BASIC REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor of Arts degree in business, finance, accounting, or related field.
• Ten or more years experience in a finance or accounting role, including 5-10 years of nonprofit financial leadership.
• Experience leading a small team and collaborating cross-functionally with programming and development teams.
• The ability to respect a successful culture and its values, yet earn support and consensus to create new and higher standards for functional performance.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and manage complex budgets.
• Experience contributing to an organization’s financial strategy, planning, and compliance.
• Ability to communicate clearly with non-financial stakeholders (especially boards and program leaders).
• Familiarity with nonprofit finance tools, Quickbooks, CRM integrations, Google Suite, and Microsoft Word 2008 or higher for Mac: Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Strong understanding of GAAP, fund accounting, restricted/unrestricted fund management, and IRS 990 filings.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, writing, and organizational skills.
• High professional and ethical standards for handling confidential information.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks, successfully manage multiple priorities simultaneously, meet deadlines, and deal with change.
• Ability to be both strategic and work hands-on.
• Willingness to travel.

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS

• CPA, CFA, or MBA in finance, accounting, business, or related field.
• Experience with billing systems, WordPress, and online store platforms.
• Familiarity and/or experience with speech and debate activities.
• Experience devising goals, work expectations, and collaboration tools that acknowledge and account for cultural differences between contributors.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Strategic Leadership and Financial Planning

• Develops and implements the organization’s overall financial strategy in alignment with its mission and long-term goals.
• Provides financial insight and recommendations to support strategic decision-making, forecasting, and long-range planning for staff and Board of Directors.
• Liases to the Board of Director’s Internal Affairs committee by preparing, attending, and recording quarterly meetings.
• Providing NSDA affiliate organizations with non profit financial best practices information and guidance on IRS resources and requirements.

Budgeting and Forecasting

• Leads the annual budgeting process in collaboration with department heads, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities.
• Monitors, analyzes, and reports budget performance regularly, including a monthly budget vs. actual analysis; recommends and implements adjustments as needed.
• Prepares financial projections and long-term models to inform strategic planning and program evaluation.

Accounting and Financial Operations

• Oversees day-to-day accounting operations, ensuring accurate and timely processing of transactions, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, and general ledger.
• Supervises and supports the Finance Specialist(s) and Finance Assistant(s).
• Collaborates with Human Resources on payroll processing and benefits selection/distribution as needed.
• Oversees the accurate and timely processing of incoming donations, including deposits and coordination with development staff to ensure alignment between financial and donor records.
• Ensures accurate processing of retirement plan contributions and reconciliation with payroll and plan providers; evaluates plan performance and recommends changes as needed.
• Ensures compliance with internal controls and accounting standards (GAAP or other applicable nonprofit standards).

Financial Reporting

• Prepares monthly and annual income statements and balance sheets with variance analysis; analyzes expenditures by department and makes recommendations regarding resource allocation.
• Provides clear, concise financial analysis and narrative reporting tailored to different audiences (e.g., board, funders, staff), including quarterly and annual financial statements to leadership and the Board of Directors.
• Maintains financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP on an ongoing basis, including reconciliations of balance sheet accounts and month-end journal entries.

Audit, Compliance and Risk Management

• Coordinates the annual financial audit and filings of the annual tax and information returns with the IRS, serving as the primary liaison to appointed external auditors, Executive Director, and Board Internal Affairs Committee.
• Ensures compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, as well as with funder and grant requirements.
• Manages organizational insurance policies and renewals to ensure adequate coverage and risk mitigation across all areas of operations.
• Maintains and updates financial policies and procedures to manage risk and promote efficiency and transparency.
• Complete the annual 401k and 403b audits and 5500-SF filing.

Cash Flow and Investment Management

• Monitors cash flow and liquidity, and develops strategies to optimize cash management.
• Oversees investment accounts and ensures alignment with the organization’s investment policy.

Grants and Fund Management

• Supports grant budgeting, tracking, and financial reporting in coordination with development and program teams.
• Monitors restricted and unrestricted funds to ensure proper use and reporting.

Systems and Technology

• Evaluates and maintains financial systems and software, ensuring functionality, security, and integration with other systems, including multiple credit card processorsand a custom CRM database.
• Leads improvements and automation in financial operations where appropriate.

Team Leadership and Development

• Supervises, mentors, and supports the finance team, including goal-setting, performance evaluations, and professional development.
• Fosters a collaborative and accountable team culture within the finance department and across the organization.