Director of Finance

Director of Finance

The Director of Finance plays a critical role in supporting LEAP's $7M annual operating budget through hands-on oversight of finance and accounting functions, grant financial reporting, and financial analysis that informs organizational decision-making. At LEAP, Vice Presidents hold broad strategic accountability for their departments while Directors take ownership of key functional areas and directly oversee implementing staff. The Director of Finance owns the day-to-day execution of key LEAP financial operations, working in close partnership with the Vice President of Finance & Business Affairs on strategy, compliance, and organizational priorities. This position ensures compliance with applicable accounting standards, grant guidelines, and organizational policies. Supervisory responsibilities—including oversight of the Accounts Payable & Receivable Coordinator and the Payroll Coordinator—will transition to this role over the first six months, allowing time for onboarding, relationship-building, and a thorough understanding of LEAP's financial systems.

This is a full-time, exempt (salaried), onsite position. The role requires strong analytical capabilities, thorough knowledge of nonprofit accounting and grant compliance, and a commitment to LEAP's mission of empowering young people from underserved communities. The position provides ample opportunities for professional development, including training, conference attendance, networking, and on-the-job learning experiences.

Reports to: Vice President of Finance & Business Affairs

Essential Duties

Grant Financial Management & Compliance

• Prepare, review, and submit grant financial reports in compliance with federal, state, local, and private funder requirements and applicable regulations
• Conduct grant budget monitoring, variance analysis, and forecasting to ensure alignment between spending and grant budgets
• Manage the alignment of expenditures with grant budgets and funder expectations, coordinating with the Development department and program managers as needed
• Oversee financial tracking and reporting for the organization's full grant portfolio, including public and private funding sources

Financial Reporting & Analysis

• Ensure accuracy and timeliness of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting and close processes
• Support the Vice President of Finance & Business Affairs in developing and maintaining cash flow analyses and projections
• Provide financial analysis to support strategic decision-making by organizational leadership
• Support the Vice President of Finance & Business Affairs in maintaining compliance with GAAP and other relevant accounting standards

Supervision & Team Development

• Supervise the Accounts Payable & Receivable Coordinator and the Payroll Coordinator, with full supervisory responsibility transitioning over the first six months
• Provide guidance, training, and professional development support to these finance team members
• Support payroll, accounts payable, and receivable processes as needed to ensure continuity

Audit Support & Internal Controls

• Assist in annual organizational audits and coordinate grant-specific audits
• Support the development and maintenance of internal financial controls and procedures
• Collaborate with other departments to ensure accurate financial coding and reconciliation across programs

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business, or related field from an accredited institution of higher education
• Minimum of five years of progressive finance and accounting experience, with at least two years in grant reporting and analysis
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, grant compliance requirements, and nonprofit accounting practices
• Demonstrated tact and discretion in handling confidential financial information
• Supervisory experience with demonstrated ability to develop and support staff

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA certification or actively pursuing CPA
• Experience with federal, state, and local grant compliance requirements
• Experience in nonprofit organizations with similar scale ($5M+ budget)
• Connection to or familiarity with New Haven community

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in accounting or ERP software
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel (advanced functions, pivot tables, financial modeling)
• Experience with ADP Workforce Now or similar payroll systems (or ability to learn quickly)
• Experience with RAMP and DocuSign (or ability to learn quickly)
• Interest in and willingness to learn AI tools to assist with financial analysis, research, and reporting
• Ability to organize and maintain digital records and filing systems for collecting and reporting data

Essential Competencies

• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy
• Strong organizational and time management skills with ability to meet deadlines
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making capabilities
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work successfully both independently and collaboratively
• Commitment to maintaining strict confidentiality standards
• Commitment to LEAP's mission and the communities we serve

Special Requirements

Flexibility to work some evenings and weekends as needed for organizational activities (e.g. Summer program onboarding or trainings), audit preparation, and fiscal year-end closing.

Compensation

Salary: $80,000 to $90,000, commensurate with experience.

Excellent benefits, including health, dental, vision, and life insurance, along with retirement plan with employer contribution. Generous PTO, holiday leave, and professional development opportunities.

This position is onsite at the LEAP office in New Haven, CT at 31 Jefferson Street. Additional information about the organization is available via

LEAP is an equal opportunity employer.