Director of Finance or Controller
Pasadena or Surrounding AreasApril 26, 2026
DANA KELLY
FINANCE DIRECTOR
PROFESSIONAL POSITIONING STATEMENT
Seeking a Director of Finance or Controller role where I can leverage 13+ years of nonprofit financial leadership, GAAP expertise, and strategic advisory experience to strengthen financial operations, ensure compliance, and drive sustainable organizational growth.
PROFESSIONAL PROFILE
Strategic and hands-on finance leader with over a decade of experience directing financial operations for nonprofit and for-profit organizations. Proven expertise in full-cycle accounting, fund accounting, audit management, budgeting, and financial reporting in complex, multi-entity environments. Adept at partnering with executive leadership, boards, and cross-functional teams to translate financial data into actionable insights that support mission-driven outcomes. Recognized for building and optimizing financial systems, strengthening internal controls, and ensuring compliance with GAAP and regulatory standards. Brings a rare blend of technical accounting depth and strategic advisory capability developed through long-term consulting engagements and leadership roles.
CORE COMPETENCIES
• Nonprofit Financial Management
• Cash Flow & Treasury Oversight
• GAAP Compliance & Reporting
• Financial Modeling & Analysis
• Internal Controls & Process Improvement
• Team Leadership & Staff Oversight
• Audit Management & Preparation
• Board & Committee Reporting
• Grant Financial Management
• Budgeting & Forecasting
• Multi-Entity Accounting
• Fund Accounting
EDUCATION
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (B.S.) IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
University of Oregon
EXECUTIVE EDUCATION
The Wharton School – Business Analytics: From Data to Insights (2020)
WORK EXPERIENCE
THE SHAKESPEARE CENTER OF LOS ANGELES – LOS ANGELES, CA
DIRECTOR OF FINANCE | JULY 2022 – PRESENT
• Direct full-cycle accounting operations, including accounts payable/receivable, payroll, reconciliations, and financial reporting across diverse revenue streams (grants, donations, ticket sales, and earned income).
• Oversee fund accounting for restricted and unrestricted funds, ensuring compliance with grant requirements and accurate allocation across programs and departments.
• Lead the development, monitoring, and refinement of annual organizational and project-based budgets in alignment with strategic goals.
• Prepare and present monthly, quarterly, and ad hoc financial reports, including cash flow projections, to executive leadership, Finance Committee, and Board stakeholders.
• Serve as primary liaison for annual certified financial statement audit, coordinating schedules, documentation, and auditor communications.
• Manage treasury functions, including banking relationships, investment oversight, and cash flow strategy.
• Develop and enhance financial systems, processes, and Chart of Accounts to support organizational growth and reporting complexity.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP standards and oversee all regulatory filings, including nonprofit exemptions and reporting requirements.
• Partner cross-functionally with Programs and Development teams to ensure accurate financial tracking and reporting of grants and program activity.
• Provide strategic financial analysis, modeling, and insights to support leadership decision-making and long-term planning.
• Supervise risk management functions, including insurance renewals and claims management.
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
• Successfully strengthened financial infrastructure to support expanding programmatic and funding complexity.
• Established improved reporting frameworks to enhance visibility for leadership and board decision-making.
BERNSTEIN CRISIS MANAGEMENT, INC. – LOS ANGELES, CA
BOOKKEEPER & FINANCE MANAGER | SEPTEMBER 2019 – MARCH 2025
• Directed full-cycle accounting operations, including general ledger management, accounts payable/receivable, bank and account reconciliations, and financial reporting, ensuring accuracy and consistency across all financial activities.
• Oversaw cost tracking and reporting processes, providing leadership with clear visibility into operational expenses and supporting more informed financial decision-making.
• Ensured full compliance with all tax, regulatory, and reporting requirements by coordinating timely filings and maintaining adherence to applicable financial standards and deadlines.
• Partnered closely with ownership to support long-term transition planning, including financial organization and readiness for the eventual sale of the business.
• Collaborated with external CPA to manage annual tax filings, financial statement preparation, and ongoing compliance matters, serving as the primary internal financial contact.
• Maintained and continuously improved financial recordkeeping systems and reporting structures to support operational continuity and business transparency.
• Provided ongoing financial insights and operational support in a lean environment, balancing day-to-day execution with higher-level advisory responsibilities.
• Supported process consistency and financial organization during a critical period of business transition, ensuring stability and continuity of financial operations.
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
• Played a central role in preparing the organization financially and operationally for ownership transition and potential sale.
LOS ANGELES SPORTS COUNCIL & AFFILIATES – LOS ANGELES, CA
BOOKKEEPER | MAY 2020 – NOVEMBER 2024
• Managed full-cycle accounting operations across three affiliated nonprofit entities, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and compliance within a complex, multi-entity financial structure.
