Director of Budgets

Join UP! We are lighting the path home, one person at a time.

About Urban Pathways

Since 1975, Urban Pathways has engaged New York City’s most vulnerable residents, people on the streets or in areas unfit for human habitation, “lighting the path home, one person at a time.” Urban Pathways is a catalyst for transformative change in the lives of unhoused adults, empowering them to discover their inherent strengths and abilities. We provide essential support and foster an environment where individuals can redefine their narratives and become their best selves.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and working in close partnership with executive leadership, the Director of Budgets is responsible for the strategic development, oversight, and management of all agency budgets connected to government-funded programs.  The Director ensures fiscal integrity, regulatory compliance, and alignment with funding requirements across city, state, and federal contracts, including but not limited to DHS, OMH, DOHMH, HUD, and other public and private funding sources. The Director will lead budget planning, monitoring, forecasting, and reporting processes while supporting programmatic and organizational decision-making. The Director will be an active listener, provide high-quality customer service, and respond by exhibiting cross-cultural awareness with the ability to promote and contribute to an equitable and inclusive anti-racist organizational culture and environment.

Key Responsibilities & Essential Functions

Strategic Budget Development & Oversight

• Lead the development of annual operating and program budgets across all government-funded programs.
• Align budgets with strategic initiatives, contract deliverables, and program expansion efforts.
• Develop multi-year financial forecasts incorporating funding renewals, rate changes, and program growth.
• Ensure staffing models and program structures are financially sustainable and aligned with funder expectations.

Funder Budget Management & Regulatory Compliance

·         Oversee the preparation, submission, and modification of budgets within PASSPort and other funder-specific systems.

·         Ensure compliance with NYC and federal cost principles, including 2 CFR Part 200 (Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards).

·         Maintain adherence to NYC Comptroller and Mayor’s Office of Contract Services (MOCS) fiscal policies and procedures.

·         Review and approve budget justifications to ensure costs are allowable, allocable, and reasonable.

·         Monitor indirect cost rate applications and cost allocation methodologies in accordance with federal and city guidelines.

Audit, Comptroller & Financial Oversight

• Serve as the primary budget liaison during audits conducted by the New York City Comptroller's Office, funders, and independent auditors.
• Ensure full audit readiness, including:
  • Supporting documentation for all budgeted and expended costs
  • Clear audit trails aligned with PASSPort submissions and general ledger data
  • Compliance with procurement, timekeeping, and cost allocation standards
• Partner with Finance and Compliance teams to respond to audit findings, corrective action plans (CAPs), and fiscal monitoring reviews.
• Ensure timely resolution of disallowances, questioned costs, and audit recommendations.

Financial Monitoring, Reporting & Controls

• Monitor expenditures against approved budgets and contract ceilings; identify variances and implement corrective actions.
• Develop and present monthly and quarterly financial reports to executive leadership and program teams.
• Establish internal controls to ensure compliance with city, state, and federal fiscal requirements.
• Support revenue maximization by ensuring accurate billing, expense tracking, and contract utilization.

Cross-Functional Leadership & Collaboration

• Partner with Program Directors and operations teams to align financial planning with service delivery requirements.
• Collaborate with HR to ensure staffing budgets reflect approved headcounts, salary structures, and fringe allocations.
• Work closely with Compliance, Legal, and Grants teams to ensure contracts, budgets, and expenditures align with regulatory requirements.
• Provide financial guidance for program design, contract negotiations, and operational decision-making.

Risk Management & Continuous Improvement

• Identify financial and compliance risks related to government funding and implement mitigation strategies.
• Strengthen internal processes to improve audit outcomes, fiscal monitoring results, and overall financial performance.
• Lead initiatives to enhance financial systems integration, reporting accuracy, and budget transparency.

Team Leadership & Capacity Building

• Supervise budgeting staff and financial analysts.
• Train program and leadership staff on NYC and federal budgeting requirements, including PASSPort processes and audit expectations.
• Promote a culture of fiscal accountability, compliance, and operational excellence.

Communication

·         Communicates verbally and in writing in a professional manner at all times.

·         Attend staff meetings, training, and supervisory sessions as required.

·         Responds to all communications including telephone, email and other oral and written inquiries in a timely manner.

Performs all other duties as assigned and as required.

Qualifications, Education and Experience

·         Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field required; Master’s degree preferred.

·         Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive experience in budgeting, government contracts, or nonprofit finance.

·         Demonstrated experience managing NYC government contracts and budgets (DHS, OMH, DOHMH strongly preferred).

·         Direct experience with PASSPort, NYC Comptroller audits, and federal grant compliance (2 CFR Part 200) required.

Skills & Competencies

• Enhanced knowledge of:
  • NYC procurement and financial systems (PASSPort)
  • NYC Comptroller audit standards and fiscal monitoring practices
  • Federal Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200)
  • Cost allocation methodologies and indirect cost rate applications
• Strong financial modeling, forecasting, and variance analysis skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and financial systems (ERP platforms).

o    Good analytical and problem-solving skills.

o    Strong interpersonal skills.

·         Strong written and verbal communication skills.

·         High level of integrity, attention to detail, and accountability.

·         Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, compliance-driven environment.

·         Collaborative leadership style with the ability to work independently and cross-functional teams.

·         Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Excel).

·         Ability to work effectively with multiple stakeholders (e.g. funders, employers, colleagues).

Capabilities

·         May be required to work a flexible schedule including weekends, holidays, and evenings.

·         Ability to use public transportation to visit various sites within the five boroughs and other areas.

·         Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop, push, pull, lift (up to 25 lbs.).

·         Desire to perform the essential functions of this job.

·         Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.