• Job Description

  Req#: 32757582364

  EPACENTER

  Job Description

  Associate Director of Finance & Risk Management

  Organizational Overview

  
  

  EPACENTER is a vibrant hub for creativity and cultural engagement headquartered in East Palo Alto that is dedicated to inspiring imagination and activating the creative potential of all who seek greater access to artistic opportunities in San Mateo County. EPACENTER unites individuals of every age through artistic expression, supports career pathways in creative fields, and celebrates the rich cultural heritage of our community.

  
  

  EPACENTER seeks to present a dynamic range of public programs, including captivating live performances, thought-provoking exhibitions and installations, stimulating talks, curated film screenings, and spirited community events. Our comprehensive array of classes in digital, visual, culinary, and performing arts offers abundant opportunities for personal growth, skill development, and the discovery of lifelong passions and hidden talents. Additionally, our internship programs open doors to rewarding, high-wage careers within the creative industries.

  
  

  Designed as an inviting and accessible 25,000-square-foot space, EPACENTER is a welcoming gathering spot where people of all abilities explore their talents, engage with inspiring ideas, and flourish creatively. Through these offerings, EPACENTER enriches lives, builds meaningful community connections, and amplifies the artistic potential within everyone.

  
  

  Position Description

  
  

  The Associate Director, Finance & Risk Management (ADF-RM) is a key member of EPACENTER's leadership team, reporting directly to the Executive Director and serving as staff liaison to the Board Finance & Audit Committees. The ADF-RM stewards the organization's financial health and enterprise-risk portfolio, including accounting, budgeting, audit, tax, insurance, legal-contract workflow, and regulatory compliance, so that programs can thrive and strategic goals can be met.

  
  

  This is a full-time, exempt position.

  
  

  Key Responsibilities

  
  

  Financial Leadership & Stewardship

  • Lead annual budgeting, reforecasting, and multi-year financial modeling.
  • Produce timely monthly, quarterly, and ad-hoc financial statements in accordance with GAAP and nonprofit best practices.
  • Oversee AP, AR, payroll, cash-flow management, and investment reconciliations; ensure robust internal controls.
  • Prepare clear, concise dashboards for the Executive Director and Board.

  
  

  Audit, Tax, & Grant Compliance

  • Manage the annual independent audit, IRS Form 990, and state filings.
  • Maintain schedules for restricted, government, and fee-for-service grants; monitor spending to ensure donor and statutory compliance.

  
  

  Risk Management & Insurance

  • Maintain and update the organization-wide risk register; lead annual risk-assessment workshops with senior staff.
  • Serve as primary contact for brokers and carriers; negotiate and administer all insurance lines (general liability, property, D&O, workers' comp, special-event riders, cyber).
  • Coordinate incident-response documentation and claims.

  
  

  Legal & Contract Administration

  • Own the end-to-end contract workflow (vendor, venue-rental, independent-contractor, licensing, MOU, and partnership agreements).
  • Liaise with pro bono and outside counsel; track renewal dates, indemnifications, and compliance clauses.

  
  

  Systems & Process Improvement

  • Optimize use of QuickBooks Online, Excel/Google Sheets, and expense-management tools.
  • Champion automation and paperless workflows to enhance accuracy and efficiency.

  
  

  Team & Vendor Management

  • Supervise and mentor finance-staff and outsourced accounting partners.
  • Oversee relationships with banks, auditors, CPAs, investment managers, and fiscal sponsors.

  
  

  Strategic Leadership

  • Partner with the Executive Director on scenario planning, earned-income modeling, and capital-project financing.
  • Present financial and risk analyses at board and committee meetings; translate complex data into actionable insights for non-financial stakeholders.

  
  

  Qualifications

  
  

  Required

  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field.
  • Minimum 7 years progressive nonprofit finance experience, including 3 years supervising staff or vendors.
  • Demonstrated expertise in budgeting, GAAP accounting, and audit management for budgets over $3 million.
  • Hands-on experience administering multiple insurance lines and/or leading enterprise-risk assessments.
  • Advanced proficiency with QuickBooks Online (or similar), Excel/Google Sheets, and cloud collaboration tools.
  • Strong analytical, written, and verbal communication skills; ability to explain financial concepts to program staff and board members.

  
  

  Preferred

  • CPA, MBA, or related advanced credential.
  • Familiarity with Uniform Guidance, federal grant compliance, and California nonprofit regulations.
  • Experience in an arts, cultural, or youth-development organization.

  
  

  Key Attributes

  • Strategic thinker with impeccable integrity and attention to detail.
  • Mission-driven, equity-centered, and comfortable working with a diverse community.
  • Solutions-oriented; thrives in a fast-moving, collaborative environment.
  • Able to balance big-picture analysis with hands-on transactional work.

  
  

  Work Environment & Physical Requirements

  • Office-based; occasional evening/weekend hours during audits, events, or board meetings.
  • Ability to lift up to 25 lbs and use standard office equipment.

• About the company

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