Employment Opportunity: Director of Finance at Neighborhood Music School

[Neighborhood Music School]

Department: Finance
Reporting Relationship: Reports to the Executive Director
Pay Status: Salaried, Full-Time, and Exempt

The Director of Finance (“DoF”) is a collaborative, hands-on leader responsible for the financial business management of Neighborhood Music School (“NMS”). As a member of the leadership team, the DoF is a thought partner for the Executive Director in strategic decision-making and must have a deep belief in the NMS mission: “To deepen the human experience and build connections through the learning, practice and presentation of the performing arts.”

The DoF oversees accounting & audit, financial planning, information technology, data management, and employment, payroll, and benefits administration. The DoF continually evaluates best industry practices in comparison to internal systems and needed resources, with an eye toward both future needs and budget realities. This position works closely with the ED and Board to uphold fiduciary, risk management and compliance responsibilities for NMS. Currently, the DoF manages an administrative team that includes a staff accountant/payroll specialist, a billing/financial aid coordinator, and outside vendors, including IT, health benefits, audit, payroll, insurance, and legal.

Responsibilities:

FINANCE & ACCOUNTING

• Oversee and manage all aspects of the school’s accounting functions including general ledger, internal controls and cash management, reconciliation and monthly close, accounts payable, accounts receivable, customer billing, collections, annual audit and 990 tax exempt return, and financial accounts;
• Work with Executive Director, Board, and relevant staff to develop and monitor annual operating budget, capital budget, program budgets, and grant budgets;
• Provide timely and accurate financial reports, key performance indicators and market research;
• Prepare for and actively participate in staff, faculty, board, and finance committee meetings;
• Serve as primary staff support for the Board’s Finance & Risk Committee;
• Represent NMS in the community when needed.

ADMINISTRATIVE

• Ensure adequate insurance coverage is maintained, renewed or replaced in a timely manner;
• File and resolve all insurance claims;
• Maintain compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations and filing requirements;
• Keep informed of industry best practices, while responding to evolving needs;
• Create and maintain all vendor and rental contracts;
• Review and ensure compliance with all contracts NMS enters into with outside parties;
• Manage workers comp audit.

EMPLOYMENT, PAYROLL, & BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION

• Maintain knowledge of industry trends and employment legislation and ensure compliance with federal and state legislation pertaining to all personnel matters;
• Manage the document flow for hires, terminations, leaves, salary changes, special payments;
• Oversee onboarding and off-boarding;
• Assist in creation of position descriptions and create organizational reporting chart;
• Create and collect annual faculty agreements;
• Administer staff review process;
• Maintain accurate and complete employee personnel files;
• Create and process a complex payroll system and produce 1099s;
• Produce wage notifications/updates for staff and faculty;
• Review and respond to unemployment compensation claims;
• Coordinate sexual harassment, emergency protocol, and Anti-Bias Anti-Racist training sessions andensure participation by all relevant parties;
• Work with Executive Director to set benefits policy;
• Partners with the benefits broker to facilitate the annual open enrollment;
• Oversee PTO analysis.

DATA & IT MANAGEMENT

• Provide general supervision for the overall administration, planning, coordination and execution of IT & data management functions, including assessing organizational needs and recommending solutions;
• Responsible for overseeing production and management of all student, family, enrollment, and financial data.

Requirements and Qualifications:

• An understanding of the NMS mission and a love of the arts;
• An appreciation of the diversity of the New Haven region and the NMS community;
• A commitment to equity and inclusion, and a desire to be part of building an anti bias, anti racist culture;
• Ability to think strategically and work collaboratively and with an open mind;
• A desire to lead through compassion and service and a commitment for personal growth;
• Attention to detail and accuracy, with pride in quality of work;
• Strong communication skills;
• Proof of Covid-19 vaccine and booster;
• Strong technical skills in financial accounting, reporting, and analysis;
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in financial management and/or accounting, with practical hands-on bookkeeping experience;
• Well-versed in the principles of fund accounting and non-profit management;
• Knowledge of employee benefits administration and human resource compliance;
• Technology savvy, including advanced-level proficiency in MS Excel and QuickBooks;
• Bachelor’s degree required. MBA and/or CPA preferred;
• Ability to prioritize effectively, and to manage multiple projects and timelines;
• Effective organization skills and attention to detail;
• Keen analytical and problem solving skills;
• The above position description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities for the position.

Compensation

• Salary of $85,000-$100,000 commensurate with experience.

To Apply: Send resume and letter of interest to [e-mail]