Assistant Vice President of Finance/Controller

Brooklyn Public Library; New York (NY); On-site; USD 160,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is looking for a dedicated Assistant Vice President of Finance to lead their financial operations. This pivotal role involves overseeing accounting functions, ensuring compliance with regulations, and collaborating with senior leadership to achieve financial objectives. The ideal candidate will possess a strong accounting background, excellent communication skills, and a proven track record in financial management, particularly within not-for-profit organizations. Join a vibrant organization committed to serving the community and enhancing the learning environment for millions. This is an excellent opportunity for those looking to make a significant impact in a dynamic setting.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in financial management for large organizations.
• Strong accounting background with CPA certification preferred.
• Proven leadership in delivering accurate financial reports.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all accounting operations, including general ledger and payroll.
• Maintain fiscal records and prepare financial reports.
• Supervise audits and improve library business practices.

Skills

Financial Management

Accounting

Communication Skills

Leadership

Problem-Solving

Organizational Skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or Finance

MBA or other advanced degree

CPA certification

Tools

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems

Infor Lawson

Workday financial systems

Job description

Overview

As one of the nation’s largest public library systems with a network of 62 neighborhood libraries, BPL is committed to providing the borough’s 2.7 million people quality services and a vibrant learning environment through outreach programs, educational workshops, and youth services events. We seek professionals dedicated to providing excellent customer service, developing fruitful partnerships in the community, and creating environments aligned with our mission.

We are seeking a driven and experienced Assistant Vice President of Finance with a deep focus on accounting to join our leadership team. Reporting to the Vice President of Finance, this role will play a critical part in steering the financial policy, ensuring compliance, and supporting our day-to-day operations. This role requires a strong accounting background, strategic thinking, and the ability to collaborate with senior leadership to support the library’s financial objectives.

Responsibilities

As the chief accounting officer of the library, the Assistant Vice President of Finance is primarily responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the BPL’s financial accounting and reporting functions. The AVP for Finance is responsible for all accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, payroll, and grants administration. Specific responsibilities include:

• Maintain fiscal records and prepare financial reports following generally accepted accounting principles, tax requirements, and standards set by governmental funding agencies
• Forecast short and long-range cash requirements and obligations as a basis for maintaining adequate funds
• Act as immediate contact with the library’s independent auditors on accounting matters and supervise annual audits
• Serve as a critical partner in improving and modernizing library business practices as it transitions to a new ERP system
• Directly supervise the Assistant Controller, who assists with the oversight of the general accounting and accounts payable functions.
• In partnership with the Vice President for Finance, the AVP for Finance provides leadership and support for all Finance department staff in their training and career development
• Together with the Vice President of Finance, the AVP for Finance models and promotes integrity, teamwork, accountability, and quality among all members of the department
• Provides guidance to Library managers throughout the organization on best practices in fiscal management

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution of higher education in Accounting or Finance and, preferably, an MBA or other advanced degree; CPA certification preferred
• A minimum of (8) eight years of progressively responsible experience overseeing financial management, accounting, and reporting functions for large, preferably not-for-profit organizations with significant public funding and annual operating budgets of $100 million to $150 million
• Superior computer and analysis skills with working knowledge of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems. Experience with Infor Lawson or Workday financial systems is a plus
• Knowledge of financial accounting and reporting standards and government regulations governing not-for-profit organizations
• Demonstrably superior communication and organization skills and noteworthy accomplishments as a change agent and a team player
• Proven track record of leading financial teams and delivering accurate financial reports and analysis
• Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work strategically and collaboratively with senior leadership
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

This is a non-union, exempt position with a salary range of 160,000 - 170,000.