Chief Financial Officer

Position Location: Brooklyn

About CPD

The Center for Popular Democracy (CPD) promotes equity, opportunity, and a dynamic democracy in partnership with innovative base-building organizations, organizing networks and alliances, and progressive unions across the country. CPD works to build the strength and capacity of democratic organizations to envision and advance a pro-worker, pro-immigrant, racial and economic justice agenda. CPD’s model for change draws from the successful base-building and policy advocacy of core partner organizations such as Make the Road New York (MRNY), CASA de Maryland, and PCUN in Oregon, as well as New York Communities for Change (NYCC), Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment (ACCE) and Action Now in Illinois, among many others. CPD is a rapidly-expanding, young, dynamic organization that offers an exciting opportunity to imagine ambitious local and state policy and partner with powerful community-based organizations across the country to win tangible victories that improve the lives of low-wage workers, immigrants, and communities of color.

About the Position

We are seeking a strong Chief Financial Officer based in our Brooklyn office. We are looking for an individual who can provide exceptional support in the financial operations of a growing organization. Position requires an individual who can maintain a culture of compliance, ethics and integrity. Experience in nonprofit accounting with extensive knowledge of accounting principles, concepts, and techniques is required. Strong technical, verbal and written communications skills are required.

Primary Responsibilities

The CFO will report to the Co-Director of Finance and Operations and will:

Strategy, Planning and Management:

  • Act as Chief Financial Officer and strategic business support to Senior Leadership Team.
  • Communicate, engage and interact with Board of Directors, Co-Directors and Senior Leadership Team.
  • Work with the Senior Leadership Team to design accountability measures for annual strategic plan, contract/grant reporting.
  • Work with the Senior Leadership Team to develop organizational budgets and financial reports.
  • Respond to management requests by analyzing financial data monthly and perform ad hoc accounting projects on an as needed basis.
  • Review and ensure application of appropriate internal controls, compliance and financial procedures. Implement and maintain these procedures and controls to ensure the integrity of financial reporting and sound financial practices.
  • Enhance and implement financial and accounting systems, processes, and tools.

Financial Reporting

  • Prepare and present monthly financial budgeting reports; monthly profit and loss by program and funder, forecast vs. budget and monthly cash flow projections.
  • Analyze monthly financial results and provide recommendations.
  • Update and develop and manage output measurements and financial metrics.
  • Prepare the Organization’s financial statements in accordance to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and the related disclosures.
  • Ensure timeliness and accuracy of financial and management reporting data for funders, foundations, and Board of Directors.
  • Review and prepare reports for third parties such as lobbying reports, funder reports, GIK, and other special reports.
  • Oversee the preparation and timely filing of all local, state and federal returns.  

Accounting and Other

  • Perform all monthly closing duties and provide account analysis.
  • Oversee the month end close process, constantly reviewing procedures while eliminating inefficiencies.
  • Review all month-end closing activities including general ledger accounts, balance sheet accounts and program and grant allocations.
  • Review items such as payroll, bank reconciliations, accounts receivable, accounts payable and reconciliation of credit card charges.
  • Work with third parties (committees, Board, hosted organizations) supplying financial support.
  • Manage preparation and support of all external audits.
  • Manage and mentor the finance/accounting department staff.
  • Supervise the accounting staff to ensure the proper functioning of all financial systems and financial software.
  • Research, evaluate and negotiate all major contracts and purchases.
  • Maintain knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, Statutory Accounting Principles, and keeps abreast of changes that are inherent in accounting regulations for reporting and compliance with rules and regulations. This includes (but not limited to) Public Accounting Oversight Board Auditing Guidelines, Financial Standards Accounting Board Guidelines, American Institute of CPA’s Guidelines, State Accountancy Board Rules and Regulations.
  • Work with Human Resources to ensure appropriate legal compliance.

 Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in accounting required.
  • Ten or more years of progressively responsible finance/accounting experience.
  • Previous management or supervisory experience required.
  • Knowledge and application of professional accounting principles, concepts and techniques, in a non-profit environment.
  • Previous experience and demonstrated ability to perform high-level computer skills including Microsoft Office suite software and accounting systems.
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills.
  • Effective interpersonal skills with ability to manage in an environment of change, with very diverse perspectives and needs.
  • Ability to interact well with all levels of staff and Board members, comfortable doing so remotely.

How to Apply

Please submit resume and cover letter through our hiring portal:

https://cpd.hiringthing.com/job/24383/chief-financial-officer

Generous salary and benefits package, depending on experience.

CPD is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and actively recruits people of color, women, individuals with disabilities and members of the LGBTQ community.