Finance Director/Controller

Position Summary

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.

Job Responsibilities

Financial Strategy and Leadership

• 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

Budgeting and Financial Planning

• 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

Financial Reporting and Analysis

• 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)

Accounting and Compliance

• 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

Monthly, Quarterly, and Annual Close

• 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

Internal Controls and Risk Management

• 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)

Team Management and Development

• 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

Stakeholder and Board Communication

• 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

Grant and Fund Management

• 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

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or a related field required
• CPA, MBA, or other advanced financial certifications preferred

Experience

• 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

Skills and Competencies

• 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

Compensation and Benefits

At Urban Alliance one of our core values is taking care of each other, and this includes offering competitive benefits, paid time off, and options for remote work.  The salary for this position is between $120,000 and $140,000 depending on experience.  In addition to having paid time off between December 25th and January 1st, we provide 18 days of paid time off (PTO) plus 10 paid federal holidays, 5 sick days, as well as birthday and diversity paid holidays. After 3 years of employment, additional PTO days are provided.  Depending on the calendar, additional paid closure days and early closure days are established each year.  Our benefits include a comprehensive health plan with 90% individual healthcare coverage for employees; 403(B) retirement plans with a 3% match; pre-tax commuter, health, and childcare benefits; and whole life insurance.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Urban Alliance is a racial and social justice organization committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. Urban Alliance is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. Applicants from all underrepresented groups, including people of color, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and DACA recipients are encouraged to apply.     Top of Form