Finance Director
Scranton, PA
Leonard Workforce Solutions is recruiting a Finance Director for our client, ACE of NEPA in Scranton, PA.
This is a full-time, on-site position that reports to the Executive Director. The typical schedule is Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 4pm.
About Agency for Community EmPOWERment of NEPA (ACE of NEPA)
ACE's mission is to empower people with the skills to become self-sufficient and enhance their lives through education, training, life skills and support services.
Position Summary
The Finance Director serves as ACE's senior financial leader and is responsible for the integrity, accuracy, compliance and effectiveness of the Agency's financial operations. The Director leads accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, cash-flow management, grant compliance, cost allocation, internal controls and audits across multiple programs and funding sources.
As a strategic partner to the Executive Director/CEO, Board of Directors and program leadership, the Finance Director translates financial information into timely, practical guidance; identifies emerging risks and opportunities; and supports ACE's long-term financial sustainability and community mission.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Financial Leadership and Organizational Strategy
Serve as the principal financial advisor to the Executive Director/CEO and provide objective, timely recommendations regarding financial performance, risk, resource allocation and long-term sustainability.
Develop and maintain multi-year financial plans, cash-flow forecasts and financial models that support ACE's strategic priorities and changing funding environment.
Participate in senior leadership planning and evaluate the financial implications of proposed programs, contracts, staffing decisions, capital needs and other major commitments.
Maintain a culture of financial stewardship, transparency, accountability and service throughout the Agency.
Accounting and Financial Reporting
Direct all accounting functions, including the general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll interfaces, cash receipts, journal entries, bank reconciliations, fixed assets and month-end and year-end closing.
Review and approve payroll, expenditures, journal entries, reconciliations and other significant accounting transactions before processing or release.
Ensure that financial statements and supporting schedules are accurate, complete, timely and prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles applicable to nonprofit organizations.
Establish and enforce monthly and year-end closing schedules to ensure that reconciliations, financial statements, grant reports and Board reports are completed accurately and on time.
Maintain an effective chart of accounts and financial-reporting structure that supports Agency-wide, department, program, grant and funding-source reporting.
Review and approve reconciliations, journal entries and financial reports before release, promptly investigating and correcting discrepancies.
Maintain reliable financial records and documentation in accordance with funding-source, legal, audit and Agency retention requirements.
Budgeting, Forecasting and Performance Analysis
Lead development of the annual Agency budget in collaboration with the Executive Director/CEO and program directors and present the proposed budget for Board review and approval.
Monitor actual performance against approved Agency and program budgets; analyze material variances, identify corrective actions and communicate concerns before deficits or compliance problems occur.
Develop regular cash-flow projections and monitor liquidity, receivables, reimbursement timing and funding delays to ensure that ACE can meet its obligations.
Provide program directors with clear, timely financial information and training so they can effectively manage budgets and funding requirements.
Grant Accounting and Regulatory Compliance
Oversee the financial administration of CSBG and ACE's other federal, state, local and private grants, contracts and restricted funding from award setup through reporting and closeout.
Ensure expenditures are allowable, properly documented and charged to the correct grant, program, cost center and funding period.
Develop, maintain and consistently apply compliant methodologies for direct and indirect cost allocation, shared costs, personnel expenses and administrative charges.
Monitor grant budgets, match requirements, spending deadlines, funding restrictions, modifications and reporting obligations in partnership with program leadership.
Prepare and review financial information, budgets, budget narratives, contract modifications, fiscal grant applications and other financial submissions for ACE and SLRDC.
Evaluate the financial-management practices and supporting documentation of contractors and subrecipients when required by an award or Agency policy.
Ensure compliance with applicable grant terms, nonprofit accounting standards, federal Uniform Guidance, funding-source requirements and Agency policies.
Prepare financial records, schedules and supporting documentation for program-specific and grant specific monitoring reviews and coordinate ACE's fiscal response to resulting findings or corrective actions.
Lead the financial response to questioned costs, corrective-action plans and other funder inquiries.
Communicate with governmental agencies, funders, auditors and other oversight entities in a timely, professional and constructive manner.
Question, delay or reject transactions that lack appropriate authorization, documentation, available funding or compliance with grant requirements and Agency policy, and promptly elevate significant concerns to the Executive Director/CEO.
Internal Controls, Audit and Risk Management
Design, document, implement and regularly evaluate internal controls over cash, purchasing, payroll, disbursements, revenue, journal entries, credit cards, financial reporting and access to financial systems.
Maintain appropriate segregation of duties and compensating controls within the Finance Department and across Agency programs.
Coordinate the annual independent audit, Single Audit when applicable, Form 990 preparation and other required financial reviews; ensure schedules and supporting documentation are complete and audit ready.
Review audit and monitoring findings, develop corrective-action plans, assign responsibility and verify that corrective measures are implemented and sustained.
Promptly inform the Executive Director/CEO of significant financial, compliance, fraud, control or cash flow risks and provide recommended solutions.
