Director of Finance

DefinedTalent, a partnership driven professional talent services agency, is seeking a Director of Finance for a client in Asbury Park, NJ. Our client is a LGBTQ+ civil rights organization whose work spans public policy advocacy, grassroots organizing, provider training, health equity initiatives, and youth leadership development. Everything they do is grounded in a commitment to racial, economic, and disability justice, because they believe LGBTQ+ liberation is inseparable from the broader struggle for a more just society.

This is a true builder role. The Director of Finance is a hands-on, strategic finance professional who will serve as the organization’s sole finance function. You will not inherit a fully built machine; you will build one. That means establishing the financial policies, systems, controls, and processes from the ground up while simultaneously managing day-to-day accounting operations across their organization and board structure.

The ideal candidate thrives in environments where there is meaningful work to define, not just execute. You are as comfortable drafting a finance policy manual as you are closing the monthly books or presenting to a Board audit committee.

Reporting directly to the Executive Director and serving as a key advisor to the Board of Directors, this role is central to our next chapter. If you are energized by mission-driven work, dual-entity nonprofit complexity, and the opportunity to leave a lasting structural legacy while contributing to the fight for LGBTQ+ equality in New Jersey and beyond we want to hear from you!

Key Responsibilities:

Accounting Operations (Day to Day)

As the sole finance professional, you will own all accounting functions end-to-end, including:

• Manage the general ledger, chart of accounts, accounts payable/receivable, and bank reconciliations across both entities
• Process and oversee semi-monthly payroll in coordination with HR; ensure accurate payroll tax filings
• Maintain strict separation of funds, revenues, and expenses between the 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) entities
• Prepare accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and reports for the Executive Director and Board
• Manage cash flow monitoring and projections to ensure operational liquidity at all times
• Coordinate with external bookkeeping support or contractors as needed during high-volume periods

Audit Preparation & Management

You will own the annual audit process from preparation through completion and will be the primary liaison with external auditors:

• Prepare all audit schedules, work papers, and supporting documentation; coordinate the year-end close process
• Serve as the day-to-day contact for external auditors; manage the audit timeline and information requests
• Implement recommendations from audit findings and management letters; track resolution to completion
• Prepare the IRS Form 990 and 990-EZ for both entities in coordination with external accountants; ensure timely filing
• Manage NJ charity registration renewals, payroll tax returns, and all other required state and federal filings
• Ensure ongoing compliance with GAAP, FASB ASC 958, and all applicable nonprofit accounting standards

Financial Policies, Procedures & Internal Controls

A core responsibility of this position is designing and implementing the financial infrastructure our organization needs to scale:

• Conduct an assessment of current financial practices and identify gaps in controls, documentation, and procedures
• Draft and implement a comprehensive Finance Policy & Procedures Manual covering: expense reimbursement, procurement, check authorization levels, credit card policy, document retention, and petty cash
• Establish and enforce internal controls to safeguard organizational assets and prevent fraud or misuse
• Design and implement a grant financial management framework including budget tracking templates, draw-down schedules, and funder reporting workflows
• Create standardized month-end close checklists, reconciliation procedures, and financial reporting templates
• Evaluate and optimize the accounting software environment (e.g., QuickBooks, Sage Intacct); implement system improvements or transitions as needed
• Document all financial processes to ensure continuity and auditability as the organization grows

Budgeting & Financial Planning

• Lead the annual budget development process in close collaboration with the Executive Director, development team, and program staff
• Develop multi-year financial forecasts and cash flow projections to support strategic planning
• Prepare monthly budget-to-actual reports with variance analysis and actionable recommendations
• Build financial models to support new program development, grant proposals, and capital planning needs
• Provide scenario analysis and financial risk assessments to inform leadership decision-making

Grants & Fund Management

• Track and manage all restricted and unrestricted funds; maintain clear documentation of grant terms and spending requirements
• Work with the Development team to prepare financial reports and budget-versus-actual summaries for government contracts and private foundation grants
• Partner with the Development team on grant proposal budgets and funder financial compliance requirements
• Manage government contract invoicing, draw-down requests, and compliance with federal/state contracting regulations
• Support annual audit of federal funds in accordance with Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200) if applicable

Strategic Leadership & Board Relations

• Serve as the primary financial advisor to the Executive Director and a trusted voice on organizational sustainability
• Present financial reports, budget updates, and audit results to the Board of Directors and Finance/Audit Committee
• Advise on risk management, insurance coverage, and financial policies requiring Board approval
• Support organizational strategic planning by providing financial analysis, scenario modeling, and long-range projections
• Build the financial capacity of non-finance staff through training and clear communication of policies and processes

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
• Minimum 6–8 years of progressive financial management or accounting experience, with meaningful nonprofit exposure
• Direct experience managing or supporting an annual audit process, including preparation of audit work papers and schedules
• Demonstrated ability to design and implement financial policies, internal controls, and standard operating procedures
• Strong working knowledge of nonprofit GAAP (FASB ASC 958) and fund accounting principles
• Experience managing restricted and unrestricted funds and grant financial reporting
• Proficiency with accounting software (QuickBooks Online or Desktop, Sage Intacct, or comparable platform)
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently with minimal supervision
• Strong written communication skills; ability to translate financial data for non-financial stakeholders

Strongly Preferred

• CPA designation strongly preferred; CMA or MBA also valued
• Experience with a dual-entity nonprofit structure (501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4)) or other complex organizational structures
• Prior experience as the sole or lead finance professional in a small-to-mid-size nonprofit
• Familiarity with NJ state charity registration and government contract compliance requirements
• Experience with federal grant management and Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200)
• Demonstrated commitment to LGBTQ+ equality and social justice; lived experience within LGBTQ+ communities welcome
  

***We recognize that not every strong candidate will check every box. If you have the core accounting and audit foundation and a genuine interest in building financial infrastructure in a mission-driven environment, we encourage you to apply.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision)
• 403(b) retirement plan with organizational contribution
• Generous paid time off and holidays
• On-site office in Asbury Park, NJ with modern amenities
• Opportunities for rapid professional growth in a high-impact, scaling organization
• Collaborative, flat organizational culture with direct access to leadership
• Annual professional development and CPE budget
• Competitive base salary of $85,000–$105,000