S Action Institute - Director of Finance

Position: People’s Action Institute - Director of Finance
Overview

People’s Action Institute is seeking an experienced and collaborative Director of Finance to oversee the organization’s financial and accounting operations and ensure budget and finances are in alignment with its strategic objectives, maximizing the organization’s ability to deliver on its mission.

The Finance Director will serve as a key leader on the People’s Action Institute Executive team, and will provide strategic counsel, financial analysis and forecasts to internal leadership and the Board of Directors.

The Finance Director will lead a small finance team through the day-to-day finance and accounting operations for multiple entities with an aggregate budget of approximately $15 million.

The Director will work closely with the Chief of Institutional Advancement to analyze existing financial processes and systems while also ensuring appropriate internal controls are in place and maintained and daily financial processes are completed in a timely and accurate manner.

The ideal candidate will be a collaborative leader adept at building financial systems, processes and procedures, and internal controls to ensure the highest levels of fiscal responsibility. Candidates must bring unquestionable integrity, outstanding accounting and financial stewardship skills, the ability to thrive in a mission driven organization, and a deep commitment to social, racial and economic justice movements.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced and committed financial professional to help enhance and strengthen one of the nation’s leading people-powered organizations in the movement for an inclusive democracy and economy.

Organization Overview

People’s Action Institute (501c3) is a national people-powered organization that conducts public education toward winning an inclusive democracy and economy. People’s Action Institute builds the power of poor and working people in rural, suburban, and urban areas to win change through policy education and campaigns, leadership development, narrative and communications strategies, and more.

With an office in Chicago, IL, and remote staff across the country, we support and advance state-based and national efforts for common sense policies on the environment, decarcerating, health care, economic security, housing, education, and more.

Key Responsibilities

Finance and Accounting Leadership

• Oversee all financial, project/program, and grants accounting; ensure that expenditures are consistently aligned with grant and program budgets throughout the grant/fund period.

• Design and implement enhanced workflows and systems to support the efficiency and accuracy of accounting data.

• Support the Executive Director and Chief of Institutional Advancement in engaging the board’s audit and finance committees around issues and trends in financial operating models and delivery.

• Collaborate with the Development Director and Director of Budget and Grants Administration in all grants financial reporting.

• Oversee all ledgers/accounts and remain current on all accounting, reporting, and auditing standards that are relevant to the organization.

• Lead and inform the department’s knowledge of relevant standards and regulations.

• Optimize financial structures to support growth and stability.

• Maintain banking relationships and initiate appropriate strategies to enhance cash positions.

• Manage all processes for regular audit and tax preparations.

Team Supervision, Leadership, and Development

• Provide strong leadership, supervision, and guidance to the Finance Department staff members, leading the department to exhibit a strong data-fluent culture.

• Develop and support the Finance Department staff development, cross-team collaboration, and skills-building.

• Build strong and collaborative relationships with staff across the organization, with a particular emphasis on providing excellent customer service and resolving issues.

Accounting Systems Management

• Support the ongoing implementation and management of a best-in-class ERP system (Sage Intacct).

• Consistently analyze financial data, present financial reports accurately and timely, and keep the Executive Team abreast of the…