Finance Director

Job Description

West Haven Community House

FINANCE DIRECTOR

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: 

The Finance Director has overall responsibility for the integrity of financial data, regulatory compliance, and fiscal management. It includes overseeing all accounting operations of the organization, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, grants accounting, and financial reporting. This role ensures the integrity of financial data, compliance with nonprofit regulations, and the timely completion of month-end close and audits. The Director supervises Finance department staff and collaborates across departments to provide financial analysis, grant reporting, and budget support to the agency’s programs. In addition, assist with annual and budget forecasting, along with long-term strategic planning

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or related field (CPA preferred), Master’s Preferred 
• Minimum of 5+ years of progressive accounting experience
• 2+ years of supervision of employees 
• Experience in nonprofit accounting and grant management strongly preferred 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Must be physically able to perform the duties of the position, which may require lifting unspecified weights, standing, bending, use of hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear; stretching, walking, pushing, and/or pulling
• Must be able to walk frequently; sit, climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, and taste or smell 
• Ability to organize, to show initiative, to manage administrative duties, to pay attention to detail, and the ability to use logical, clear, concise reasoning to make decisions in work performance 
• Ability to work both independently and as a team member, with the ability to establish strong relationships
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form, with the ability to handle detailed, complex concepts and problems, balance multiple tasks simultaneously, and make rapid decisions regarding administrative issues
• Ability to manage a high-stress position with the ability to plan and meet deadlines
• Ability to use a computer and the software necessary to conduct all functions of the position
• Strong knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) 
• Proficiency with accounting systems and automated financial tools 
• High level of integrity, accuracy, and attention to detail 
• Strong analytical and reconciliation skills, as well as effective problem-solving and decision-making abilities 
• Clear, professional communicator who works well across teams and has strong leadership and people management skills 
• Ability to balance responsive service with strong internal controls 
• Reliable self-starter with excellent time management and follow-through

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee and own the daily operations of the Finance Department, including oversight of Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, general ledger activity, banking activity, investment accounting, vendor approvals, payroll setup, and payroll-to-general ledger reconciliations, and related financial processes.
• Ensures that all journal entries, balance sheet reconciliations, supporting schedules, and weekly cash flow summaries are accurate and completed on time.
• Owns and manages the month-end and year-end close processes and calendars, including review procedures and the timely preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports.
• Serve as system owner for Sage Intacct and related financial systems, including system administration, reporting, process improvements, and user support.
• Provides training for internal staff on finance systems.
• Is the lead for the annual budget planning, including program budgeting, financial planning, financial analysis, and variance explanations.
• Oversee and maintain fiscal policies, accounting procedures, and internal controls while ensuring consistent application of agency accounting policies and procedures, including knowledge transfer and cross-training.
• Ensures department compliance with GAAP, and all applicable federal, state, local, and nonprofit financial reporting requirements.
• Supervise Finance Department staff, including Staff Account, Accounts Payable, and Accounts Receivable personnel, while providing coaching, training, performance management, and fostering a collaborative, accountable, and service-oriented team culture.
• Ownership of all grant budgeting and ensures that the department is collaborating with development and program staff on funding applications, invoicing, financial communication, reporting, and compliance requirements.
• Owns and oversees grant, contract, and state-funded program accounting from award setup through reporting and closeout, ensuring accurate financial reporting and compliance with funder requirements.
• Is the lead for all audit, tax, and external reporting processes, including preparation of schedules, worksheets, work papers, reconciliations, and responses to auditor requests.
• Coordinates financial communication and invoicing with program departments and other agency stakeholders.
• Assist the Finance Executive Officer with annual and budget forecasting, along with long-term strategic planning and reporting to state and federal entities.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Finance Officer (EFO) or Executive Director (ED).

FLSA: Exempt