SVP Finance (Non-profit, Cleantech Incubator)

About LACI

The Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI) is a nonprofit organization creating an inclusive green economy. We create impact in Los Angeles and nationwide by working with startups to accelerate the commercialization of clean technologies; transforming markets through catalytic partnerships with policymakers, innovators, and market leaders in zero emission transportation, clean energy, and sustainable cities; and enhancing communities through workforce development, pilots, and other programs. Originally founded as an economic development initiative by the City of Los Angeles and its Department of Water & Power (LADWP), LACI is recognized as one of the most innovative business incubators in the world. Since 2011, LACI has helped 500+ portfolio companies raise over $1.5 billion in funding, generate $477 million in revenue, deploy $60M+ in pilot funding, and create more than 3,000 direct and indirect jobs, with a long-term economic impact of more than $733 million.  Learn more at laci.org

Position Summary:

Are you an executive finance leader who wants your day job to create social and environmental impact, including advancing cleaner air, combatting the climate crisis, and helping create economic opportunity for underrepresented communities? The Senior Vice President (SVP) of Finance at LACI is a unique opportunity to serve as a vital senior leader for one of the leading cleantech business incubators and innovation platforms. Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and partnering closely with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), you will craft and manage the financial tools required to sustain, scale, and maximize our $25M annual operating budget.

This is not a traditional, back-office financial management role. As LACI enters its next phase of growth, you will lead the long-term financial infrastructure that powers our mission—ensuring financial compliance across a sophisticated, high-impact revenue mix of federal and state grants, major corporate partnerships, and philanthropic capital.

Managing a dedicated team of two direct reports alongside key contractors, you will thrive in a dynamic "player-coach" ecosystem. You are someone who is equally energized by delivering financial narratives to our Executive Team and Board Committees as you are roll-up-your-sleeves financial modeling and systems automation. If you are ready to apply world-class fiscal leadership to accelerating an inclusive green economy, we want to hear from you.

What You’ll Do:

- Financial Strategy & Executive Partnership: Serve as senior financial advisor to the COO, CEO and executive leadership team
- Lead financial strategy development to support long-term sustainability and maximize mission impact
- Evaluate financial risks , funding opportunities, and resource allocation decisions
- Provide scenario analysis and predictive modeling for budgeting to guide  executive decision-making
- Partner on organizational planning to map the financial implications of operational priorities

- Accounting, Controls & Financial Reporting Oversight: Provide executive oversight of all accounting operations, including general ledger and monthly/yearly financial close processes
- Ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP, nonprofit accounting standards, and grantor requirements
- Oversee internal control environment and segregation of duties across Finance functions
- Own the financial statements and provide a detailed review prior to issuance
- Oversee annual audit coordination and Form 990 preparation

- Financial Planning & Analysis: Work with the COO to create and lead  annual budgeting , rolling forecasting, and long-range financial planning models
- Deliver timely financial dashboards , reports, and rigorous variance analysis
- Manage liquidity analysis and cash flow optimization across multiple funding streams
- Guide financial KPI development to align programmatic priorities and financial performance metrics

- Team Leadership & Systems Modernization: Lead, develop, and coach finance team members through regular mentoring and career pathing
- Establish clear priorities , performance metrics, and accountability frameworks across the team.
- Cultivate a culture of accountability , continuous improvement, operational excellence, and service-oriented partnership with internal stakeholders
- Oversee financial tools and infrastructure to maximize data accuracy and automation
- Standardize process improvements that support efficient financial scaling as LACI grows

- Grants, Restricted Funds & Compliance: Oversee financial management of restricted funds and grant compliance frameworks
- Support  grant budgeting , tracking, invoicing, and reporting with funder and internal stakeholder requirements
- Ensure financia l compliance with federal, state, and private grant regulations, including Uniform Guidance
- Track and optimize the allocation mix between restricted and unrestricted funding sources

- Board & Governance Leadership: Work with the COO to prepare financial presentations to the Board Finance and Audit Committees
- Ensure transparent financial reporting aligned with organizational governance requirements
- Serve as primary interface with auditors

Requirements:

Basically, we want to know you can get the job done. This means you have:

- Experience: 10+ years of progressive accounting and financial management experience, with a track record of executive leadership in a complex, highly collaborative organization.
- Nonprofit Expertise: Deep knowledge of nonprofit accounting under U.S. GAAP, restriction tracking, and fund accounting.
- Grant Compliance: Demonstrated experience navigating federal, state, and private grant regulations, specifically including Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200) .
- Core Competencies: Proven leadership over month-end close, financial modeling, organizational budgeting, and annual audits.
- Team Leadership: Successful track record managing high-performing teams and leading organizations through process or system changes.
- Education: Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a closely related field.
- Skills: Exceptional communication skills with the ability to distill complex financial data for non-financial stakeholders, combined with a meticulous attention to detail.
Preferred Qualifications 
- Certifications: Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.
- Advanced Degree: Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or an MBA.
- Governance: Direct experience supporting executive leadership and Board-level committees.

Work Requirements

- This role is hybrid, working onsite at our downtown Los Angeles office at least 3 days per week. Additional days onsite may be required depending on work responsibilities, events, and other factors.
- Some travel may be required.

Position Details:

This is a full-time position, starting immediately. LACI operates out of the La Kretz Innovation Campus, in the bustling Downtown LA Arts District. Since we are rapidly growing, you will be getting in on the ground floor at LACI, with the opportunity to evolve with us and shape your future here.

Salary Range : SVP Range $180-215k commensurate with experience, education, skills, etc and total compensation package including health benefits, 401k match, professional development, commuter benefits and more.

In addition to working on a campus with other innovators, we offer industry competitive benefits including:  paid holidays, vacation/sick time, health benefits, 401(k) plan, professional development, and paid parking. We also support alternative transportation with a metro pass for every employee.