Senior Director Of Finance Jobs in California
Senior Director Of Finance jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in technology, entertainment, biotechnology, and private equity across a market that demands strategic financial leadership at every level from high-potential VP-track candidates to seasoned executives with P&L ownership. The heaviest hiring happens in the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, and San Diego, where companies like Apple, Netflix, and Thermo Fisher Scientific maintain major finance operations. The most sought-after specializations are FP&A, M&A integration, and corporate treasury. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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STATUS: Exempt
DEPARTMENT: 5862 - Finance
REPORTS TO: President & CEO
SAFETY SENSITIVITY: HIGH – This position is designated as safety sensitive and is subject to pre-employment, drug, and alcohol screening.
Location - Yolanda Administrative Offices - 651 Yolanda Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA 95404.
The starting salary for this position is $130,000 - $150,000, DOE
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE JOB: The Director of Finance & Administration is the agency’s senior financial leader and is responsible for the oversight of financial operations, fiscal integrity, financial planning and analysis, and designated agency-wide administrative functions. The position serves as a strategic member of the Senior Leadership Team while maintaining a primary focus on Controller-level financial operations and accountability. Administrative responsibilities include oversight of designated business infrastructure and services, including third-party IT, commercial insurance, contracts and leases, and related risk-management functions.
The position does not have direct responsibility for People Operations, including human resources; retail operations; facilities operations; or program administration. These functions remain under the respective agency leaders.
The position is primarily internally focused, with an emphasis on financial operations, internal controls, reporting, compliance, and fiscal integrity. The position also has secondary responsibilities that are externally focused and forward-looking, including financial strategy, forecasting, banking and investment relationships, and other key external partnerships.
As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Director of Finance & Administration serves as a strategic partner in developing and executing initiatives that advance the agency’s vision, mission, and long-term organization goals. The position is expected to bring a broad organizational perspective to financial decision-making and help ensure that agency resources are aligned with strategic priorities, organizational sustainability, and mission impact.
PROVIDES SUPERVISION TO: Finance team members and IT associates
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Financial Leadership & Planning
- Direct and oversee accurate, timely, and meaningful financial reporting, including monthly financial statements, cash-flow forecasting, budget-to-actual reporting, variance analysis, and financial analysis to support sound operational and strategic decision-making.
- Lead and facilitate the agency’s annual budgeting and forecasting processes, partnering with leaders across the organization to develop, monitor, and manage operating, grant, capital, and other budgets.
- Provide financial insight and strategic counsel to the President & CEO and Senior Leadership Team, including financial forecasting, scenario analysis, resource allocation, and evaluation of financial opportunities and risks.
- Conduct financial analysis and feasibility assessments for new programs, locations, capital investments, partnerships, and other strategic initiatives.
- Oversee cash management, liquidity planning, banking relationships, investments, debt obligations, and other treasury functions.
- Oversee the agency’s annual financial audit, grant fiscal monitoring, CARF financial requirements, tax filings, and other financial and regulatory compliance activities.
- Develop, maintain, and implement financial policies, procedures, and internal controls consistent with GAAP, applicable laws and regulations, and nonprofit best practices.
- Oversee internal audit, reconciliation, and financial control processes across the agency’s financial and operational systems to ensure data integrity, appropriate controls, and accurate financial information.
- Monitor financial and operational risks and recommend appropriate strategies, controls, insurance coverage, and other risk-mitigation measures.
- Oversee the financial administration of grants and related subcontractor agreements, including budgeting, billing, financial reporting, monitoring, close-out, and compliance.
- Oversee the financial administration and tracking of agency contracts and leases, providing financial analysis and risk assessment and participating in negotiations as appropriate.
- Lead the agency’s commercial insurance renewal process and partner with appropriate colleagues regarding employee benefit renewals and related financial considerations.
- Develop and maintain effective relationships with financial institutions, auditors, insurers, grantors, investment and banking partners, and other professional advisors.
- Provide oversight of the agency’s third-party IT provider and coordinate agency-wide technology needs, including hardware and software, connectivity, cybersecurity, data protection, telework solutions, and technology supporting retail and administrative operations.
- Evaluate and improve financial and administrative systems, processes, and controls to increase efficiency, strengthen accountability, and support effective decision-making.
- Translate complex financial information into clear, concise, and actionable information for the President & CEO, Senior Leadership Team, Board of Directors, management, and other stakeholders.
- Serve as an active and strategic member of the Senior Leadership Team, contributing financial and organizational perspective to initiatives that advance the agency’s vision, mission, strategic priorities, and long-term sustainability.
- Recruit, develop, supervise, coach, and retain finance and other assigned staff; establish clear performance expectations and foster accountability, collaboration, professional development, and continuous improvement.
- Lead evaluation, selection, and instillation of hardware and software upgrades.
- Represent the agency at professional networking events, including actively participating in the Association of California Goodwill’s Finance Pillar.
- Participate on agency committees as assigned.
- Conduct self in courteous and professional manner at all times.
- Adhere to all agency policies.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field. CPA, MBA, or other advanced degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration, preferred.
- Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in accounting and finance, including significant experience overseeing financial operations, reporting, budgeting, internal controls, and compliance.
