Director of Finance

United Way of the Bluegrass Inc • Lexington, KY

14d • $65,000 - $70,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

United Way of the Bluegrass (UWBG) works to create the opportunity for all members of our community to have a better life. UWBG focuses on the building blocks of a good life — a quality education, financial stability for individuals and families, and good health. The work of UWBG focuses on strategic initiatives, public education, advocacy, outcomes and evaluation, development and strengthening of partnerships/ collaborations, convening, resource mobilization and investment as well as backbone and engagement strategies and activities. UWBG brings together the voices, the expertise, and the resources to define, articulate and implement a common agenda for change for our region. UWBG takes the broadest possible view of diversity. UWBG values the visible and invisible qualities that make you who you are. UWBG welcomes that every person brings a unique perspective and experience to advance our mission and progress our fight for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in every community.

CORE UNITED WAY COMPETENCIES
MISSION-FOCUSED - A top priority is to create social change that leads to better lives and healthier communities. This competency drives performance and professional motivations.
RELATIONSHIP ORIENTED - Understands that people come before process and is astute in cultivating and managing relationships toward a common goal.
COLLABORATOR - Understands the roles and contributions of all sectors of the community and can mobilize resources (financial and human) through meaningful engagement.
RESULTS-DRIVEN - Dedicated to shared and measurable goals for the common good, creating, resourcing, scaling, and leveraging strategies and innovations for broad investment and impact.
BRAND STEWARD - A steward of the brand and understands his/her role in growing and protecting the reputation and results of the greater network.
POSITION

The Director of Finance provides strategic and operational leadership for the organization’s finance and administrative functions, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant accounting, reporting, and stewardship of all funds. The role leads month-end and year-end close activities; oversees general ledger integrity, reconciliations, accounts payable, and appropriate coding and budget compliance; and delivers clear, decision-useful financial reporting to the President & CEO, Executive Leadership Team, Finance Committee, Audit Committee, and Board of Directors. The position directs budgeting and forecasting, manages cash flow and liquidity, and identifies and communicates financial risks and mitigation strategies.

In addition, the role oversees audit coordination and tax/compliance filings (including the annual external audit and IRS Form 990), investment reporting and monitoring, and the financial administration of grants, contracts, and restricted funding to ensure compliance with reporting obligations. The position establishes and maintains internal controls, policies, and procedures that safeguard assets and promote sound financial stewardship, supports enterprise risk management (including insurance oversight), and provides responsive, high-quality financial guidance to internal and external stakeholders. The role may also oversee facilities- related financial controls (as applicable) and supports strategic initiatives and special projects as assigned by the President & CEO.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 5+ years of progressive accounting/finance experience, including significant responsibility for month-end/year-end close, general ledger oversight, and financial statement preparation.
• Demonstrated experience leading budgeting and forecasting processes (annual operating budget and projections), including partnering with department leaders to manage performance.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting best practices; ability to translate financial information into clear, actionable insights for non-financial leaders.
• Proven history establishing and maintaining internal controls, financial policies/procedures, and documentation standards.
• Experience coordinating external audits and managing audit readiness, including working directly with auditors and ensuring timely completion of deliverables.
• Working knowledge of nonprofit finance and compliance requirements, including restricted funds and grant/contract reporting; familiarity with Form 990 and standard payroll tax filings.
• Proficiency with accounting systems and Excel (advanced), including reconciliations, data analysis, and report development; ability to learn and optimize financial systems/tools.
• Persuasive communication and presentation skills, including comfort presenting to executives and Board/committee audiences.
• High integrity, sound judgment, and the ability to manage sensitive/confidential information with discretion.
• Strong project management and organizational skills; ability to prioritize, meet deadlines, and maintain accuracy in a fast paced environment.
• Valid Kentucky Driver’s license required and a reliable means of personal transportation.

Nice To Haves

• CPA, CMA, or other relevant credential.
• Experience in a nonprofit organization with multiple funding streams (government grants, foundation awards, donor- restricted funds) and complex compliance/reporting requirements.
• Experience with investment reporting/oversight (e.g., working with investment advisors, tracking performance, and reporting to a Finance Committee).
• Experience with enterprise risk management, insurance coordination, and related Board reporting.
• Experience supervising staff or leading cross-functional finance processes (AP/AR, payroll, grants billing, etc.).
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office, Andar, Paylocity, Acumatica software.

Responsibilities

• Lead the organization’s financial operations and ensure accurate, timely, and compliant accounting and reporting across all funds and activities.
• Oversee month-end and year-end close, including review/approval of journal entries, general ledger activity, account reconciliations, and accounts payable to ensure accuracy, appropriate coding, and budget compliance.
• Establish and maintain internal controls, policies, and procedures that safeguard organizational assets, ensure compliance, and promote sound financial stewardship; ensure policies are documented, communicated, and consistently applied.
• Oversee facilities-related financial controls and procedures (as applicable) to ensure consistent, compliant operational practices.
• Prepare and present financial reporting to the President & CEO, Executive Leadership Team, Finance Committee, Audit Committee, and Board of Directors, including monthly and quarterly financial statements, statements of financial position, and cash flow reporting.
• Lead budgeting and forecasting, including development of the annual operating and capital budgets, obtaining appropriate approvals, and partnering with department leaders to monitor performance and manage expenditures.
• Manage cash flow and liquidity by projecting, monitoring, and actively managing cash position; regularly communicating cash status to the CEO; and proactively identifying financial risks and issues.
• Oversee investments and related reporting, including management of short-term investment activities and providing periodic investment performance updates to the Finance Committee.
• Provide high-quality financial guidance and support to internal and external stakeholders, maintaining transparency, responsiveness, and a strong customer-service orientation.
• Direct annual audit and tax compliance activities, including coordination of the annual external audit and oversight of required filings (e.g., IRS Form 990, payroll-related tax filings) and other compliance reporting as applicable.
• Oversee grant, contract, and agreement financial requirements, ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting, billing support, and compliance with restrictions and reporting obligations for government and foundation funding and other agreements.
• Lead enterprise risk management activities related to financial, operational, reputational, and donor risks, including oversight of insurance coverage and required reporting to Board committees.
• Support strategic initiatives and special projects as assigned by the President & CEO and perform other related duties as needed.

Benefits

• Our robust benefits package includes 100% employer-paid premiums on employee-only health, dental, and vision plans; 3%-6% employer contributions to 401(k), employer-paid life/ADD and STD insurance; generous parental leave policy, PTO, and more.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director