Finance Director at Vanderbilt Hillel

Hillel International; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement plan with employer match

Generous paid time off

Paid Jewish and secular holidays

Paid parental leave

Job summary

Vanderbilt Hillel in Nashville, TN, is seeking a Finance Director to lead the organization’s financial strategy and operations. This hands-on executive role partners with the Executive Director and senior leadership to manage budgets, reporting, and internal controls while supporting growth and sustainability.

You will oversee accounting, payroll, audits, and grant tracking, and collaborate with the development and HR teams to strengthen financial systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Five or more years of progressively responsible accounting or finance experience.
• Experience managing organizational budgets, financial reporting, and cash flow.
• Strong understanding of accounting principles, budgeting, and financial analysis.
• Experience coordinating audits and financial compliance; tax experience preferred.
• Experience with external financial service providers and financial systems.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; detail-oriented.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the Executive Director and senior leadership to manage Vanderbilt Hillel’s $1.8 million annual budget.
• Lead budgeting, monthly/quarterly reporting, forecasting, and analysis.
• Oversee accounting functions including payables, receivables, GL, payroll, and reconciliations.
• Maintain records using QuickBooks Online and related systems; manage banking and cash flow.
• Coordinate with outsourced accounting and payroll providers; lead annual audits and IRS Form 990.
• Support program, HR/administration, and governance through accurate financial data and controls.
• Develop financial dashboards and KPIs; provide forecasting and scenario planning.

Skills

Analytical skills

Excellent communication

Organizational skills

Problem solving

Budget management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Finance/Accounting/Business Administration

Tools

QuickBooks Online

Bill.com

Ramp

ADP

Paycor

LGL

Job description

Vanderbilt Hillel is seeking a Finance Director to serve as the organization’s senior financial leader and a member of its senior leadership team. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Finance Director will oversee the financial management and administrative financial systems of a $1.8 million organization serving more than 1,300 Jewish students through more than 300 programs, events, and activities each year.

The Finance Director will be a trusted strategic partner to the Executive Director, senior leadership team, Board Treasurer, Finance Committee, and Audit Committee. The position provides the financial information, analysis, systems, and controls necessary to support sound decision-making, strong governance, and long-term organizational sustainability.

This is a hands-on leadership role for a finance professional who is comfortable managing day-to-day financial operations while also strengthening systems, improving reporting, and helping a growing organization make informed financial decisions.

What You’ll Do

• Partner with the Executive Director and senior leadership team to develop, manage, and monitor Vanderbilt Hillel’s $1.8 million annual operating budget.
• Lead the annual budgeting process and provide timely monthly and quarterly financial reporting, forecasting, and analysis.
• Monitor financial performance, budget variances, cash flow, and trends to support organizational decision-making.
• Oversee accounting functions including accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger management, payroll, credit card administration, and reconciliations.
• Maintain accurate financial records using QuickBooks Online and related financial systems.
• Manage banking relationships, cash flow, ACH payments, bank transfers, and other authorized movement of organizational funds.
• Coordinate with outsourced accounting and payroll providers when needed to ensure accurate and timely financial operations.
• Lead the annual audit and coordinate preparation of the IRS Form 990 and other required financial filings with external professionals.
• Ensure accurate tracking of restricted funds, grants, designated contributions, and related expenditures.
• Collect and organize investment and endowment information for reporting purposes.
• Oversee procurement and purchasing processes and ensure appropriate financial controls are followed.
• Ensure accurate recording and documentation of gifts and other financial transactions in coordination with the development team.

Program & Administrative Finance

• Process and oversee financial transactions related to student programs and initiatives at the direction and verification of program staff.
• Review and process student and staff reimbursements, program expenses, payments, and related documentation.
• Provide guidance to program staff regarding financial procedures, purchasing, documentation, and expenditures.
• Develop systems that enable staff to better understand and manage program and departmental budgets as Vanderbilt Hillel’s financial infrastructure evolves.
• Identify opportunities to streamline financial workflows and improve efficiency.

Human Resources & Administration

• Administer payroll, employee benefits, and related HR systems in coordination with Hillel International and external providers, including the Hillel catering team.
• Coordinate employee onboarding and offboarding for all staff, including ongoing needs of Israeli staff on work visas, and maintain accurate personnel documentation and records.
• Administer and maintain organizational personnel policies and procedures.
• Serve as an internal resource for staff regarding day-to-day HR and administrative processes.
• Coordinate with benefits and payroll providers regarding enrollment, changes, and employee questions.