Board and Executive Reporting
Prepare concise monthly financial reports for the Executive Director/CEO, Board of Directors and Finance Committee, including financial position, budget-to-actual results, cash flow, grant performance, significant variances and emerging risks.
Attend Board and Finance Committee meetings as requested and explain complex financial matters clearly to individuals without accounting backgrounds.
Attend monthly ACE Board meetings and quarterly SLRDC Board meetings and provide financial reports and recommendations as requested.
Provide timely information and recommendations necessary for the Board to fulfill its fiduciary and financial-oversight responsibilities.
Finance Department Leadership
Lead, supervise, evaluate and develop Finance Department employees; establish clear responsibilities, service expectations, performance standards and deadlines.
Assess staffing levels, workload distribution, skills, cross-training and succession needs and recommend changes that strengthen accuracy, efficiency and continuity.
Provide coaching, technical guidance and professional-development opportunities while addressing performance problems promptly and consistently.
Build collaborative working relationships with program directors and establish clear financial procedures, responsibilities and communication channels.
Financial Systems and Process Improvement
Administer and optimize ACE's accounting and related financial systems, including system security, user permissions, reporting structures, workflows and data integrity.
Evaluate financial processes for accuracy, efficiency and service quality and implement documented policies, standard operating procedures, close checklists and approval workflows.
Use technology and automation responsibly to improve reporting and reduce manual work while maintaining confidentiality, cybersecurity, review and approval controls.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance or a closely related field from an accredited institution. A master's degree or relevant professional certification is preferred.
At least five years of progressively responsible accounting or financial-management experience, including responsibility for general-ledger accounting, financial statements, budgeting, audits and internal controls.
An equivalent combination of education and directly relevant experience may be considered.
Demonstrated experience supervising accounting or finance employees and holding staff accountable for accuracy, deadlines and compliance.
Strong working knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and the ability to independently evaluate complex accounting and control issues.
Experience communicating financial information and recommendations to executive leadership, Boards, auditors, program managers or comparable stakeholders.
Valid driver's license and automobile insurance sufficient to meet Agency requirements.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in a nonprofit, governmental or similarly complex organization with multiple departments, grants, contracts and funding sources.
Knowledge of nonprofit fund accounting, restricted funding, federal grant requirements, cost allocation, Uniform Guidance and Single Audits.
CPA, CMA, CGFM or comparable professional credential.
Experience with SAGE Intacct, ADP or comparable accounting and payroll systems.
Experience leading financial-system implementation, process redesign or reporting improvement.
Additional Responsibilities
Fulfill all mandated-reporter responsibilities, including promptly reporting suspected child abuse or
neglect to the appropriate child-welfare authority in accordance with law and Agency policy.
Maintain current knowledge of nonprofit accounting standards, federal grant requirements, tax and regulatory changes, financial technology and professional best practices through continuing education and professional development.
Perform related work and other duties as required to support ACE's operations and mission.
Core Competencies
Integrity and accountability
Financial judgment and analytical thinking
Attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
Strategic planning and problem solving
Clear written, verbal and Board-level communication
Staff leadership, coaching and performance management
Collaboration with program and executive leadership
Ability to manage competing deadlines in a multi-funded environment
Commitment to ACE's mission and responsible stewardship of public and private resources
Compensation and Benefits
Salary: $95,000 to $115,000 annually, based on qualifications and experience.
35-hour workweek.
Health, dental and vision coverage available after 30 days.
403(b) participation beginning on the first day of employment and pension contribution match of up to 7%, subject to plan terms.
Two weeks of vacation to start, with increases based on service; monthly sick-leave accrual; three personal days; and 17 paid holidays, including the employee's birthday, subject to ACE policy.
Work Schedule and Travel
Regular schedule is based on a 35-hour workweek. Additional hours may be required to meet audits, reporting deadlines, Board responsibilities and other Agency needs.
Attendance at monthly evening Board meetings and Finance Committee meetings is required as requested by the Executive Director/CEO.
Local travel may be required throughout Lackawanna, Pike, Susquehanna and Wayne Counties, along with occasional out-of-town travel for meetings, monitoring activities and professional development.
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to sit and stand and may occasionally be required to lift or move up to 25 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
Work Environment
The position is primarily performed in a professional office environment using computers, telephones and standard office equipment. The employee may occasionally work at ACE program locations and attend meetings throughout the Agency's service area. The noise level is generally moderate.
General Expectations
This job description summarizes the principal responsibilities of the position and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of every duty. Responsibilities may be modified as organizational needs, funding requirements and applicable laws change. The Finance Director must maintain confidentiality, comply with all ACE policies and perform other related duties assigned by the Executive Director/CEO. The position must also protect confidential information concerning program participants, children, families and staff in accordance with Agency policy and applicable law.
Equal Employment Opportunity
ACE of NEPA provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. ACE recruits, employs, trains, compensates and promotes without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, veteran status or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local law. The Agency provides reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended, and other applicable law. ACE of NEPA is a Drug-Free Workplace.
*** Interested candidates should email their resume, and a short note/email outlining their interest and qualifications, to Bill Leonard at LeonardWorkforceSolutions@gmail.com