Vice President of Finance

The Vice President of Finance provides strategic and operational leadership for the organization’s financial management, accounting operations, budgeting, forecasting, compliance, and reporting functions. Reporting to the President, the Vice President of Finance partners closely with senior leadership and the Board of Directors to ensure the organization’s financial health, operational effectiveness, and long-term sustainability. This role oversees all aspects of financial stewardship, maintains strong internal controls, ensures compliance with nonprofit regulations, and supports the organization’s mission through sound financial planning and decision-making. Person Reports To – President Supervises – Controller Essential Functions – Partner with the President and senior leadership team to develop and execute financial strategies, annual operating budgets, and multi-year financial plans that support organizational goals, growth, and sustainability. Align financial operations, reporting, and resource allocation with the organization’s mission, strategic priorities, and long-term financial objectives. Provide financial analysis, recommendations, and decision support to the President, senior leadership team, and Board of Directors to support informed business and operational decisions. Provide strategic leadership and oversight for the Finance Division, establishing priorities, driving performance, and ensuring exceptional service and support throughout the organization. Lead and oversee all finance and accounting operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, general ledger, fixed assets, grants management, tax compliance, financial reporting, and regulatory compliance. Direct and manage the annual budgeting process, partnering with division leaders to develop operating and capital budgets that align resources with organizational priorities and strategic objectives. Oversee financial planning and analysis (FP&A), including forecasting, revenue and expense projections, cash flow analysis, variance reporting, scenario planning, and long-range financial modeling. Monitor organizational financial performance and key financial metrics, identifying trends, risks, and opportunities and recommending actions to strengthen financial results and operational effectiveness. Ensure the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of financial reporting while maintaining effective internal controls that safeguard organizational assets and ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards and regulations. Prepare and present monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports, budget updates, forecasts, and analyses for senior leadership, the Board of Directors, and Finance/Audit Committee. Present annual budgets, audited financial statements, and other financial reports to the Board of Directors and Finance/Audit Committee, providing clear analysis and interpretation of financial results, trends, and recommendations. Lead all external audit activities and serve as the primary liaison with auditors, banking institutions, regulatory agencies, grantors, and other financial partners. Oversee treasury functions, including banking relationships, investments, debt obligations, credit facilities, liquidity planning, and cash flow management. Ensure the organization maintains compliance with all applicable 501(c)(3) requirements and nonprofit financial regulations, including stewardship of restricted funds, grant compliance, regulatory reporting, and practices that support the organization’s tax-exempt status. Lead organizational risk management efforts related to finance, insurance, and compliance, including adherence to applicable regulatory and reporting requirements. Develop, implement, and continuously enhance finance, accounting, grants management, procurement, and audit policies, procedures, systems, and controls to improve efficiency, compliance, transparency, and financial stewardship. Partner with division leaders on financial initiatives, grant-funded programs, operational improvements, and strategic projects to ensure effective planning, monitoring, and resource utilization. Conduct regular financial review meetings with division leaders to discuss month-end results, budget variances, administrative expenses, forecast assumptions, and opportunities for financial and operational improvement. Recruit, develop, coach, and mentor finance staff, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, customer service, and professional growth. Evaluate and strengthen financial systems, reporting tools, and business processes to enhance data integrity, operational efficiency, transparency, and decision-making capabilities. Support the President and senior leadership team in assessing financial risks, opportunities, strategic investments, and organizational initiatives that promote long-term financial stability and mission achievement. Perform other duties and special projects as assigned in support of organizational objectives. Prerequisite Qualifications Education/Degree Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Finance or related field required. Master’s Degree in Business, Finance, or related field preferred Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation required. Demonstrated knowledge of nonprofit financial management and 501(c)(3) regulatory requirements. Required Experience Minimum of ten (10) years of progressive finance and accounting leadership experience, including significant experience within a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization and responsibility for budgeting, financial reporting, audits, grants management, and regulatory compliance. Demonstrated experience leading finance and accounting teams in a complex, multi-department organization. Experience presenting financial information to executive leadership, Boards of Directors, and Finance/Audit Committees. Strong knowledge of nonprofit accounting principles, fund accounting, grant management, internal controls, financial planning and analysis, and financial reporting. Experience overseeing annual audits, regulatory compliance, and treasury management activities. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Proven ability to improve processes, develop talent, and enhance organizational effectiveness. Strategic, adaptable leader with strong problem-solving and change management skills. MultiView financial software experience preferred. Salary Information In compliance with the NJ Pay Transparency law, the annual salary range for this position is $200,000.00 to $225,000.00 (USD). NJII considers factors like, but not limited to, job scope, experience, education, skills, internal equity, and market conditions when making offers. This pay range covers base pay only and excludes bonuses or other incentives. NJII provides a comprehensive package of benefits to their full-time employees which includes Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) with Employer Match, FSA and HSA. We also provide Company Paid Group Term Life Insurance, AD&D and LTD. In addition, we offer a hybrid work model with an expectation for this role to work a minimum of 2 days weekly onsite at our Newark, NJ office. Final candidates will be subject to a background screening. Employment or continued employment is contingent upon NJII’s acceptance of the results of the background screening. #J-18808-Ljbffr New Jersey Innovation Institute