Governance & Committee Support

• In partnership with the Executive Director, serve as the primary staff liaison to the Board Finance Committee and Audit Committee.
• Prepare, analyze, and present financial reports and supporting materials for Finance Committee and Audit Committee meetings.
• Attend Finance Committee and Audit Committee meetings and provide financial information, analysis, and recommendations.
• Partner closely with the Board Treasurer on financial oversight, reporting, budgeting, and planning.
• Serve as the primary organizational contact for external auditors and coordinate follow-up on audit recommendations.
• Support strong financial governance, transparency, accountability, and compliance.

Senior Leadership & Strategic Partnership

• Serve as a member of Vanderbilt Hillel’s senior leadership team and contribute financial expertise to organizational planning and decision-making.
• Partner with the Executive Director and senior leadership team to align financial resources with organizational priorities.
• Develop financial dashboards and key performance indicators that support informed decision-making.
• Provide financial forecasting, analysis, and scenario planning to support strategic initiatives and long-term sustainability.
• Lead initiatives to strengthen internal controls, improve financial reporting, and build scalable financial systems.
• Maintain and periodically review policies and procedures related to finance, administration, purchasing, and internal controls.

What You’ll Bring to the Job

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Five or more years of progressively responsible experience in accounting or a related field, with some experience in finance.
• Experience managing organizational budgets, financial reporting, and cash flow.
• Strong understanding of accounting principles, financial controls, budgeting, and financial analysis.
• Experience coordinating annual audits and financial compliance processes, experience with tax experience preferred.
• Experience managing relationships with external financial service providers.
• Proficiency with accounting and financial management systems.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain financial information clearly to non-finance colleagues and volunteer leaders.
• High level of integrity, discretion, and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment.
• Willingness to engage with and learn about Jewish life, values, and the mission of Hillel.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA, MBA, or other relevant advanced professional credential.
• Experience with nonprofit, higher education, or other mission-driven organizations.
• Experience with QuickBooks Online, Bill.com, Ramp, ADP, Paycor, LGL, or similar financial and administrative platforms.
• Experience developing financial dashboards, forecasts, or management reporting tools.
• Experience improving financial systems, internal controls, or administrative processes.
• Experience supporting a Board Finance Committee, Audit Committee, Treasurer, or similar volunteer leadership structure.

Jewish communal experience is welcome but not required.

What You’ll Receive

The salary range for this full-time position is $80,000–$100,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Vanderbilt Hillel offers a competitive benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plan with employer contribution after vesting
• Generous paid time off
• Paid Jewish and secular holidays
• Paid parental leave

Work Schedule & Physical Requirements

This is a full-time, in-person position based at Vanderbilt Hillel in Nashville, Tennessee.

The position is primarily conducted during regular business hours, with occasional evening or weekend work for Finance Committee meetings, Audit Committee meetings, or other organizational needs.

The position requires the ability to occasionally lift or move up to 25 pounds.

About Vanderbilt Hillel

Vanderbilt Hillel is the center of Jewish life at Vanderbilt University, serving more than 1,300 Jewish undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Through more than 300 programs annually, Vanderbilt Hillel inspires students to explore Jewish identity, build meaningful relationships, develop leadership skills, engage with Israel, serve their communities, and create vibrant Jewish lives.

Supported by a dedicated professional staff of nine and an engaged Board of Directors, Vanderbilt Hillel is a dynamic, growing organization with an annual operating budget of approximately $1.8 million. Our strategic priorities include student wellness, leadership development, innovation in Jewish engagement, strengthening connections to Israel, responding thoughtfully to the evolving campus climate, and ensuring every Jewish student has opportunities to build community and thrive.

Vanderbilt Hillel is affiliated with Hillel International. Hillel International enriches the lives of Jewish students so they may enrich the Jewish people and the world, and envisions a world where every student is inspired to make an enduring commitment to Jewish life, learning, and Israel.

About Hillel International

In 1923, Rabbi Benjamin Frankel started Hillel with humble means, a noble mission and a breathtaking vision: to convey Jewish civilization to a new generation. Today, Hillel International continues to enrich the lives of Jewish students and is the largest Jewish campus organization in the world at nearly 1,000 colleges and universities across North America and around the world. As Hillel evolves as an organization, the mission remains steadfast: to create lasting connections with every Jewish student that foster an enduring commitment to Jewish life, learning, and Israel and train them to become the next Jewish leaders.

Hillel is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an accepting and inclusive environment for all.