Director of Finance

Position Summary

The Director of Finance is a strategic and operational leader responsible for overseeing Polara Health’s financial management, reporting, and compliance functions. This role supports the CFO in driving financial sustainability for a mission-driven behavioral health organization serving diverse communities.

The Director ensures accurate financial reporting, strong internal controls, regulatory compliance, and data-driven decision-making. This leader partners closely with operations, revenue cycle, and clinical leadership to optimize financial performance in a complex, primarily Medicaid-funded environment.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management & Reporting

• Oversee preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP

• Ensure timely and accurate financial close process

• Lead variance analysis and provide actionable insights to executive leadership

• Develop dashboards and KPIs to monitor organizational performance

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Lead the annual budgeting process across departments

• Develop and maintain rolling forecasts

• Partner with operational leaders to align financial plans with programmatic goals

• Analyze service line profitability, payer mix, and cost structures

Regulatory Compliance & Audit

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including Medicaid and grant requirements

• Manage the annual external audit and coordinate responses

• Oversee preparation of required filings (e.g., IRS Form 990, cost reports, grant reporting)

• Maintain strong internal controls and financial policies

Revenue & Operational Partnership

• Collaborate with Revenue Cycle leadership to:

• • Monitor collections, denials, and cash flow trends

  • Improve financial performance tied to billing and reimbursement

• Support analysis of clean claims, net collection rates, and payer performance

• Provide financial modeling for new programs, expansions, and value-based care initiatives

Cash & Treasury Management

• Oversee cash flow planning and liquidity management

• Monitor operating cash, reserves, and investments

• Ensure proper management of banking relationships and financial risk

Team Leadership

• Supervise and develop finance staff (e.g., accounting, AP/AR, payroll where applicable)

• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and mission alignment

• Build bench strength and succession planning within the finance function

Strategic Finance

• Support long-term financial strategy and sustainability planning

• Participate in executive leadership discussions and board reporting

• Provide financial due diligence for partnerships, grants, and new service lines

Qualifications

Required

• 21 years of age or older; or minimum 18 years old and licensed or certified under A.R.S. Title 32 and providing services within the personnel member’s scope of practice; or minimum 18 years old for select administrative positions

• Must be able to provide or obtain an AZDPS Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card

• Must possess and maintain a valid Driver License, current automobile insurance, and a driving record that meets the guidelines and requirements of the organization

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field

• 7–10+ years of progressive finance/accounting experience

• 3+ years in a leadership or management role

• Strong knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting

• Experience with budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis

Preferred

• Experience in behavioral health, healthcare, or nonprofit sectors

• Familiarity with Medicaid reimbursement, grant funding, and value-based care

• CPA, MBA, or equivalent advanced certification

• Experience with ERP systems and healthcare financial reporting tools

Core Competencies

• Strategic thinking with strong operational execution

• High attention to detail and financial accuracy

• Ability to translate financial data into clear, actionable insights

• Collaborative leadership across clinical and administrative teams

• Strong understanding of mission-driven healthcare environments

• Continuous improvement mindset

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Timeliness and accuracy of financial reporting

• Budget variance and forecast accuracy

• Net collection rate and financial margin trends (in partnership with RCM)

• Audit results and compliance findings

• Days cash on hand and cash flow stability

• Cost per service unit and program financial performance

CORE COMPETENCIES  

• People​ – Passionately believes in people and embraces diversity

• Integrity ​–​ ​Does the right thing even when no one is looking

• Learning ​–​ ​Challenges old paradigms with critical thinking, curiosity and creativity

• Accountability​ – Sets an intentional culture of personal responsibility; believes everyone carries the load

• Relationships ​– Serves colleagues and consumers with love, empathy and compassion

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORKING CONDITIONS

The physical and working demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• Office environment, travel within the community, as needed

• Heavy exposure/use of computers, cell phones, office phones, etc.

• Ability to sit for prolonged periods throughout work hours

• Must be able to occasionally lift and/or move 5 or more pounds

• Must be able to respond appropriately and effectively in crisis situations by using good judgment and following Polara Health protocols

This position is considered Safety-Sensitive by Polara Health.

Non-Discrimination Policy

Polara Health subscribes to the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity. Polara Health’s policy is to provide employment, compensation, and other benefits related to employment based on qualifications, without regard to ancestry, age, color, disability, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex/gender, sexual orientation, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Polara Health intends to comply fully with applicable federal, state, and local employment laws, and the information requested on this application will be used only for purposes consistent with those laws.

Americans With Disabilities Act – Request for Reasonable Accommodations

In accordance with requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Polara Health’s policy is to provide reasonable accommodation for applicants requesting accommodation(s) during the application process, so the applicant may be given a full and fair opportunity to be considered for employment. If any candidate needs a reasonable accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify Polara Health in any of the following ways: by calling 928-445-5211, ext. 4047, U.S. Mail, or hand deliver to Polara Health 3343 N. Windsong Drive, Prescott Valley, AZ 86314 Attention: Human Resources Job Applicant Request.

Background Checks

Employment is contingent on background checks as required by Polara Health’s policies, which may include Fingerprint Clearance, Drug Test, Criminal History, Driving History Record, Sex Offender Registry Search, Department of Child Services, State Central Registry Check, Employment Verification, Education Verification, and Professional References.

We Offer the Following Benefits to Full Time Employees:

Medical * Dental * Vision * Short and Long Term Disability * Life Insurance * Health Savings Account * Flexible Spending Account * Employee Assistance Program * 401(k) * Up to 3 Weeks of Paid Time Off * 10 Paid Holidays per Year * Shift Pay (for select inpatient and residential positions) * Educational Reimbursement *