Director, Accounting

OBJECTIVES: Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer or another senior executive designated by the President and CEO, the Director of Accounting serves as a strategic leader and technical expert for Northside’s accounting function. This role is responsible for ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting, compliance with regulatory requirements, and the integrity of all accounting operations. The Director will oversee general ledger management, financial statements, audits, internal controls, and accounting policies and procedures. As a key member of the Finance leadership team, the Director of Accounting will collaborate closely with the Director of Finance and other departments to align accounting practices with organizational goals. The position requires a detail-oriented, ethical, and proactive leader who can manage complex accounting processes, mentor staff, and support organizational sustainability through sound financial practices. The Director, Accounting will be available as needed and requested, both in-person and virtually, and will provide support in pursuit of Northside’s mission through other duties as assigned.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provide experienced accounting leadership and management to enable Northside to achieve its mission, strategy, and operating goals. Collaborate with the Chief Financial Officer, other Finance Department leaders, members of the board of directors, and Northside senior and management teams to regularly assess needs for accounting management and support.
2. Direct and manage core accounting functions, including general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, payroll and month-end/year-end close to ensure timely, accurate, and compliant financial reporting. Implement and optimize systems, processes, and policies that strengthen accounting efficiency and integrity. Drive strategic improvements in financial planning, budgeting, expense management, and cash flow analysis to support organizational sustainability. Continuously review and enhance accounting practices to achieve operational excellence, reduce risk, and deliver actionable insights for decision-making.
3. Proactively monitor and adapt to evolving risk management, financial compliance, and regulatory requirements to ensure Northside’s accounting practices remain current and aligned with the organization’s mission.
4. Ensure that all accounting operations adhere to contractual obligations from funding agencies and donors, as well as federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Drive timely and accurate financial reporting that meets or exceeds regulatory standards, reinforcing Northside’s reputation for excellence. Achieve consistent audit readiness and maintain high-quality, financially sound services that support organizational sustainability and stakeholder confidence.
5. Recruit, develop, and retain top accounting talent to ensure operational excellence and compliance. Foster a collaborative, accountable, and result-driven culture by providing clear roles, responsibilities, and a well-structured reporting framework. Engage staff in cross-functional projects, budgeting processes, and departmental initiatives to enhance integration, efficiency, and professional growth.
6. Prepare accurate, insightful presentations and reports for Northside’s Board of Directors, senior management, and other key stakeholders, ensuring transparency and informed decision-making. Provide the Finance Committee with all relevant information, financial data and analysis that may impact organizational performance, proactively address questions and support strategic planning with timely, comprehensive information.

SPECIFIC SKILLS:

• Model leadership as an Accounting Director, technically capable, ethical, respected professional, team player, flexible, and agile, with the ability to work in a complex and fast-paced environment and manage multiple relationships and projects under deadlines.
• Knowledge and experience as an Accounting Director with progressive accounting expertise, leadership, and management capability. Proven ability to lead, develop, and mentor accounting staff.
• Minimum of 7 years of supervisory experience with increasing managerial responsibility and oversight.
• Sound judgment, with the ability to negotiate effectively, manage financial complexity, complicated problem-solving, confidential information, and conflicting priorities.
• Confident and collaborative, and the ability to work with a diversity of people and engage people at all levels and across various functions, including working with managers who do not have an accounting background.
• Experience with accounting systems, fundraising systems, and software including SAGE, Excel, Concur, Bill.com, database systems, ADP, Raiser’s Edge, and Microsoft platforms.
• Strong communications, writing, relationship development, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Critical thinker, analytical, creative, strategic, organized, and detail and results oriented.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Excellent work ethic
• Commitment to working in a mission-driven organization.
• Demonstrated personal ethics and values.
• Cross-team collaboration and cooperation
• Team player who works well with a diverse group of people

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, or accounting required (MBA, M.S. in Finance or Accounting, or CPA desirable)
• 6-10 Years of Finance and Accounting experience, including knowledge of grants and government contract reporting and requirements, general ledger systems, insurance, taxes, risk management, strategic planning, and complex consolidated financials.
• Experience with Federal, State, and New York City regulatory and funding agencies, and all sources of fundraising grants and contracts.
• Strong working knowledge of financial statements, financial management reporting, and record keeping procedures.
• At least 5 years of Not-For-Profit experience, with a clear commitment to and passion for Northside’s mission and the community we serve.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Salary commensurate with experience. Northside offers a competitive salary and benefits package. Salary range: $125,000 - $140,000.

ABOUT NORTHSIDE:

Northside Center for Child Development serves more than 5,500 children and families across New York City each year through high-quality, outcome-driven behavioral health, early childhood education, and enrichment services. With over $34 million in annual funding, Northside provides the comprehensive support children and families need to overcome adversity, build resilience, and pursue their dreams.

Founded in 1946 in Harlem, Northside has been a cornerstone of the community for eight decades, leading the way in integrating education and mental health to support children’s development. Several of Northside’s innovative programs were the first of their kind in Harlem, setting standards of care that continue to influence social service agencies throughout the United States today.

Northside’s founders, Drs. Kenneth B. and Mamie Phipps Clark, were renowned, pioneering psychologists whose groundbreaking research was instrumental in the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education landmark Supreme Court decision that declared school segregation unconstitutional. Their belief in the worth, dignity, and potential of every child continues to guide Northside’s mission and inspire its work today. Northside is driven by its vision and principle, “Each Child…First Chance.”

For more information on Northside Center for Child Development, please visit www.northsidecenter.org.