- At least three (3) years’ experience in a supervisory or management role, with demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and hold staff accountable.
- Demonstrated experience with financial reporting, budgeting, and regulatory compliance; experience with nonprofit accounting in a 501(c)(3) organization is strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated knowledge of GAAP, internal controls, financial analysis, cash management, and financial planning and forecasting. required.
- Experience for coordinating or managing an annual financial audit and working with external auditors, financial institutions, professional advisors, and other external partners.
- Demonstrated ability to translate complex financial information into clear, actionable information for senior leadership, a Board of Directors, managers, and non-financial stakeholders.
- Experience evaluating financial risks, developing financial policies and procedures, and implementing effective internal controls.
- Demonstrated proficiency with accounting/financial management systems and business technology, with the ability to oversee technology vendors and support effective use of financial and operational systems.
- Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a complex, mission-driven environment.
- Valid CA Class C Driver’s License
- Must have access to a reliable passenger vehicle and proof of auto insurance that supports completion of essential and ancillary functions of the position, including spontaneous travel to other Goodwill locations.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Experience in a nonprofit, social enterprise, retail, or multi-location organization, preferred.
- Experience with grant-funded programs and government or foundation contracts, preferred.
- Experience with capital planning, banking relationships, investments, debt management, or other treasury functions, preferred
- Experience presenting financial information to a Board of Directors or Board committee, preferred.
- Experience overseeing third-party technology or other outsourced business-service providers, preferred.
DESIRED TRAITS AND COMPETENCIES:
- Respect of others.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills. Ability to understand, speak and be understood in English.
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
- Strong technical skills in accounting and IT.
- Highly organized, self-directed and detail oriented.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Ability to thrive and be highly effective in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities.
- Strong relationship builder and communicator with experience working with diverse teams
- Ability to work with tight deadlines occasionally
WORK ENVIRONMENT: Clean, well-ventilated office with overhead lighting, carpet, temperate climate, low to moderate noise level. Frequent interruptions. Occasional trips to offsite locations.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Continuous sitting. Fine finger movements with continual computer use. Frequent bending, reaching, and grasping. Visual skills required. Ability to lift 25 pounds occasionally with or without assistance and maneuver heavier weights using proper lifting techniques and equipment.
PROMOTIONAL & DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES:
Successful, qualified performance may lead to eligibility for any other role in the agency, including lateral transfers and/or promotion to vacancies that may develop during tenure such as Chief Operating Officer, President and CEO.
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Senior Director Of Finance Job Market in California
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Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Government & Public Sector
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Science & Research
- Hospitality & Tourism
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in senior director of finance jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or economics with CPA or CFA preferred by California employers
- Ten or more years of progressive finance experience including at least three in a senior leadership role
- Proven experience leading financial planning and analysis for a California-based business unit or division
- Strong command of GAAP, SEC reporting requirements, and California revenue recognition standards
- Experience partnering with C-suite executives on strategic planning, capital allocation, and investor relations
- Proficiency in enterprise financial systems such as Workday Adaptive, Oracle, or SAP widely used in California
Senior Director Of Finance Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a senior director of finance in California?
Reaching a senior director of finance role in California typically requires a bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or a related field, followed by progressive experience in FP&A, corporate finance, or accounting leadership. While California does not require a state-issued license for this role, a CPA credential issued through the California Board of Accountancy or a CFA charter significantly strengthens candidacy. Most professionals build toward the role through controller, finance manager, or VP of Finance positions at California's technology, biotech, or entertainment companies.
Which companies hire senior director of finances in California?
Employers hiring senior director of finances in California right now include Marriott International, HEI Hotels & Resorts, and Rosewood Hotel, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. California's density of publicly traded technology firms, life sciences companies, and entertainment studios means consistent demand for senior finance leaders who can manage complex multi-entity reporting and support executive decision-making.
Which California cities have the most senior director of finance jobs?
The most senior director of finance openings in California are in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego. The Bay Area leads because of its concentration of public technology and SaaS companies that require dedicated senior finance leadership, while Los Angeles draws demand from entertainment, media, and private equity-backed firms, and San Diego's strong biotech and defense sectors generate consistent openings for finance executives with specialized industry experience.
Are there remote senior director of finance jobs in California?
Yes, and more than most fields. About 40% of senior director of finance openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting the strategic and analytical nature of the role. The portions most commonly performed remotely include financial modeling, investor reporting, and board preparation, while budget cycles, audit coordination, and executive team alignment typically require at least occasional in-person presence.
How can I get hired as a senior director of finance in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic path is entering through a finance rotational program or high-visibility individual-contributor role, then building toward leadership. Large California technology and life sciences companies such as those headquartered in the Bay Area and San Diego run rotational finance programs and structured associate finance manager tracks designed for early-career candidates. Starting as a senior financial analyst or FP&A manager with board-facing exposure, earning a CPA through the California Board of Accountancy, and developing experience with equity compensation and revenue recognition common in California's tech sector are the credentials that accelerate promotion into director and senior director roles.
Where can I find and apply to senior director of finance jobs in California?
You can find and apply to senior director of finance jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings updated regularly. Find roles that match your experience and apply directly to the ones that fit.
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