Vice President, Finance & Controller

Center for Employment Opportunities • New York, NY

1d

About The Position

The Vice President Finance and Controller provides strategic and operational leadership for CEO’s financial management, ensuring the integrity, accuracy, and timeliness of all accounting and reporting functions. As the organization’s chief accounting authority, the Controller develops and maintains best-practice accounting policies, internal controls, and financial processes aligned with GAAP and all regulatory requirements. They oversee general ledger management, financial reporting, audits, tax filings, and support budgeting and forecasting activities. The Vice President, Finance and Controller leads the Accounting team, ensuring effective workload distribution, quality, and professional development. In partnership with the CFO, they streamline systems, strengthen internal controls, and leverage technology to enhance organizational efficiency and financial insight. As part of our mission, we strongly encourage individuals who have lived experience of incarceration or involvement in the justice system to apply for this role.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance required
• minimum 10+ years progressive accounting experience, ideally in a nonprofit environment.
• minimum 8+ years leadership experience with demonstrated success leading a finance or accounting department to outcomes.
• deep knowledge of fund accounting, GAAP reporting, CFR200, OMB cost principles, and regulatory requirements.
• proficiency with accounting and payroll systems, as well as advanced Excel capabilities.
• strategic thinker who aligns financial operations with organizational priorities.
• high accountability; demonstrates ownership of outcomes and decisions.
• exceptional attention to detail and commitment to accuracy and documentation.
• customer- and service-oriented approach to supporting departments and programs.
• strong problem-solving capabilities with sound judgment in complex situations.
• skilled relationship builder with the ability to influence across all levels of the organization.
• resilient and effective under pressure; adapts quickly to changing conditions.
• results-oriented with strong time management, data literacy, communication, and teamwork.
• continuous improvement mindset; challenges the status quo and drives enhancements to systems and processes.
• confident decision-maker able to weigh risks, act with urgency, and adapt to uncertainty.
• highly organized with strong mastery of systems, workflows, and financial compliance requirements.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree and/or CPA strongly preferred

Responsibilities

• Assess and optimize financial systems, processes, and internal controls to ensure efficiency, data integrity, and strong risk management. Make recommendations for improvement to achieve greater efficiencies.
• Maintain and update the chart of accounts to reflect organizational growth, evolving activities, and compliance needs.
• Oversee documentation, monitoring, and maintenance of internal controls to safeguard assets and ensure the reliability of financial statements.
• Lead negotiations and reporting related to the organization’s indirect rates, banking and treasury services, financial systems pricing, and audit inquiries.
• Interpret regulatory and compliance standards and ensure consistent application across the finance function.
• Oversee all accounting activities, including grant accounting, AP/AR, cash disbursements, receivables management, fixed assets, payroll recording, and general ledger maintenance.
• Ensure timely and accurate recording of financial transactions; implement and maintain strong internal controls and review processes.
• Ensure accurate revenue recognition in accordance with ASC 958-605 and ASC606 guidance; interpret technical guidance and apply to organizational arrangements.
• Direct monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, including reconciliations, journal entries, accruals, and account analyses.
• Maintain integrity of revenue, restricted net assets, and expense reporting across multiple funding sources.
• Oversee management of cash accounts, cash flow monitoring, and timely bank reconciliations.
• Ensure proper accounting for payroll, fixed assets, depreciation, and accrued liabilities.
• Oversee all audits—financial, Uniform Guidance, pension/retirement plans, funder audits, and others.
• Ensure audit readiness, preparation of schedules, documentation, and timely resolution of audit findings.
• Lead preparation and filing of IRS Form 990, CHAR 500 and other state tax filings, Form 5500, sales and use tax filings, and other required tax submissions.
• Maintain the organization’s expense allocation plan and oversee submission and negotiation of the annual indirect cost rate application with the Department of Labor.
• Ensure ongoing compliance with federal, state, and local financial regulations.
• Prepare and deliver monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Prepare and present financial reports and analysis to the CFO, executive leadership, Audit and Finance Committees, and Board as needed.
• Ensure accurate reporting of financial performance, key trends, and organizational risks.
• Lead, supervise, and develop the Accounting team, currently a team of 8, ensuring effective performance management, coaching, and professional growth.
• Support staffing decisions and organizational design within the Finance Department.
• Partner with Grants Leadership to ensure timely reporting, billing, and compliant revenue recognition for restricted funds.
• Collaborate with the CFO on investment tracking, reporting, and adherence to investment policies.
• Provide training and policy orientation to managers and staff to promote fiscal discipline and internal control compliance

Benefits

• medical, dental, and vision coverage with competitive contributions
• health reimbursement and flexible spending accounts
• paid parental leave to support families
• retirement plan that includes employer contributions
• free financial wellness coaching and resources for mental health and wellbeing through our Employee Assistance Program.
• 20 vacation days, 12 sick days, 12 paid holidays, 2 personal days, and 1 floating holiday

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees