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
Responsibilities
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
Lead the annual budgeting process across departments
Analyze service line profitability, payer mix, and cost structures
Collaborate with Revenue Cycle leadership to monitor collections, denials, and cash flow trends
Benefits
Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
Short and Long Term Disability
Life Insurance
Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account
Employee Assistance Program
401(k)
Up to 3 Weeks of Paid Time Off and 10 Paid Holidays
Full Job Description
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.
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 *
