ProPublica is an award-winning independent nonprofit newsroom that produces investigative journalism with moral force. We dig deep into important issues, shining a light on abuses of power and betrayals of public trust — and we stick with those issues as long as it takes to hold power to account. With a team of more than 100 dedicated journalists across the country, we produce reporting that has contributed to the passage of new laws; reversals of harmful policies and practices; and accountability for leaders at local, state and national levels.
Position:
ProPublica is seeking an analytical, creative, self-motivated finance professional to join our New York City headquarters as the Finance Director, reporting to the Vice President, Finance & Administration. In this newly created role, the Finance Director will oversee the management and review of general finance and daily accounting functions for ProPublica. This position will be part of a five-person accounting and finance team responsible for an annual operating budget of approximately $40 million. This Director will work in close partnership not only with the Vice President and finance team, but also with development, the newsroom, and human resources. The Finance Director will play a critical role related to general business operations, with primary focus on nonprofit fiscal operations, financial systems, grant reporting, month end closings/reporting and compliance activities in a dynamic and growing organization.
Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
- Assist Vice President, Finance & Administration, with all aspects of the organization’s accounting and finance activities in accordance with GAAP nonprofit accounting principles and best practices.
- Directly supervise Finance Manager and Associate Finance Manager.
- Direct financial requests/inquiries from outside the finance department, including requests for ad hoc financial reports and research into expense concerns.
- Oversee financial systems and processes, including payroll, accounts payable/receivable, expense reimbursements and company credit card processing and accounting.
- Direct the monthly financial close process and preparation of financial reports; review and verify financial records, such as general ledger and bank account reconciliations, functional expense allocations and payroll and 403b retirement processing and reporting. Review and approve staff journal entries, ensuring appropriate accounting treatment and backup documentation.
- Facilitate data collection, compilation and analysis as needed for grant reporting, financial audits, insurance renewals and compliance filings, such as 990 preparation, ERISA 5500 filings, 1099 filings and state fundraising registrations.
- Ensure appropriate processing and tracking of incoming payments/donations, and assist with maintenance of the grants receivable schedules and asset releases for restricted funding sources. Work with development team to ensure that management of grant funds is efficient and accurate; improve processes for developing grant budgets, allocating salary and management of restricted vs. unrestricted funds.
- Manage and track capital expenditures, including maintenance of fixed asset and depreciation schedules in coordination with operations team.
- Assist with annual budgeting process and direction of other finance team members to support this process.
Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will have:
- A bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance.
- A minimum of five years of accounting and bookkeeping experience with demonstrated nonprofit expertise, especially as it pertains to fund accounting, restricted grant tracking/asset releases and revenue recognition.
- A clear understanding of nonprofit financial statements is required, including how the balance sheet interacts with the statement of activities, and the underlying accounting principles involved.
- The ideal candidate will be a tech-savvy systems thinker who will assess current systems and research/recommend changes to improve operational efficiencies.
- The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to work cross-functionally and relay relevant information in an accessible way to stakeholders outside of the finance department.
- Experience managing and developing staff, along with excellent communication skills, is a must. The ability to take initiative, coordinate with others and follow through in a dynamic and highly confidential environment, both as an individual and as a team member, are imperative. Exceptional attention to detail and time management skills are crucial. Proficiency with Excel and Google Docs are required, along with experience with accounting, expense and payroll platforms.
- Experience with QuickBooks Online, Expensify and/or ADP Workforce Now is a plus.
The Finance Director is a full-time position based in New York City with work occurring during typical weekday business hours. Some in-office work will be required. ProPublica offers a comprehensive benefits program, paid vacation and a 403(b) retirement plan with a student loan reimbursement component.
We are dedicated to improving our newsroom, in part by better reflecting the people we cover. (Here is a breakdown of our staff.) We are committed to diversity and building an inclusive environment for people of all backgrounds and ages. And we are taking steps to meet that commitment. We especially encourage members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply, including women, people of color, LGBTQ people and people with disabilities.
If all of this sounds exciting to you, you can apply using this form. We will begin reviewing applications as we receive them, but we will continue to consider candidates as long as the posting remains live on our site.
Questions? Send them to liz.sharp@propublica.org. No phone calls, please.
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