Director of Finance in New York at The Chisholm Legacy Project

THE CHISHOLM LEGACY PROJECT SUMMARY:

The mission of The Chisholm Legacy Project, Inc. (TCLP) is rooted in the Just Transition Framework. The project serves as a vehicle to connect Black communities on the frontlines of climate justice with resources to traverse the path from vision to strategy to action plan to implementation to transformation. In support of frontline leadership, the project seeks to link movements and mainstream entities with the tools necessary to advance systems change centered in equity and justice. With Black women on the frontlines of advancing systems change, this project ensures that these leaders have the support they need as they transform society from extractivism to a living economy that cares for sacred relationships between people and with Mother Earth, through regenerative, cooperative, democratic systems.

SUMMARY OF THE POSITION:

The organization seeks a Director of Finance with a commitment to supporting Black Liberation and a willingness to be on a learning journey joining an institution that is grounded in Black Liberation, Climate Justice, and Just Transition. The Director of Finance serves a critical role in ensuring TCLP has strong financial operations, reliable financial reporting, timely and accurate compliance filings, and sound financial policies and forecasting. The Director of Finance manages the day-to-day financial operations of TCLP, leads the annual independent financial audit and federal 990 engagement, supports department budget management, and performs and oversees month-end accounting close processes resulting in financial statement preparation, financial analysis, and reporting for various internal and external stakeholders. Additionally, the position is a member of the Finance Department, manages the Accounts Payable Coordinator, and reports to the Senior Managing Director of Finance.

Financial Operations and Reporting

• Maintain TCLP’s financial systems to ensure compliance with nonprofit accounting standards and alignment with the mission of advancing Black Liberation, Climate Justice, and Just Transition.
• Manage all accounting functions including accounts payable, credit card transactions, accounts receivable, payroll reconciliations, and bank reconciliations.
• Oversee the management of the expense management system and ensure accurate recordkeeping, expense categorization, and timely process management.
• Perform the month-end and year-end accounting close processes ensuring accurate and timely financial statements using cloud-based accounting software (e.g. QuickBooks Online).
• Prepare and post journal entries and maintain the general ledger as needed.
• Anchor the financial aspects of the independent contracting process.
• Track restricted and unrestricted grant funds to ensure proper allocation.
• Support best financial practices by developing and maintaining financial policies, protocols, and standard operating procedures.
• Ensure organization-wide adherence to financial policies, protocols, and standard operating procedures.
• Generate weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports for various stakeholders, including project staff, executive leadership, Board of Directors, and Board Finance Committee.

Financial Planning and Analysis

• Collaborate with the Senior Managing Director of Finance to develop and monitor the annual operating budget.
• Provide monthly budget vs. actual reports to required stakeholders.
• Update financial forecasts as requested to reflect changing conditions.
• Create and maintain financial dashboards, calculations, and scenario planning models to support the financial health and resiliency of the organization.
• Serve as a knowledgeable thought partner to the Senior Managing Director of Finance regarding technical financial matters and analysis.

Financial Compliance

• Prepare year-end GAAP compliant financials and lead the annual independent financial audit and federal Form 990 tax engagement.
• Prepare and file required annual tax filings (e.g. 1099s, donor tax acknowledgments, MD Annual Report, state charitable registrations etc).
• Ensure compliance with regulatory and legal requirements, including federal and state laws and grant requirements.
• Manage the grants financial requirements calendar and prepare required financial reports.

Capacity Building

• Anchor the financial aspects of funding proposal development.
• Review and support staff with the preparation of project budgets for funding proposals.
• Participate in internal planning regarding program expansion to align initiatives with financial impact.
• Support TCLP’s internal financial infrastructure by researching financial tools and developing finance staff.
• Provide staff training in organizational finances, budget development, budget management, and other related topics to strengthen the organization’s financial capability and accountability.
• Build relationships with financial institutions, vendors, and external consultants to support the organization’s financial health and operational efficiency.
• Provides support coverage for Senior Managing Director of Finance as needed.
  
  
• Other duties and responsibilities, as assigned.

Responsibilities as a People Manager

Leadership, Development, and Team Engagement

• Provide leadership, guidance, and mentorship to support team growth and performance.
• Foster an inclusive, positive workplace culture and implement strategies to improve employee engagement and satisfaction.
• Conduct regular 1:1 meeting to understand team members' needs, set clear expectations, and provide constructive feedback.

Talent Management and Workforce Planning

• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, and retention strategies to attract and keep top talent.
• Align team goals and resources with organizational priorities, managing workloads and defining clear roles.

Performance, Compliance, and Problem-Solving

• Conduct performance evaluations and address issues constructively.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and legal requirements while resolving conflicts and concerns effectively.

Strategic Oversight and Change Management

• Lead teams through organizational changes, ensuring smooth transitions and clear communication.
• Utilize data-driven insights to inform decisions and report progress to senior leadership.

The ideal candidate for this position will possess many, if not all, of the following qualifications and competencies:

• Commitment to Black Liberation and demonstrated willingness to be on a learning journey with regard to institutional grounding in Black Liberation, Climate Justice, and Just Transition.
• 5 years or more of progressive experience in nonprofit financial management.
• Education in accounting, finance, or related field. Certified Public Accountant a plus.
• Demonstrated high ethical standards with integrity and accountability in financial practices.
• Enthusiasm for implementing values-aligned infrastructure at a developing organization.
• Strong background in GAAP, fund accounting, financial audits, tax compliance, internal controls, grants management, payroll and benefits administration, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret financial data and provide actionable insights.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments.
• Desire and ability to explain financial concepts to a broad audience including those well versed in finances and those with limited experience in interpreting financial statements.
• Proven leadership skills with experience in developing and managing team members.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail with the ability to prioritize effectively.
• A proactive posture with commitment to results and outstanding problem-solving ability.
• Command of accounting software and systems.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Suite, Asana, and various financial platforms.

• This position is exempt and expected to work a 40-hour work week
• This position will receive a 90-day (about 3 months) performance review.
• Ability to travel upon request; in addition to traveling to in-person meetings for the organization including but not limited to 3 to 4 staff retreats a year.

TCLP strives to provide employees with a competitive benefits package that meets a wide range of employees’ individual and family needs. These benefits include medical, dental, vision with 100% employer-paid premium for employee and a premium cost share for employees' eligible dependents. Short- and long-term disability, life insurance, and AD&D insurance are also provided to employees at no cost to the employee. These benefits become effective the first of the month following 30 days of employment. Comprehensive leave offerings include vacation, sick, parental, caregiver, bereavement, holidays, and office closure the final two weeks of the year.