• Oversaw intercompany transactions and reconciliations, maintaining proper financial alignment and transparency across related organizations.
• Performed fund accounting activities, including tracking and reporting on restricted and unrestricted funds across multiple programs and funding sources.
• Prepared comprehensive financial reports for board-level review, supporting governance, oversight, and informed organizational decision-making.
• Supported the development and monitoring of organizational budgets, contributing to financial planning and resource allocation efforts.
• Coordinated audit preparation activities, including assembling financial documentation and supporting schedules for annual certified financial statement audits.
• Ensured adherence to GAAP and nonprofit financial regulations across all entities, maintaining compliance and audit readiness.
• Contributed to financial transparency and operational effectiveness by maintaining accurate records and supporting consistent reporting practices across organizations.
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
• Successfully managed and maintained financial integrity across a multi-entity structure with intercompany complexity.
MIKE KELLEY FOUNDATION FOR THE ARTS – LOS ANGELES, CA
BOOKKEEPER & FINANCE MANAGER | MAY 2015 – NOVEMBER 2021
• Directed full-cycle financial operations, including accounts payable/receivable, payroll processing, general ledger management, and reconciliations, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in day-to-day accounting activities.
• Prepared and delivered monthly and quarterly financial statements to support executive leadership and board oversight, enabling informed decision-making.
• Managed treasury functions, including cash flow monitoring and financial resource allocation, to support organizational stability and operational needs.
• Led audit preparation efforts by coordinating schedules, assembling documentation, and serving as a primary point of contact for external auditors.
• Ensured ongoing compliance with GAAP and all applicable tax, regulatory, and reporting requirements, maintaining strong financial governance.
• Maintained and enhanced financial accounting and reporting systems to improve efficiency, accuracy, and scalability as organizational needs evolved.
• Acted as the primary liaison to the Audit Committee, supporting financial transparency and effective governance practices.
• Supported organizational planning and operational decision-making through accurate financial reporting and consistent oversight of financial activities.
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
• Maintained consistent audit readiness and regulatory compliance throughout multi-year tenure.
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
• American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Technical Proficiencies: QuickBooks Online, Xero, Google Suite, Microsoft Office Suite, MAS Systems, NetSuite, SAP
Interests: Literature, hiking, cooking
FINANCE DIRECTOR
PROFESSIONAL POSITIONING STATEMENT
Seeking a Director of Finance or Controller role where I can leverage 13+ years of nonprofit financial leadership, GAAP expertise, and strategic advisory experience to strengthen financial operations, ensure compliance, and drive sustainable organizational growth.
PROFESSIONAL PROFILE
Strategic and hands-on finance leader with over a decade of experience directing financial operations for nonprofit and for-profit organizations. Proven expertise in full-cycle accounting, fund accounting, audit management, budgeting, and financial reporting in complex, multi-entity environments. Adept at partnering with executive leadership, boards, and cross-functional teams to translate financial data into actionable insights that support mission-driven outcomes. Recognized for building and optimizing financial systems, strengthening internal controls, and ensuring compliance with GAAP and regulatory standards. Brings a rare blend of technical accounting depth and strategic advisory capability developed through long-term consulting engagements and leadership roles.
CORE COMPETENCIES
• Nonprofit Financial Management
• Cash Flow & Treasury Oversight
• GAAP Compliance & Reporting
• Financial Modeling & Analysis
• Internal Controls & Process Improvement
• Team Leadership & Staff Oversight
• Audit Management & Preparation
• Board & Committee Reporting
• Grant Financial Management
• Budgeting & Forecasting
• Multi-Entity Accounting
• Fund Accounting
EDUCATION
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (B.S.) IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
University of Oregon
EXECUTIVE EDUCATION
The Wharton School – Business Analytics: From Data to Insights (2020)
WORK EXPERIENCE
THE SHAKESPEARE CENTER OF LOS ANGELES – LOS ANGELES, CA
DIRECTOR OF FINANCE | JULY 2022 – PRESENT
• Direct full-cycle accounting operations, including accounts payable/receivable, payroll, reconciliations, and financial reporting across diverse revenue streams (grants, donations, ticket sales, and earned income).
• Oversee fund accounting for restricted and unrestricted funds, ensuring compliance with grant requirements and accurate allocation across programs and departments.
• Lead the development, monitoring, and refinement of annual organizational and project-based budgets in alignment with strategic goals.
• Prepare and present monthly, quarterly, and ad hoc financial reports, including cash flow projections, to executive leadership, Finance Committee, and Board stakeholders.
