Senior Accounting Manager

Company Description

Comm Unify, formerly the Community Action Commission of Santa Barbara County, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to unifying the community to address inequalities and improve quality of life. The organization collaborates with local partners to support over 12,000 residents each year through education, health, and financial stability services. Comm Unify operates Head Start and Early Head Start centers, provides hundreds of thousands of healthy meals to low-income children and seniors, and offers utility assistance, youth mentorship, and a 2-1-1 Health & Human Services Resource Helpline.

With programs that promote independence and resilience for individuals of all ages, Comm Unify focuses on economic security and self-sufficiency for Santa Barbara County residents.

The Senior Accounting Manager is a full-time, hybrid role based in Santa Barbara, CA, with some flexibility for work from home. This position oversees the organization’s accounting operations, including the preparation, review, and analysis of financial statements and reports for multiple programs and funding sources. The Senior Accounting Manager supervises accounting staff, ensures accurate journal entries, reconciliations, and maintenance of the general ledger, and manages fixed asset accounting and depreciation schedules.

Day-to-day responsibilities include monitoring cash flow, supporting budgeting and forecasting, ensuring compliance with nonprofit accounting standards and grant requirements, and collaborating with program leaders to provide financial insights. The role also supports annual audits, develops and improves accounting policies and procedures, and contributes to strategic financial planning to sustain and grow Comm Unify’s community impact.

• Demonstrated expertise in preparing, analyzing, and interpreting financial statements, with strong knowledge of nonprofit or fund accounting.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to translate financial data into actionable insights for leadership and program teams.
• Proficiency in journal entries, general ledger management, and account reconciliations, ensuring accuracy and timeliness of financial records.
• Experience in finance functions such as budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and grant or contract financial reporting.
• Knowledge of fixed asset accounting, including capitalization policies, asset tracking, and depreciation calculations.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; CPA or CMA certification preferred.
• Progressive accounting or finance experience, including supervisory or management responsibilities, ideally in a nonprofit or public sector environment.
• Proficiency with accounting software and Microsoft Excel, including advanced functions for financial analysis and reporting.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across diverse teams and to support mission-driven decision-making.
• Commitment to equity, community service, and Comm Unify’s mission of improving economic security and self-suff