Director of Finance

Founded in 1974 and located in Malvern, Pennsylvania, People’s Light seeks an exceptional Director of Finance (DOF) to join its senior leadership team at an exciting moment in the organization’s evolution. Reporting to the Producing Artistic Director, who serves as the organization's chief executive, the DOF will serve as the architect of a comprehensive finance and administration transformation, leading the transition from a predominantly outsourced model to a high‑performing, fully integrated operation. The DOF will be charged with assessing existing financial practices, identifying and resolving historical operational, financial, and compliance challenges, and establishing the people, processes, systems, and controls necessary to support strategic growth, transparency, and institutional sustainability. As a key strategic partner to leadership and the Board, the successful candidate will combine strong financial expertise with a collaborative leadership style, building effective teams and fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and service in support of People’s Light’s mission and future success. Primary Responsibilities Finance and Accounting Provide strategic leadership in restructuring and strengthening the Finance Department, building a high-performing team to support organizational growth and financial sustainability. Oversee comprehensive financial operations for People’s Light and The Farmhouse, ensuring effective management of accounting, budgeting, forecasting, payroll, treasury functions, financial reporting, and compliance. In partnership with the Producing Artistic Director and General Manager, provide strategic leadership for the annual budgeting and long-range financial planning processes, collaborating closely with senior leadership, department heads, and the Board of Directors to align financial resources with organizational priorities and objectives. Prepare and present timely, accurate, and insightful monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, forecasts, analyses, and executive narratives to support informed decision-making by the Producing Artistic Director, General Manager, and Board Committees (Executive, Finance, Audit). Ensure organizational compliance with GAAP, maintain a robust internal control environment, and serve as the principal liaison to external accountants, fostering transparency, accountability, and sound financial governance. Lead the annual audit process and oversee the preparation and filing of IRS Forms 990 and 5500, as well as all applicable tax reporting requirements for People’s Light and The Farmhouse, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. Direct grant and restricted fund accounting activities, ensuring accurate tracking, stewardship, and reporting of government, foundation, and donor-restricted funding while supporting organizational fundraising and compliance efforts. Manage and strengthen strategic relationships with banking institutions, investment advisors, insurance providers, and other financial partners to optimize financial performance, liquidity, risk management, and asset stewardship. Ensure the timely and accurate completion of monthly financial close activities, producing comprehensive financial results promptly following period-end to support organizational planning and decision-making. Lead the development and management of annual operating, facilities, and capital budgets, while maintaining long-range capital investment plans and deferred maintenance strategies that support organizational sustainability and asset stewardship. Leadership and Strategy Serve as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, contributing strategic financial leadership, organizational planning, and enterprise-wide decision-making in partnership with the Producing Artistic Director and senior leadership. Provide sophisticated financial modeling, analysis, and recommendations to support strategic initiatives, capital investments, revenue-generating opportunities, and other organizational growth priorities. Partner closely with leaders across Artistic, Production, Education, Marketing, Development, Farmhouse, Human Resources, and General Management functions to align financial resources with strategic objectives, establish accountability, and ensure timely performance reporting. Ensure organizational compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and reporting requirements across financial and administrative operations. Oversee the organization’s enterprise risk management framework, proactively identifying and mitigating financial, operational, legal, and compliance risks. Communicate financial information with clarity and impact, delivering presentations, analyses, and recommendations to executive leadership, staff, Board Committees (Executive, Finance, Audit) donors, and other key stakeholders to support informed decision-making and organizational transparency. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or equivalent experience CPA or MBA is a plus, but not required. Minimum 5-7 years of progressive experience in nonprofit financial management Deep knowledge of nonprofit accounting, GAAP, and audit processes Experience managing budgets of $5-10 million or more Demonstrated ability to manage finance and administrative staff Excellent communication skills and the ability to explain financial concepts to non-financial audiences Experience in the arts or cultural sector preferred Experience with facilities-based businesses preferred Experience with Quickbooks and Bill.com a plus Compensation and Benefits The Director of Finance is a full-time exempt position with a starting salary of $100,000, with flexibility for exceptional candidates based on experience and qualifications. Comprehensive benefits package including pension plan, generous vacation policy and some WFH flexibility. #J-18808-Ljbffr