Finance Director/Controller

THE URBAN ALLIANCE FOUNDATION INC•Washington, DC

8d•$120,000 - $140,000•Onsite

About The Position

Urban Alliance seeks a Finance Director/Controller (“Director/Controller”). The Director/Controller is a key role responsible for overseeing the financial operations of Urban Alliance, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with an annual budget of approximately $9 million. This individual will lead the finance team in managing financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, accounting, and compliance. The Director/Controller ensures the organization's financial health and stability while supporting its mission-driven activities. This role involves strategic oversight, team leadership, and collaboration with other senior leaders to ensure that resources are used effectively to achieve the organization’s goals. The Director/Controller reports directly to the Chief Operating Officer. About Urban Alliance Urban Alliance (UA) believes that all young people deserve equal access to the work experiences, professional networks, and skills training needed to achieve economic mobility. For more than 25 years, UA has provided thousands of young adults from historically excluded communities with the skills, social capital, and career exposure needed to overcome systemic barriers to equal employment and economic mobility. UA is a bridge between young adults, employers, and schools that provides high school students with comprehensive soft skills and digital literacy training, paid internships with local employers, individualized mentoring and case management, and ongoing post-high school planning support.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or a related field required
Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in financial management or accounting, with at least 5 years in a senior finance role, preferably in the non-profit sector
Experience managing a budget of $10 million or more, with a deep understanding of fund accounting, restricted funds, and non-profit reporting requirements
Proven track record of financial management, strategic planning, and team leadership
Strong understanding of accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis
Expertise in non-profit accounting principles and financial management standards (e.g., GAAP, FASB, IRS 990)
Proficiency with accounting software (Sage Intacct, Bill.com) and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
Ability to analyze complex financial data and communicate financial concepts to non-financial stakeholders
Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams, external auditors, and Board members
Strong attention to detail, with excellent analytical, organizational and problem-solving skills

Nice To Haves

CPA, MBA, or other advanced financial certifications preferred

Responsibilities

Lead the finance department in aligning financial strategies with organizational goals and mission
Provide strategic financial guidance to CEO, executive directors, and senior leadership team
Develop and maintain financial plans and projections, including cash flow, reserves, and investment strategies analyses
Contribute to the development of the organization’s long-term strategic and operational plans with a focus on financial sustainability
Oversee the preparation and management of the annual operating budget of $9 million, ensuring alignment with the organization’s mission, programs, and strategic priorities
Lead the forecasting process to ensure that budget projections are accurate and reflective of current financial conditions
Monitor financial performance, identify variances, and recommend corrective actions as needed
Facilitate budget reviews with executive directors, program managers and department heads to ensure financial targets are met
Prepare and present accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports, including statement of activities, statement of financial position, cash flow statements, and budget-to-actual analyses
Provide financial analysis to support decision-making by the C-Suite and senior leadership team
Oversee the preparation of year-end financial statements and ensure compliance with accounting principles (e.g., GAAP, fund accounting)
Ensure the accuracy and integrity of all financial data and accounting records, including the general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, and payroll
Ensure compliance with non-profit accounting standards, tax regulations, and funding agency requirements
Oversee the preparation and filing of annual tax returns (e.g., IRS Form 990), and ensure financial operations meet regulatory standards and best practices
Ensure that donor restrictions, grants, and other funding sources are appropriately managed and tracked according to term
Ensure monthly and annual close activities are completed in a timely manner and support Finance Manager with close activities, as needed
Review variances, research discrepancies, and provide explanation
Ensure periodic financial statements are accurate
Reconcile fixed assets, right-of-use assets, investment accounts, and prepaid accounts on a quarterly basis
Review supporting schedules for accuracy
Establish and maintain strong internal controls to safeguard the organization’s financial resources and maintain GAAP compliance
Ensure organizational alignment with Accounting Procedures & Policies
Lead annual review and revision of the Accounting Manual
Identify financial risks and ensure appropriate risk management policies and practices are in place
Manage the audit process, ensuring timely and accurate audits, and work closely with auditors to address any finding(s)
Lead, mentor, and develop the finance team to build a high-performing, efficient, and effective team
Set clear goals and expectations for the finance team, providing ongoing feedback and support
Oversee the training and development of staff on financial policies, procedures, and best practices
Communicate regularly with the CEO, COO, and senior leadership regarding financial performance, forecasts, and any significant financial matters
Provide financial updates and insights to stakeholders, ensuring transparency and accountability
Prepare the CEO and COO to present financial reports for Board meetings, providing clear and actionable recommendations
Prepare financial tracking and reporting for all grants and contracts, ensuring compliance with funding agreements
Work closely with the Finance Manager and Development team to track and report on donor-funded projects and restricted grants