Director Finance, Sponsored Projects & Funds

The Director, Finance Assistant Controller Sponsored Projects & Funds manages the Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors (RPA) Sponsored Projects & Funds (SP&F) Finance Team. The team provides accounting and financial reporting support to RPA Sponsored Projects. Working closely with sponsored projects core staff and HR staff, this position and the team members function as leaders and advisors to sponsored projects, supporting long-term planning and development. The team also supports Core RPA audit functions and helps manage the month-close process.

Core Accountabilities:

Audit & Compliance

The SPF Finance team provides accounting/audit-related services to Sponsored Projects and is responsible for all audit and grant-related reporting, including reports to funders and Sponsored Project audits. The position is also responsible for working closely with the Controller and other staff to prepare schedules for the RPA’s annual audit.

Budget & Forecasting

The SPF Finance team provides budgeting and financial planning & analysis (FP&A) support services to sponsored projects. Working closely with sponsored projects core staff and HR staff, this position and the team members function as leaders and advisors to sponsored projects, supporting annual budgeting as needed, as well as long-term planning and development.

Systems and Tools

Assist in the development and maintenance of systems to collect, aggregate, and disseminate financial data, reports, and analysis.

Information and Business Advice

Serve as a resource to the team, sponsored projects, and the organization on sponsored project-specific finance and accounting questions or issues.

Financial Reporting

Responsible for the accurate and timely dissemination of financial reports to sponsored projects and funders, including internal and external monthly financial statements in accordance with GAAP. Manages and maintains a strict deadline to close the financial activities of the month, including the preparation and analysis of the monthly statement of financial position and statement of activities for sponsored projects.

Insights and Analytics

Contribute to the design and creation of reporting strategies and templates for sponsored projects. Lead execution of complex reports, identifying and interpreting complex patterns and trends, and translating those insights into actionable recommendations.

Relationship Management

Partner with and support internal and sponsored project, building effective working relationships and providing high-quality professional services to support in delivering business strategy and plans.

Complexity and Problem-solving:

• Works independently and provides guidance and training to others on analyzing data trends for use in reports to help guide decision-making.

• Uses comprehensive knowledge and skills to act independently while guiding and training others on achieving full compliance with applicable rules and regulations in management and/or operations.

• Works independently and provides guidance and training to others while interpreting and applying comprehensive knowledge of laws, regulations, and policies in areas of expertise.

• Uses comprehensive knowledge and skills to work independently while providing guidance and training to others on analyzing data from multiple sources to draw appropriate conclusions and make suitable recommendations.

• Applies comprehensive knowledge and skills to work independently while providing guidance and training to others on acquiring, organizing, protecting, and processing data to fulfill business objectives.

Supervisory Responsibility:

• Responsible for developing and managing team members, and supporting the continued growth of the team as needed to support more complex service delivery and growth in the business.

• Responsible for all decisions related to the management of the function regarding personnel actions, acquisitions, and utilization of resources, procedures, and control systems. 

• All facets of this position are self-directed within the policies and procedures approved by the CEO and broad guidelines established by the CFO.   

• This position is responsible for the development of budgets for all existing programs and new proposals, contracts, subcontracts, and service agreements.   

Desired Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience is required with an emphasis in Accounting.

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification required.

• Previous experience within the non-profit sector of at least 5 years in managerial role.

• Knowledge and understanding of general business matters required including budget development, financial reporting, GAAP, cash management, accounting regulations (including fiscal sponsorship), business taxes, banking, and debt financing instruments.

• Knowledge and experience with government accounting regulations including but not limited to Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (2 CFR Part 200).

• Knowledge of accounting systems and systems implementations is a plus.

• Ability to effectively communicate accounting and finance concepts to non-finance partners and staff.

• Familiarity with grantmaking, charitable funds, or fiscal sponsorship preferred.

• An understanding of the broad spectrum of private philanthropy, including trends in giving and key issues for individual, family, institutional and corporate donors.

Travel Requirements: 

• We are seeking a candidate within reasonable commuting distance to our New York City office.

• Some travel may be required.

The incumbent in the role must demonstrate a commitment to RPA’s Mission and Values:

At Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, our mission is to accelerate philanthropy in pursuit of a just world, by providing deep global expertise to make philanthropy more thoughtful, equitable and effective.

• We believe that philanthropy can help create a better world.

• We make decisions that center people and communities.

• We believe philanthropy has a responsibility to pursue equity.

• We uphold the highest standards of integrity and trust.

• We are committed to learning and sharing knowledge.

Compensation & Benefits

Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including health coverage, retirement benefits, paid sick leave, vacation and holidays, tuition reimbursement and access to professional development resources.

The salary range is one component of the total compensation package for employees.

Pay Range: $173,000 - $176,000 salary per year.

Application Process

Applications will be reviewed as received. In order to be considered, all applications must include a cover letter describing your interest and qualifications and your resume. The position will remain open until filled.

Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors celebrates the uniqueness of our staff, our partners, and the communities we serve. We are committed to inclusion with the goal of cultivating a culture of belonging and acceptance. We strive to embed this value in our philanthropic work to advance a more just, equitable and sustainable world.

RPA is an equal opportunity employer.