Director of Finance

Job Description

Job Description:\n\nDescription: Position Summary The Director of Finance oversees the day-to-day operations of the Finance Department while supporting the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in ensuring the financial integrity, compliance, and operational efficiency of The Kennedy Collective. Working collaboratively with organizational leadership, department managers, auditors, funding agencies, and external partners, this position provides oversight of accounting operations, financial reporting, budgeting, cash management, payroll coordination, grant and contract compliance, and internal controls. The Director of Finance ensures compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), applicable federal and state regulations, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) requirements, Connecticut Department of Developmental Services (DDS) requirements, Medicaid requirements, grant and contract obligations, and organizational policies while promoting sound fiscal stewardship, operational efficiency, data-informed decision-making, and continuous improvement in support of The Kennedy Collective's mission and long-term financial sustainability. Core CompetenciesFinancial Strategy & Stewardship: Provides strategic financial leadership by overseeing budgeting, forecasting, financial planning, cash management, and resource allocation to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the organization. Leadership & Talent Development: Leads, develops, coaches, and mentors Finance Department staff while fostering accountability, collaboration, employee engagement, succession planning, and a high-performing team culture. Financial Reporting & Analysis: Oversees the preparation, analysis, and presentation of accurate and timely financial statements, operational reports, budgets, forecasts, and key performance indicators to support executive decision-making. Compliance, Internal Controls & Risk Management: Ensures compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), federal and state regulations, grant and contract requirements, Medicaid requirements, audit standards, organizational policies, and internal control practices while proactively identifying and mitigating financial risks. Operational & Fiscal Management: Oversees daily finance operations, including accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll coordination, treasury functions, budgeting, audits, and financial systems while promoting operational efficiency, fiscal stewardship, and continuous process improvement. Professionalism, Ethics & Continuous Improvement: Demonstrates integrity, accountability, ethical leadership, sound judgment, and professionalism while driving continuous improvement, strengthening financial processes, supporting organizational change, and advancing The Kennedy Collective's mission, values, and strategic priorities. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Financial Leadership & OperationsProvide leadership, direction, coaching, and supervision to Finance Department staff while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, customer service, and continuous improvement. Oversee the daily operations of the Finance Department, including general accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll coordination, cash management, procurement, and financial reporting. Develop, implement, evaluate, and continuously improve financial processes, workflows, and internal controls to promote operational efficiency and financial integrity. Monitor organizational cash flow, banking relationships, investments, and financial resources to ensure effective fiscal management. Partner with the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and organizational leadership to support strategic financial planning, operational decision-making, and organizational priorities. Financial Planning & ReportingCoordinate the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, management reports, and other financial analyses to support executive leadership and Board reporting. Assist in the development, implementation, and monitoring of the annual operating and capital budgets, forecasts, and long-range financial plans. Monitor departmental and organizational financial performance, analyze budget variances, and recommend corrective actions as appropriate. Ensure timely and accurate completion of month-end and year-end close processes in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Compliance, Audit & Risk ManagementEnsure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) requirements, applicable Medicaid regulations, Connecticut DDS requirements, federal and state laws, grant and contract requirements, organizational policies, and other financial reporting obligations. Coordinate the annual financial audit, Single Audit (when applicable), tax filings, cost reports, and other required financial reviews while serving as the primary liaison with external auditors, regulatory agencies, and funding entities. Develop, implement, and monitor internal controls, financial policies, and risk management practices to safeguard organizational assets, ensure regulatory compliance, and strengthen financial accountability. Oversee financial reporting for Medicaid, DDS, grants, contracts, and other funding sources to ensure compliance with applicable reimbursement, documentation, and reporting requirements. Support organizational readiness for financial audits, regulatory reviews, and monitoring activities by maintaining accurate records and ensuring timely resolution of audit findings or corrective actions. Operational & Administrative ManagementCollaborate with Human Resources, Payroll, Program Services, Development, and other departments to ensure accurate financial processes, reporting, and operational support. Review and approve financial transactions, expenditures, purchasing requests, journal entries, reconciliations, and other financial activities in accordance with organizational policies and delegated authority. Evaluate financial systems, technology, and reporting tools while identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, automation, and data accuracy. Monitor organizational financial trends and recommend process improvements that strengthen operational effectiveness and fiscal stewardship. Organizational LeadershipMaintain professional, respectful, and timely communication with executive leadership, department managers, employees, auditors, funding agencies, regulatory entities, banking partners, and other stakeholders. Support organizational strategic initiatives, financial planning efforts, policy development, and special projects as assigned. Promote ethical financial practices, accountability, transparency, and continuous quality improvement consistent with The Kennedy Collective's mission, vision, values, and strategic priorities. Perform other duties, assignments, and projects as assigned in support of organizational operations. Requirements: Qualifications Required Education and ExperienceBachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field and a minimum of seven (7) years of progressive accounting or finance experience, including at least three (3) years in a financial management or leadership role. Demonstrated experience in nonprofit financial management, including fund accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, internal controls, and audit coordination. Demonstrated knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), nonprofit accounting standards, federal and state financial regulations, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) requirements, Connecticut Department of Developmental Services (DDS) funding requirements, Medicaid reimbursement, grant and contract compliance, and financial reporting requirements. Experience preparing and monitoring organizational budgets, financial forecasts, cash flow analyses, and financial performance reporting. Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including advanced Microsoft Excel skills, financial management systems, enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, and other financial reporting platforms. Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written form and collaborate with executive leadership, department managers, auditors, financial institutions, funding agencies, regulatory agencies, and external partners. Ability to work independently while exercising sound judgment, professionalism, strategic thinking, and initiative. Preferred QualificationsMaster's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field. Experience working within nonprofit healthcare, intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), behavioral health, or other human services organizations. Experience with Connecticut DDS-funded programs, Medicaid reimbursement methodologies, CMS requirements, grant administration, and government contract compliance. Experience implementing financial systems, process improvements, and organizational performance initiatives. Experience supporting Boards of Directors, Finance Committees, and executive leadership with financial reporting and strategic planning. Knowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesExtensive knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), nonprofit accounting principles, budgeting, financial reporting, internal controls, auditing standards, and financial analysis. Strong knowledge of CMS requirements, Medicaid funding, Connecticut DDS reimbursement structures, grant accounting, and government contract compliance. Strong leadership, coaching, strategic planning, organizational development, and performance management skills. Excellent analytical, problem-solving, organizational, project management, and decision-making skills with exceptional attention to detail. Ability to interpret financial data, identify trends, develop recommendations, and present complex financial information to diverse audiences. Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to prepare financial reports, policies, procedures, presentations, and correspondence. Ability to maintain confidentiality, exercise sound judgment, and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Physical Requirements Ability to remain seated for extended periods while performing computer-based work. Ability to frequently operate a computer, keyboard, telephone, and other standard office equipment. Ability to occasionally lift, carry, or move up to 10 pounds. Requires frequent visual acuity for reviewing financial documents, spreadsheets, and computer screens. Ability to travel occasionally between organizational locations for meetings, audits, training, or operational support. Working ConditionsPrimarily works in an office or hybrid office environment with extensive computer use. Regular interaction with executive leadership, employees, auditors, financial institutions, funding agencies, regulatory agencies, vendors, and external partners. Occasional travel between organizational locations for meetings, audits, training, and operational support. May work additional hours during budget preparation, month-end and year-end close, annual audits, financial reporting cycles, and other business-critical deadlines. Hybrid or remote work opportunities may be available based on organizational needs and business requirements. Success MeasuresFinancial operations are conducted in compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) requirements, Connecticut DDS requirements, Medicaid regulations, grant and contract obligations, organizational policies, and applicable federal, state, and local laws. Financial statements, budgets, forecasts, audits, and required regulatory and funding reports are completed accurately, timely, and in accordance with established deadlines. Organizational financial resources, cash flow, budgets, and internal controls are effectively managed to support fiscal stewardship, operational efficiency, and long-term financial sustainability. The annual financial audit and other financial reviews are completed successfully with strong internal controls and timely resolution of audit findings, recommendations, or corrective actions. Finance Department employees demonstrate strong performance, accountability, collaboration, professional development, and high-quality customer service. Financial information, analyses, and recommendations support informed decision-making by executive leadership, the Board of Directors, and department leaders. Financial processes, systems, and reporting practices are continuously evaluated and improved to enhance accuracy, efficiency, compliance, and organizational effectiveness. Compensation and Benefits CompensationCompensation for this position is based on experience, qualifications, and applicable organizational compensation practices, where applicable. The salary range for this position will be provided in accordance with applicable federal and Connecticut pay transparency requirements. Benefits Eligible employees may participate in The Kennedy Collective's comprehensive benefits program, subject to plan eligibility requirements, which may include: Medical, dental, and vision insurance Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options, where applicable Employer-paid life and disability insurance Retirement savings plan with employer contributions, if eligible Paid time off and floating holidays Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Professional development and training opportunities Employee discount and wellness programs Additional voluntary benefits offered by The Kennedy Collective Equal Employment Opportunity The Kennedy Collective is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. The Kennedy Collective also provides reasonable accommodation to qualified applicants and employees in accordance with applicable law.