Job Description

The Whatcom Y is seeking an experienced Dir. of Finance & Budget to provide leadership in fiscal planning, budgeting, and management.

Bellingham, Washington, is a community of 90,000 with the advantages of a larger city and the charm of a coastal town. Bellingham amenities include a robust arts scene, a thriving local and sustainable food movement, and ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. The city lies 90 miles north of Seattle and 60 miles south of Vancouver, British Columbia.
This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Association Director of Finance & Budget provides leadership in financial planning, organizational budgeting, audit oversight, and fiscal policy. This position works collaboratively across departments and with external partners to ensure transparency, efficiency, and alignment between financial systems and the Y's mission and strategic goals. The association director serves as a strategic and detail-oriented finance leader to oversee all aspects of financial management, reporting, and sustainability for our $10+million organization. This position serves as a key leader on the senior leadership team and is responsible for strengthening financial operations, ensuring compliance with accounting standards, and guiding long-term fiscal strategy.
LEADERSHIP STANDARDS:

• Provides assistance and support in the creation of a healthy culture within the Association consistent with the culture of Living our Cause, fosters an atmosphere of teamwork, making the Y a desirable place to work. Promotes a professional working environment.
• Demonstrates commitment to the total organization by understanding the mission, strategic goals, organizational structure, and character development values.
• Incorporates changes into the programs in such a way as to maximize positive outcomes; takes constructive and timely action to correct problems while consistently meeting quality standards and deadlines.
• Resolves conflict by constructive problem-solving; maintains productive working relationships while mediating or resolving differences; proposes win-win solutions.
• Projects integrity and personal values, building trust and evoking the highest standards of professional ethics.
• Understands and communicates to all staff the importance of focusing on members.
• Demonstrates objectivity in emotional situations; exercises impartiality in problem solving and maintains patience, confidence, and composure under pressure or adverse circumstances.
• Uses team-based management to enhance effectiveness. Exercise independent thinking and takes full responsibility for results.
• Exercise effective problem-solving techniques; tackles issues directly and makes timely decisions that are based on logical conclusions and reflect factual information.
• Follows through on commitments and tasks until completion without prompting or direction.

OUR COMMITMENT TO EQUITY:
Everything we do at the YMCA is based on the idea that everyone should have the opportunity to reach their full potential, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation or identity, diverse abilities, age, religion, socioeconomic status, or any other statuses or identities. Our work is focused on eliminating barriers to access, eliminating disparities in health, providing educational support, supporting working families, and growing our next generation of changemakers for our country.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required; CPA or advanced degree preferred.
Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible financial management experience, including at least 3 years of leadership in a nonprofit, public, or mission-driven organization.
Strong knowledge of GAAP, internal controls, and financial policies.
Demonstrated experience in budgeting, forecasting, grant reporting, and audit management.
Proven ability to develop and manage complex budgets across multiple departments or sites.
Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and effectively.
Experience with accounting software and reporting systems (Daxko, SGA, MIP, etc.).
Ability to work collaboratively across teams and with external partners to build trust and accountability.
Prior supervisory experience.
Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.
Essential Functions

• Strategic Financial Leadership: Build the financial depth and proficiency of the Y's overall financial picture, strengthening reimbursement systems, cash management, and the long-term sustainability of operations.
• Budget & Forecasting: Lead the development, monitoring, and analysis of the annual operating and capital budgets. Translates organizational goals into executable budget plans by defining tasks, milestones, and priorities for programs or projects and partners with senior leaders to align resources with organizational strategy and mission priorities.
• Financial Operations: Manage all financial planning, forecasting, budgeting, and reporting across the Association. Oversee general ledger management, accounts payable and receivable, payroll, and monthly close procedures. Implements appropriate systems and internal controls to adequately safeguard the YMCA's financial resources and to provide a solid basis for accurately reporting financial data.
• Reporting & Analysis: Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, including reports required for regulatory, contract, and grant compliance. Analyze departmental and program expenses and revenues to support sound decision-making.
• Audit & Compliance: Direct the annual audit and oversee required filings, ensuring compliance with GAAP, YMCA standards, and applicable laws. Maintain and update internal controls, fiscal policies, and procedures.
• Cash & Investment Management: Monitor cash flow, review deposits, checks, and wire transfers, perform monthly bank reconciliations, and manage investment activities. Provide semi-monthly cash position reporting and maintain banking relationships.
• Grant & Contract Management: Provide financial oversight for grant applications, reporting, fund management (draw downs/spend downs), and ensure proper tracking and compliance with funding requirements.
• Leadership & Team Development: Lead, mentor, and support assigned staff to ensure alignment with organizational goals and professional growth. Build capacity within the team for data analysis and financial literacy.
• Systems & Technology: Oversee accounting system, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in data reporting and financial operations. Knowledge and ability to work within operations CRM, and payroll software.
• Collaboration & Communication: Work closely with executive leadership, program directors, and community partners to foster financial understanding and accountability across all departments.
• Board & Committee Support: Serve as the primary staff liaison to the Finance, Endowment, and Audit Committees, providing financial reports, analysis, and recommendations to support governance and long-term planning.
• External Partnerships: Develop and maintain positive, collaborative relationships with community finance, accounting, banking, and auditing firms, as well as other vendors and funders.
• Child Safety: Follow organization's policies and procedures regarding protecting youth from abuse, including screening and selection, training and supervision, and responding to allegations. Communicate to all staff and volunteers the organization's commitment to protect youth from abuse. Ensure staff trainings meet compliance standards across all assigned program areas.
• Association Leadership: Serve as a visible leader and ambassador for the YMCA-participating in association-wide initiatives, campaigns, and events that advance the Y's mission and strategic goals.

Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies
Advancing Our Mission & Cause: Engaging Community, Volunteerism, Philanthropy, Change Leadership
Building Relationships: Collaboration, Communication & Influence, Inclusion
Leading Operations: Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Fiscal Management, Functional Expertise, Innovation, Program/Project Management
Developing & Inspiring People: Developing Self & Others, Emotional Maturity

Skills Required