present financial metrics both internally and externally.
• Oversee all accounts, ledgers, and reporting systems, ensuring compliance with appropriate Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, regulatory compliance, and audit requirements.
• Management of all basic accounting functions, including accounts payable, cash receipts, and general ledger functions.
• Grant management as it relates to planning/budgeting for and compliance and reporting of government, corporate, and foundation grants. Ensuring all grant reports are completed accurately and submitted in a timely manner.
• Maintain robust internal control safeguards and oversee financial, compliance, and regulatory audits.
• Manage cash flow and forecasting. Optimize banking relationships and initiate appropriate strategies to enhance cash positions.
• Provide reports regularly, and as directed or requested, to keep the board and Executive Management Team informed of JALA’s finances and the operation and progress of compliance efforts.
• Provides effective day-to-day supervision and regular professional assessments of accounting unit staff and assists in identifying resources to develop skills and tools related to supporting, motivating, and challenging staff in their daily work.
• Ensure the accounting unit is committed to delivering excellent customer service to staff, including identifying, developing, and implementing new systems that best serve JALA’s staff.
• Collaborate with the Chief Operating Officer, Chief Human Resources Officer, Chief Technology Facilities Officer, Development Director, senior leaders, and their units.
• Support, provide financial guidance to, and collaborate with all JALA program offices and units, and employees with financial responsibilities.
• Serve as a secondary fiduciary (Chief Human Resources Officer is primary) for JALA’s 401(k) plan and oversee preparation of the plan’s financial statements and the annual 401(k) plan audit.
• Perform other duties as assigned or necessary to lead our financial operations in service to our mission.

• Minimum of 5-7 years of broad finance experience, preferably in the non-profit industry, in accounting and auditing, managing teams, and experience leading the development and implementation of financial systems, policies, and procedures. Experience managing the finance function (accounting, budgeting, internal controls, reporting and compliance) within a multi-office, multi-funder, division-based entity.
• Experience with budgeting and accounting software and database management required.
• CPA and/or MBA preferred
• Superior attention to detail, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Outstanding communication skills and ability to work effectively with external and internal customers at all levels.
• Successful experience in grants management as it relates to planning/budgeting for and compliance and reporting of government, corporate, and foundation grants is preferred.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize detailed projects simultaneously and carry them through to completion with little supervision.
• Ability to handle and maintain confidential information.
• MIP Sage / Abila-related product experience preferred.
• A successful candidate must have demonstrated advanced Excel skills.

The mission of Jacksonville Area Legal Aid, Inc. is to provide high-quality legal assistance to low-income and special needs groups, to empower them to accomplish energetic and affirmative advocacy, all to alleviate the circumstances, incidents, and causes of poverty and discrimination.

Developed during the Great Depression and subsequent recession of 1937, the organization that has become Jacksonville Area Legal Aid, Inc. JALA was born when a group of Jacksonville Bar attorneys banded together to provide legal services to those in need.

Called different names over the years, including Duval County Legal Aid Association, it was officially named Jacksonville Area Legal Aid in 1973. The organization achieved 501(c)3 status in 1976. JALA now serves 17 counties of North Florida, including Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Clay, Columbia, Dixie, Duval, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Lafayette, Levy, Madison, Nassau, St. Johns, Suwannee, Taylor, and Union.