Associate Finance Director

Associate Finance Director

Job Description and Required Qualifications

Department: Finance Reports To: Finance Director

Position Summary The Associate Finance Director supports the financial leadership of the organization and serves as a key member of the finance team in a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) environment. This position is expected to work closely with the current Finance Director to gain comprehensive knowledge of the department and organization.

The Associate Finance Director assists in directing all finance-related activities, including financial reporting, compliance, budgeting, reimbursement analysis, operational finance, and internal controls. The ideal candidate will possess strong working knowledge of FQHC financial reporting requirements, regulatory compliance, reimbursement methodologies, and healthcare finance operations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Work directly with the current Finance Director to learn all core functions of the finance department and assume increasing leadership responsibility over time.
• Assist in the preparation, review, and presentation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, management reports, and financial analyses.
• Support the development, monitoring, and management of the annual operating and capital budgets.
• Maintain strong knowledge of FQHC financial operations, reporting requirements, and regulatory obligations.
• Assist in oversight of financial reporting and compliance related to FQHC operations, including federal, state, grant, payer, and other required reporting.
• Support preparation, review, and analysis of Uniform Data System (UDS) financial and statistical reporting.
• Support preparation, review, and submission of OSHPD/HCAI financial and operational reports, as applicable.
• Perform and/or oversee Medicare and Medi-Cal cost report analysis, preparation support, reconciliation, and reporting.
• Assist with Prospective Payment System (PPS) rate analysis and rate-setting support, including reconciliation report, review of encounter data, allowable costs, and reimbursement trends.
• Oversee or support administration and financial analysis of the organizations Sliding Fee Discount Program, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations and policies.
• Analyze payer reimbursement, revenue cycle performance, payer mix, visit trends, and cost structure to identify opportunities and risks.
• Assist with management of cash flow, general ledger activity, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll coordination, and month-end/year-end close.
• Maintain and strengthen internal controls, accounting procedures, and financial policies.
• Support annual audit preparation and act as a liaison with auditors, consultants, and regulatory agencies.
• Collaborate with executive leadership and operational departments to align financial strategy with organizational goals and mission.
• Mentor finance staff and help build departmental capacity for long-term success.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 to 7 years of progressive accounting or finance experience, preferably in a healthcare setting.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in an FQHC, community health center, or similar safety-net healthcare organization.
• Strong knowledge of FQHC financial reporting, compliance, and operations.
• Demonstrated experience with or strong knowledge of UDS reporting, OSHPD/HCAI reporting requirements, Medicare and Medi-Cal cost analysis and cost reporting, PPS reimbursement methodology and rate-setting, and Sliding Fee Discount Program financial oversight and compliance.
• Strong understanding of healthcare reimbursement, grants management, budget development, audit support, and regulatory compliance.
• Knowledge of GAAP, internal controls, and financial management best practices.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret financial, operational, and reimbursement data.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and experience with accounting and financial reporting systems.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and leadership skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA (Preferred), MBA, MHA, or other relevant advanced degree or certification.
• Experience with HRSA compliance and federal grant financial management.
• Experience supervising finance or accounting staff.
• Experience in a multi-site healthcare or community clinic environment.
• Familiarity with Medi-Cal managed care, Medicare reimbursement, and state/federal health center funding requirements.

Core Competencies

• FQHC financial and operational expertise
• Regulatory compliance and reporting
• Reimbursement and cost analysis
• Strategic financial planning
• Leadership and succession readiness
• Communication and cross-functional collaboration
• Integrity, accountability, and sound judgment