• Serve as primary liaison for annual certified financial statement audit, coordinating schedules, documentation, and auditor communications.
• Manage treasury functions, including banking relationships, investment oversight, and cash flow strategy.
• Develop and enhance financial systems, processes, and Chart of Accounts to support organizational growth and reporting complexity.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP standards and oversee all regulatory filings, including nonprofit exemptions and reporting requirements.
• Partner cross-functionally with Programs and Development teams to ensure accurate financial tracking and reporting of grants and program activity.
• Provide strategic financial analysis, modeling, and insights to support leadership decision-making and long-term planning.
• Supervise risk management functions, including insurance renewals and claims management.
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
• Successfully strengthened financial infrastructure to support expanding programmatic and funding complexity.
• Established improved reporting frameworks to enhance visibility for leadership and board decision-making.
BERNSTEIN CRISIS MANAGEMENT, INC. – LOS ANGELES, CA
BOOKKEEPER & FINANCE MANAGER | SEPTEMBER 2019 – MARCH 2025
• Directed full-cycle accounting operations, including general ledger management, accounts payable/receivable, bank and account reconciliations, and financial reporting, ensuring accuracy and consistency across all financial activities.
• Oversaw cost tracking and reporting processes, providing leadership with clear visibility into operational expenses and supporting more informed financial decision-making.
• Ensured full compliance with all tax, regulatory, and reporting requirements by coordinating timely filings and maintaining adherence to applicable financial standards and deadlines.
• Partnered closely with ownership to support long-term transition planning, including financial organization and readiness for the eventual sale of the business.
• Collaborated with external CPA to manage annual tax filings, financial statement preparation, and ongoing compliance matters, serving as the primary internal financial contact.
• Maintained and continuously improved financial recordkeeping systems and reporting structures to support operational continuity and business transparency.
• Provided ongoing financial insights and operational support in a lean environment, balancing day-to-day execution with higher-level advisory responsibilities.
• Supported process consistency and financial organization during a critical period of business transition, ensuring stability and continuity of financial operations.
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
• Played a central role in preparing the organization financially and operationally for ownership transition and potential sale.
LOS ANGELES SPORTS COUNCIL & AFFILIATES – LOS ANGELES, CA
BOOKKEEPER | MAY 2020 – NOVEMBER 2024
• Managed full-cycle accounting operations across three affiliated nonprofit entities, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and compliance within a complex, multi-entity financial structure.
• Oversaw intercompany transactions and reconciliations, maintaining proper financial alignment and transparency across related organizations.
• Performed fund accounting activities, including tracking and reporting on restricted and unrestricted funds across multiple programs and funding sources.
• Prepared comprehensive financial reports for board-level review, supporting governance, oversight, and informed organizational decision-making.
• Supported the development and monitoring of organizational budgets, contributing to financial planning and resource allocation efforts.
• Coordinated audit preparation activities, including assembling financial documentation and supporting schedules for annual certified financial statement audits.
• Ensured adherence to GAAP and nonprofit financial regulations across all entities, maintaining compliance and audit readiness.
• Contributed to financial transparency and operational effectiveness by maintaining accurate records and supporting consistent reporting practices across organizations.
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
• Successfully managed and maintained financial integrity across a multi-entity structure with intercompany complexity.
MIKE KELLEY FOUNDATION FOR THE ARTS – LOS ANGELES, CA
BOOKKEEPER & FINANCE MANAGER | MAY 2015 – NOVEMBER 2021
• Directed full-cycle financial operations, including accounts payable/receivable, payroll processing, general ledger management, and reconciliations, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in day-to-day accounting activities.
• Prepared and delivered monthly and quarterly financial statements to support executive leadership and board oversight, enabling informed decision-making.
• Managed treasury functions, including cash flow monitoring and financial resource allocation, to support organizational stability and operational needs.
• Led audit preparation efforts by coordinating schedules, assembling documentation, and serving as a primary point of contact for external auditors.
• Ensured ongoing compliance with GAAP and all applicable tax, regulatory, and reporting requirements, maintaining strong financial governance.
• Maintained and enhanced financial accounting and reporting systems to improve efficiency, accuracy, and scalability as organizational needs evolved.
• Acted as the primary liaison to the Audit Committee, supporting financial transparency and effective governance practices.
• Supported organizational planning and operational decision-making through accurate financial reporting and consistent oversight of financial activities.
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
• Maintained consistent audit readiness and regulatory compliance throughout multi-year tenure.
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
• American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Technical Proficiencies: QuickBooks Online, Xero, Google Suite, Microsoft Office Suite, MAS Systems, NetSuite, SAP
Interests: Literature, hiking, cooking
