Sr. Director of Finance
Friends of the High Line, United States
Job Description
The Senior Director of Finance is a key leadership role, providing strategic financial counsel to the executive team and the board of directors. This position contributes to the development and execution of financial initiatives aligning with the High Line's short and long-term goals. Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer, the Senior Director of Finance oversees a team responsible for managing finance, accounting, and business systems. Additionally, they serve as the Assistant Treasurer of the High Line Board of Directors, handling budget reporting and acting as a staff liaison for the Audit amp; Finance and Investment Committees. This full-time hybrid position entails at minimum, two days in the office per week, focusing on overseeing yearly operating budgets, capital budgets, endowments, and various funding channels.
Primary Responsibilities
Partner with the Executive Director and Chief Administrative Officer on all finance operational and strategic issues; provide strategic recommendations based on financial analysis and projections and in alignment with strategic planning.
Engage the Chief Advancement Officer and earned revenue departments to align financial management and planning with short- and long-term revenue projections.
Ensure the organization is compliant with grants and determining consistent allocation methods for staff time.
Engage the board of directors, serve as the primary staff liaison for the board’s Audit amp; Finance and Investment Committees, and lead those meetings
Work with the Audit and Finance Committee to ensure compliance with all applicable financial, accounting, and regulatory requirements.
Develop and manage the High Line’s annual and long-term operating and capital budgets.
Oversee and facilitate the annual budgeting process by collaborating with the organization’s departmental budget managers.
Develop and maintain policies and procedures that serve to protect the High Line’s financial and physical assets and prudently manage its resources.
Partner with the Director of Finance to assess and manage cash flow effectively and efficiently.
Update and analyze financial data, and yearly operating budget, and prepare financial reports, statements, and forecasts for staff, the board, and various board committees.
Oversee insurance portfolio (with the exception of employee health), in coordination with an outside broker, make recommendations on new and existing policies, and evaluate risk portfolio for the High Line.
Oversee internal contract management policy and work with counsel on regulatory matters.
Oversight of employee payroll and benefit deductions. Ensure that payroll is properly allocated, manage relationship with outside 403(b) administrator, and assess annual employee benefits.
Supervise the work of the Director of Finance, including review of periodic financial statements, IRS Form 990, audited financial statements, and management of the finance team staff.
Ensure that policies and procedures for inventory management and cash handling are implemented and followed for the retail program.
Facilitate regular communication between the Investment Committee and outside investment manager to execute tactical shifts in actively managed investment portfolio.
Ensure compliance with the High Line’s Conflict of Interest, Investment, and Operating Reserve Policies.
Partner with the executive team and board treasurer to determine and suggest fiscal actions to the board, including assessing the organization’s annual endowment draws.
Serve as primary contact for all banking relationships and investment managers.
Requirements
Desired experience of a successful candidate may include the following, but candidates will not be screened exclusively based on meeting these qualifications:
Ideal Experience
Bachelor’s degree or higher in accounting, business administration, or finance; CPA or MBA preferred
10+ years of financial management
Experience working in nonprofit organizations
Proven professional experience in finance, accounting, contracts, budgeting, and cost control principles including GAAP and automated financial reporting systems
Acumen in developing and maintaining accurate financial systems and preparing clear and accurate reports
Strong analytical skills and experience interpreting a strategic vision into an operational model.
Ability to take initiative, think strategically and collaborate with others
A hands-on management style that can delegate and define job requirements
Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills, highly detail-oriented, organized, and able to handle multiple projects at once
Excellent computer skills and proficiency with accounting software and systems
Preferred Qualifi