Director of Finance

ABOUT THE INNOCENCE PROJECT

The Innocence Project works to free the innocent, prevent wrongful convictions, and create fair, compassionate, and equitable systems of justice for everyone. Our work is guided by science and grounded in anti-racism. Since our inception, the Innocence Project has used DNA and other scientific advancements to prove wrongful conviction. To date, we have helped to free or exonerate more than 200 people who, collectively, spent more than 3,600 years behind bars. Our efforts have led to the passage of more than 200 transformative state laws and federal reforms. Today, the Innocence Project continues to fight for freedom, drive structural change, and advance the innocence movement.

This position requires approximately 40 work hours per week to be performed virtually/in the office. We currently have a hybrid in-office model, with all employees in the office three days per week and the remainder of the week remotely. Wednesday is our organizations anchor day, where all staff work in the office. The number of required in-office days is subject to change.

To learn more, please visit www.innocenceproject.org.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Innocence Project works to free the innocent, prevent wrongful convictions, and create fair, compassionate, and equitable justice systems for everyone. Our work is guided by science and grounded in antiracism.

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Director of Finance is a key member of the financial leadership team, working closely with the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to ensure the financial health and sustainability at the Innocence Project. The Director of Finance will supervise the two Staff Accountants. He will be responsible for overseeing the finance departments day-to-day functions and assisting the CFO in overseeing all financial operations, driving financial strategy, and providing financial leadership across the organization.

All Innocence Project employees must embrace, respect, and value the rich diversity of perspectives and experiences of a diverse and heterogeneous staff. We recognize and appreciate that our work is better for having varied participants and thought partners.

We are interested in every qualified candidate eligible to work in the United States. However, we are not able to sponsor visas, and we are not an e-verify employer.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented and will possess a proven track record of leadership in financial management, with expertise in budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis. They will also have proven leadership of a team. In collaboration with the CFO, the Director of Finance will play a pivotal role in contributing to the financial strategy of the organization and in ensuring fiscal responsibility.

In addition, all Innocence Project employees must embrace, respect, and value the rich diversity of perspectives and experience of a diverse and heterogeneous staff. We recognize and appreciate that our work is better for having varied participants and thought partners. The ideal candidate thrives in this type of environment.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

LEADERSHIP AND TEAM DEVELOPMENT

• Oversee the work of and supervise a team of 2 Finance team members.
• Hold regular 1:1s, set clear performance expectations, conduct annual performance reviews, and provide constructive feedback to team members.
• Delegate tasks and responsibilities effectively, empowering team members while ensuring accountability and ownership.
• Facilitate open and transparent communication within the team and across departments.
• Lead by example, embodying and modeling the IPs values of accountability, collaboration, equity, empathy and compassion, person-centeredness, quality focus, self-awareness.

FINANCE STRATEGY AND ACCOUNTING FUNCTIONS

• In conjunction with the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), responsible for developing the vision and direction of the team and related work within the Finance department.
• Monitor all accounts, ledgers, and reporting systems ensuring compliance with appropriate GAAP standards and regulatory requirements.
• Review all month-end closing activities including general ledger maintenance, balance sheet reconciliations, revenue and expense analysis.
• Prepare monthly department-level financial reports and conduct quarterly budget variance reviews with Department Heads.
• Prepare and provide accurate monthly and quarterly financial reports, statements, and analyses to the CFO to facilitate informed decision-making.
• Assist the CFO in developing and implementing budgeting processes that involve all stakeholders, ensuring that budgets align with the Innocence Projects strategic objectives.
• Assist CFO in the annual budgeting process; coordinate and collaborate with Department Heads to set realistic financial targets and manage the budget for their respective areas.
• Collaborate with external auditors by providing the required audit schedules and other relevant documents to facilitate the annual external audit.
• Maintain and update the agency fiscal policies and procedures manual in accordance with GAAP and regulatory compliance.
• Oversee the monthly process for allocating shared and indirect expenses by project/department.
• Identify areas for improvement on financial and accounting systems, processes, tools and control systems.
• Collaborate with the CFO to identify, assess, and mitigate financial risks, such as investment risks, funding uncertainties, and economic challenges, to safeguard the Innocence Projects assets.
• Other duties and special ad-hoc projects as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Master's degree in Accounting, Finance or related field plus nine years experience in financial management experience, including non-profit fund OR Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance or related field plus 11 years experience in financial management experience, including nonprofit fund
• Must have 1-2+ years in a supervisory role
• Expert in Microsoft Office Suite with special emphasis on Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
• Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.

KEY COMPETENCIES + VALUES

• Demonstrated leadership skills
• Able to draw conclusions and assess impact from analysis and interpretation of financial data
• Excellent oral and written communicator
• Exceptional project management skills
• Ability to handle and prioritize multiple time-sensitive projects
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information
• Enthusiasm for the work of the Innocence Project and for social justice, including a demonstrated commitment to public interest
• Shares in the IPs values of accountability, collaboration, empathy + compassion, equity, person-centeredness, quality focus, and self-awareness

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS & PERKS

The salary for this position is highly competitive, and the Innocence Project offers an excellent benefits package, including fully-paid individual health, dental, and vision insurance, a Flexible Spending Account, a 401k plan with a 6% company match, paid disability and family care leave, adoption and fertility expense reimbursements, and company-paid transportation benefits.