Director of Finance

Reports to: Chief Financial Officer

Location: Remote/Hybrid in NYC office as needed

Starting salary: $120,000 - $130,000

Background

The Lupus Research Alliance (LRA) is the world’s leading non-governmental, non-profit funder of lupus research. Over the past 20 years, the LRA has invested over $284 million in lupus research in more than 660 research and clinical studies. More recently, the LRA established an affiliate organization, Lupus Therapeutics (LT), which is responsible for the coordination, conduct and management of a North American-based clinical trial consortium, the Lupus Clinical Investigators Network (LuCIN).

Position Overview

The Lupus Research Alliance is seeking a detail-oriented, hands-on Director of Finance with a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) qualification to join our team. As a Director, you will play a critical role in our financial operations, ensuring compliance with accounting principles/regulations, strengthening the internal control environment, supporting and maintaining financial systems and administration, and assisting with financial reporting, analysis, and other real-time financial information to support the organization's mission and goals, working closely with the CFO. This role will have two direct reports: Assistant Director of Finance and Senior Manager, Financial Planning and Analysis.

Responsibilities

• Financial Management:
  • Review the organization's general ledger daily, ensuring accurate and timely recording of financial transactions.
  • Review and reconcile bank statements, general ledger accounts, and other financial records monthly.
  • Prepare event related invoices and reconcile all events to agree between accounting and advancement records.
  • Ensure the ongoing monitoring of accounts receivable and follow up with advancement team for outstanding payments.
  • Partner with Development Operations Team on gift processing and reconciliations with SalesForce, the donor database and Classy, our online fundraising platform.
  • Responsible for payroll functions including management of the 403B retirement plan, per payroll adjustments and PT staff hours entry.
  • Work with CFO and FP&A Manager on the preparation and analysis of financial statements, including income statements and balance sheets.
  • Assist with the investment portfolio including; entering monthly investment transactions for CFO’s review and attending quarterly Investment Committee meetings.
  • Monitor LRA Finance information on Intranet and update as needed.
• Financial Planning and Budget:
  • Collaborate with the CFO, Executive team, program staff, andFP&A Manager with the development of the organization’s annual budget.
  • Provide oversight, guidance, and support to the FP&A Manager in the annual budgeting process, including liaising with department managers.
  • Work with budget managers on recommendations for staff salary allocations and record payroll each pay period accordingly.
  • Assist the CFO with monthly Cash Flow projections.
  • Develop proactive solutions and bring new ideas to improve organizational performance and governance.
• Compliance and Reporting:
  • Support CFO in leading Finance Team to ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), relevant accounting standards, and regulations specific to non-profit organizations.
  • Lead financial audit preparation and field work.
  • Responsible for state charitable registrations and other regulatory filings to keep nonprofit status for LRA.
  • Support CFO in the preparation of schedules and reports for the annual Form 990 preparation.
  • Prepare and submit various financial reports and other documentation to regulatory authorities, donors, and funding agencies.
  • Work with programs and advancement staff to prepare funder-required financial reports and related invoices.
  • Review 1099’s with Accounts Payable team and process timely.
  • Maintain accurate records of grants and restricted funds, ensuring proper allocation and utilization with tracking for audit purposes.
  • Work with the advancement team and programs to prepare financial grant reports that include information on actual expenditures.
• Team Collaboration:
  • Serve as the deputy to CFO, leadingfinance team to ensure all routine activitiesincluding data entry, preparing invoices & deposits, etc. are carried out as required
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to provide financial expertise and guidance.
  • With CFO, lead the development and implementation of organizational financial policies, procedures, and internal controls.
  • Support the growth and development of the team including setting goals and performance expectations, monitoring, feedback, and annual performance reviews for direct reports.
  • Perform other Duties/Responsibilities, as Assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) credentials required.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in nonprofit accounting, as a manager with direct reports.
• Thorough understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and accounting regulations for non-profit organizations.
• Experience with financial systems such as QuickBooks (required), Concur.com, MakersHub and Salesforce.
• Advanced MS Excel skills for financial analysis and reporting; experience with automation tools a plus.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and CV/resume.

The Lupus Research Alliance, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to equal opportunity for all regardless of race, ethnicity, color, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/orientation/preference, class or socioeconomic status, marital status, age, ability, or Veteran status.

As a regular, full-time exempt employee, you will be eligible for the applicable benefits spelled out in the LRA’s employee handbook and benefits guide. You will be eligible to join the LRA’s medical/dental/vision plan as of the 1st day of your employment. LRA covers the full premium cost for employees; dependent coverage is an additional cost. You will receive three weeks of paid vacation (increasing to four weeks in year 6), ten sick days, three personal days, plus a birthday holiday. Paid leave accrues incrementally per pay period. Employees are eligible to use paid vacation and personal days after 90 days of employment. Sick leave is available without a waiting period. After six months of employment, you will be eligible to receive LRA’s matching 4% contribution to our 403b retirement plan, up to legal limits. At year-end, LRA awards an additional discretionary retirement contribution to those staff who have been with the organization more than six months. This employer contribution starts at 4% and increases to 7% over time. Other benefits include a monthly internet and cell phone stipend and a one-time home office equipment subsidy of $500. We will provide laptop and peripherals.