Director of Finance

New York

Job Description Job Description Director of FinanceABOUT THE INNOCENCE PROJECT The Innocence Project works to free the innocent, prevent wrongful convictions, and create fair, compassionate, and equitable systems of justice for everyone. Our work is guided by science and grounded in anti-racism. Since our inception, the Innocence Project has used DNA and other scientific advancements to prove wrongful conviction. To date, we have helped to free or exonerate more than 200 people who, collectively, spent more than 3,600 years behind bars. Our efforts have led to the passage of more than 200 transformative state laws and federal reforms. Today, the Innocence Project continues to fight for freedom, drive structural change, and advance the innocence movement. To learn more, please visit www.innocenceproject.org.

ABOUT THE POSITION The Innocence Project works to free the innocent, prevent wrongful convictions, and create fair, compassionate, and equitable systems of justice for everyone. Our work is guided by science and grounded in antiracism.

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Director of Finance is a key member of the financial leadership team, working closely with the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to ensure the financial health and sustainability  at the Innocence Project. The Director of Finance will supervise the two Staff Accountants and will be responsible for overseeing the finance department’s day-to-day functions, and assisting the CFO in overseeing all financial operations, driving financial strategy, and providing financial leadership across the organization.

All Innocence Project employees must embrace, respect and value the rich diversity of perspectives and experience of a diverse and heterogeneous staff.  We recognize and appreciate that our work is better for having varied participants and thought partners.

We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we are not able to sponsor visas and we are not an e-verify employer.

The duties of this position require approximately 40 hours of work per week to be performed virtually/in-office. We currently have a hybrid in-office model, with all employees in the office three days per week and the remainder of the week remotely. Wednesday is our organization’s “anchor day” where all staff works in the office. The number of required in-office days is subject to change.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE The ideal candidate is detail-oriented and will possess a proven track record of leadership in financial management, with expertise in budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis. They will also have proven leadership of a team.  In collaboration with the CFO, the Director of Finance will play a pivotal role in contributing to the financial strategy of the organization and in ensuring fiscal responsibility.

In addition, all Innocence Project employees must embrace, respect and value the rich diversity of perspectives and experience of a diverse and heterogeneous staff.  We recognize and appreciate that our work is better for having varied participants and thought partners.  The ideal candidate is someone who thrives in this type of environment.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS LEADERSHIP AND TEAM DEVELOPMENT

Oversee the work of and supervise a team of 2 Finance team members.

Hold regular 1:1s, set clear performance expectations, conduct annual performance reviews, and provide constructive feedback to team members.

Delegate tasks and responsibilities effectively, empowering team members while ensuring accountability and ownership.

Facilitate open and transparent communication within the team and across departments.

Lead by example, embodying and modeling the IP’s values of accountability, collaboration, equity, empathy and compassion, person-centeredness, quality focus, self-awareness.

FINANCE STRATEGY AND ACCOUNTING FUNCTIONS

In conjunction with the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), responsible for developing the vision and direction of the team and related work within the Finance department.

Monitor all accounts, ledgers, and reporting systems ensuring compliance with appropriate GAAP standards and regulatory requirements.

Review all month-end closing activities including general ledger maintenance, balance sheet reconciliations, revenue and expense analysis.

Prepare monthly department-level financial reports and conduct quarterly budget variance reviews with Department Heads.

Prepare and provide accurate monthly and quarterly financial reports, statements, and analysis to the CFO to facilitate informed decision-making.

Assist CFO in developing and implementing budgeting processes that involve all stakeholders, ensuring that budgets align to Innocence Project’s strategic objectives.

Assist CFO in the annual budgeting process; coordinate and collaborate with Department Heads to set realistic financial targets, and manage the budget for their respective areas.

Collaborate with external auditors by providing the required audit schedules and other relevant documents to facilitate the annual external audit.

Maintain and update the agency fiscal policies and procedures manual in accordance with GAAP and regulatory compliance.

Oversee the monthly process for allocating shared and indirect expenses by project/department.

Identify areas for improvement on financial and accounting systems, processes, tools and control systems.

Collaborate with the CFO in identifying, assessing, and mitigating financial risks, such as investments risks, funding uncertainties, and economic challenges, to safeguard the Innocence Project’s assets.

Other duties and special ad-hoc projects as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE Master's degree in Accounting, Finance or related field plus 9 years experience in financial management experience, including non profit fund OR Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance or related field plus 11 years experience in financial management experience, including non profit fund

Must have 1-2+ years in a supervisory role

Expert in Microsoft Office Suite with special emphasis on Excel, Word, and PowerPoint

Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.

KEY COMPETENCIES + VALUES Demonstrated leadership skills

Able to draw conclusions and assess impact from analysis and interpretation of financial data

Excellent oral and written communicator

Exceptional project management skills

Ability to handle and prioritize multiple time-sensitive projects

Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information

Enthusiasm for the work of the Innocence Project and for social justice, including a demonstrated commitment to public interest

Shares in the IP’s values of accountability, collaboration, empathy + compassion, equity, person-centeredness, quality focus, and self-awareness

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS & PERKS The salary for this position is highly competitive and the Innocence Project offers an excellent benefits package, including fully-paid individual health, dental and vision insurance, Flexible Spending Account, 401k plan with 6% company-match, paid disability and family care leave, adoption and fertility expense reimbursements, and company-paid transportation benefits.

WORKFORCE DIVERSITY AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY The Innocence Project considers the diversity of its workforce to be vital to our organization’s success in meeting its mission.  We strongly encourage applicants from all cultures, races, educational backgrounds, life experiences, socio-economic classes, sexual orientations, age, gender, and physical abilities to apply. Individuals with personal connections to the criminal legal system are strongly encouraged to apply.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, it is our policy not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, familial status, marital status, predisposing genetic characteristics, actual or perceived domestic violence victim status, unemployment status, caregiver status, or any other category protected by law.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS To apply, please upload a cover letter expressing your interest in the role and the organization’s work, and a resume titled with your name in this format (last name_first name_cover letter/resume). Only applications with cover letters will be considered complete applications. Information submitted through this secure site is kept confidential. Due to the large volume of applications, we are unable to give applicant updates by phone or direct email.

*At the Innocence Project, we believe in recognizing talent and passion beyond formal educational qualifications. We are committed to considering a broad array of candidates with a range of professional and lived experiences and backgrounds. We know that transferable skills can be gained through a variety of ways that could enable a candidate to be successful in a role, not just formal education. For this position, if you have at least 15 years of experience in this or a related field, we encourage you to apply regardless of your educational background. So, whether you’re returning to work after a gap in employment, looking to transition to a new career path, or taking the next step in your professional life, we encourage you to apply if you have additional experience in lieu of the posted educational requirements.

**Applications for this position will be considered on a rolling basis until the post is filled.**

SALARY RANGE $127,500 - $150,000 Salary commensurate with experience

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