Director of Finance - Prep for Prep - New York, NY

Prep for Prep develops leaders from under-represented communities through access to a superior education and life-changing opportunities. Since 1978, Prep has identified New York City’s most able students of color through a highly selective admissions process and, following 14 months of rigorous academic preparation, placed them at leading independent schools in the City and boarding schools throughout the Northeast. Once placed, Prep offers its students a sense of community, peer support, critical post-placement services, and a host of leadership development opportunities through college graduation. The results are compelling: more Prep students have graduated from Harvard than any other institution, and over 90% of Prep’s 2,546 college graduates have earned degrees from the most competitive colleges in the country; nearly 40% have graduated from Ivy League schools. They are emerging leaders in every field from business and law to education and the arts, to science and medicine. Prep shares its best practices with like-minded organizations through an initiative called Smart Connections. Through Smart Connections, Prep has impacted over 250,000 students around the world, including in Argentina, India, and South Africa.

The Director of Finance is responsible for the hands-on management of the accounting, budget, payroll, and accounts payable functions, as well as planning and forecasting. The Director also works with the Board of Trustees and Chief Executive and is supported by the Vice President for Administration. Prep for Prep is a highly-rated, mid-size organization with a $10 million operating budget. It is financially stable and well-managed and 100% privately funded. This is an exciting opportunity for a high-performing manager, who is ready to take the next step and lead a small team. While there are high expectations for the role, professional development opportunities are available for the right candidate, if necessary. Overall, this role presents a unique opportunity to join a successful, results-driven organization that has literally changed the lives of its students through access to superior education. It is a chance to contribute to Prep for Prep’s enduring legacy by working with top-notch professionals who are committed to excellence and passionate about ensuring the success of students through college and beyond.

The Director of Finance reports to the Vice President for Administration.

Specific Responsibilities Include:
Manage all aspects of the finance and accounting function within the organization.

Ensure implementation and maintenance of internal control systems, including fiscal policies and procedures, to comply with GAAP and applicable federal, state, and local regulatory requirements.

Ensure provision of timely and accurate analysis and reporting of financial data including monthly reports for use in expense control, forecasting, reporting, and preparing quarterly projections.

Manage the annual audit process, liaising with external auditors and internal teams.

Monitor and track the organization’s investment and retirement portfolios.

Ensure appropriate management of all revenue received, liaising closely with the Development Department.

Manage cash position, ensuring appropriate management of funds, preparing cash flow projections, and monitoring cash flow needs.

Ensure maintenance of accurate financial records, including all financial/accounting systems.

Develop effective relationships with Executive Staff and respective departments to ensure timely management of all business and program activities.

Supervise, train, and mentor Finance team: Associate Director of Finance, Finance Assistant, and part-time Intern.

Skills, Experience, and Competencies:
Bachelor of Science in Accounting or Finance with an in-depth understanding of GAAP. Related advanced degree or CPA a plus.

Minimum 3 – 5 years of experience in managing the finance and accounting function at a nonprofit is required.

Direct “hands-on” experience in financial management and accounting including reporting, budgeting, and basic auditing.

Knowledge of financial management in non-profit organizations including requirements for Form 990, NYS Form CHAR 550, CT-13, and 5500.

Excellent written and oral communication skills together with excellent interpersonal skills. Ability to build effective internal and external relationships and communicate effectively at all levels of the organization.

Detail-oriented and the ability to juggle multiple projects and competing deadlines.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to exercise sound judgment.

A proactive approach, a strong sense of urgency, and results oriented. Proactive takes initiative and plans ahead to complete projects with little supervision.

Excellent MS Office skills (especially Excel and PowerPoint). Strong working knowledge of Blackbaud’s Financial Edge Accounting software preferred.

Passion for Prep for Prep’s mission.

Strong work ethic with high level of integrity and dependability, serving as a responsible and trusted team player.

Competitive salary commensurates with experience. Full benefits package plus 3 weeks’ vacation to start.