Finance Director

The Director of Finance will play a critical role working directly with the Co-Directors on strategic decision making and operations as the organization continues to grow its impact in North Carolina 

Primary Responsibilities

• Promote and ensure a culture of financial transparency, consistent communication, and meaningful collaboration with colleagues;
• Oversee and lead annual budgeting and planning process in conjunction with the Co-Directors; administer and review all financial plans and budgets; monitor progress and keep senior leadership team informed of the organization’s financial status;
• Produce, analyze and present financial reports; communicate monthly and annual financial statements, and oversee all financial accounting; manage organizational cash flow and forecasting;
• Provide financial insight into strategic decision-making throughout the organization;
• Coordinate and lead the annual audit process, liaise with external auditors as necessary, prepare and file annual reports;
• Evaluate Forward Justice’s current financial systems, identify areas for improvement and implement changes; participate in the hiring and on-boarding of finance staff as needed, and manage the department as it grows.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Experience with accounting and financial systems as well as the ability to develop fiscal policies, procedures, and systems informed by finance and industry best practices;
• Proven track record of managing complex projects, including the ability to creatively problem solve, to focus on the strategic landscape, to effectively delegate, and to take responsibility for decisions;
• Ability to translate financial concepts to – and effectively collaborate with – colleagues who may or may not have a finance background;
• Skilled at working to solve problems and advance an institution’s goals including setting priorities;
• Comfort with technology; ability to update systems and processes using technology, and the ability to train team members on new ways of executing the work.

Required Qualifications

• At least 5 years of overall experience in financial/accounting roles;
• Experience of final responsibility for the quality and content of all financial data, reporting and audit coordination for a significant program area;
• Past experience managing and growing a finance team, or comparable experience;
• Minimum of advanced degree in a related field required;
• Knowledge of the nuances of 501c3 finances required;
• Keen analytic skills which support and enable sound decision making;
• Willingness to dig into the details;
• Active listening skills, including the ability to understand and to show respect and empathy for others;
• Commitment to Forward Justice’s overarching goals and objectives.