Rafael Gutierrez Jr.

Professional Biography

Accomplished financial executive with extensive experience spanning manufacturing, nonprofit, and education sectors. Bilingual professional known for strategic financial leadership, process optimization, and technology integration. Proven track record in complex fund management, grant administration, and financial systems implementation. Proud U.S. Marine Corps veteran bringing military precision and leadership excellence to financial operations.

Education

• Master’s Degree in Corporate and International Finance
• Bachelor’s Degree in Financial Management

Professional Experience

Nonprofit Leadership & Consulting

• Directed finance and business operations at YMCA as Finance and Business Director
• Managed diverse funding sources including:
• State education grants through school district partnerships
• County-level grant programs
• Private foundation grants
• Restricted funds and endowments
• Individual and corporate donations
• Provided comprehensive financial oversight including:
• Creation and monitoring of organizational budgets with forecasting
• Management of restricted funds and endowment accounting
• Line of credit administration and reporting
• Special events financial planning and reporting
• Capital campaign financial management
• Donation tracking and donor reporting systems
• Prepared and presented extensive financial reporting packages including:
• Profit and loss statements
• Balance sheets
• Accounts receivable aging reports
• Accounts payable management reports
• Budget variance analyses
• Cash flow projections
• Achieved approximately $100,000 in cost savings through strategic program analysis and optimization
• Served on the YMCA Finance Committee, providing strategic guidance for organizational financial decisions
• Provided consulting services to various nonprofits:
• Advised Toastmasters on financial management
• Supported startup nonprofit organizations with financial infrastructure development
• Offered international consulting to Colombian nonprofit organizations
• Implemented and managed nonprofit accounting systems including Sage Intacct
• Prepared and filed IRS Form 990 returns, maintaining nonprofit tax compliance
• Developed robust internal controls specific to nonprofit operations

Manufacturing Leadership

• Served as Financial Controller for two Los Angeles-based manufacturing companies, managing financial operations for organizations with up to $14M in annual revenue
• Led and mentored accounting teams of two staff members, fostering professional development and ensuring operational excellence
• Oversaw complete financial operations including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting for facilities with 45+ employees
• Implemented and optimized various accounting software and ERP systems, maintaining cutting-edge technological solutions for financial operations
• Developed comprehensive accounting policies and procedures to ensure regulatory compliance
• Managed sales and use tax reporting requirements across multiple jurisdictions

Education Sector Management

• Supervised a team of four professionals in a private career college setting
• Developed and implemented financial strategies to support educational objectives
• Maintained compliance with educational sector financial regulations and reporting requirements

Technical Expertise

• Proficient in QuickBooks, Sage Intacct, and various ERP systems
• Advanced expertise in financial software and technology integration
• Strong focus on leveraging innovative solutions for financial management
• Demonstrated ability to implement and optimize financial technology systems

Additional Qualifications

• United States Marine Corps Veteran
• Bilingual: Fluent in English and Spanish
• International nonprofit consulting experience
• Technology-focused approach to financial management and process optimization

Core Competencies

• Nonprofit Tax Compliance
• Strategic Financial Leadership
• Complex Fund Management
• Grant Administration & Compliance
• Nonprofit Financial Consulting
• Cost Reduction & Optimization
• Team Management & Development
• Financial Systems Implementation
• Process Improvement
• Bilingual Communication
• Cross-Sector Expertise