Strategic Director of Finance & Administration

Jewishstpaul; Minnesota; Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 106,000; Full time

Job summary

The St. Paul Jewish Federation is seeking an experienced, hands-on Director of Finance and Administration to lead our financial operations, strengthen internal systems, and serve as a trusted financial partner to the CEO, staff, Finance Committee, and Board of Directors.

This senior leadership role manages day-to-day accounting, grants, and subsidiary accounting for a grant-making organization with substantial assets and a multi-fund structure. A hybrid work model is offered.

Qualifications

• Seven+ years of progressively responsible accounting and financial management experience.
• Experience with monthly close, financial reporting, budgeting, audit support, payroll, and supervision.
• Working knowledge of GAAP and nonprofit financial reporting.
• Experience with nonprofit systems and donor-advised funds is a plus.
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting/finance or related field; advanced credentials preferred.
• Experience with leases, contracts, property management, or subsidiary accounting is a plus.
• CPA, CMA, MBA, or similar credential preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Own the monthly close, general ledger, reconciliations, journal entries, accruals, A/P and expense review.
• Lead payroll processing, tax filings, and benefits administration.
• Oversee office operations, vendor relationships, contracts, and admin procedures.
• Coordinate annual audit, tax prep, year-end close, and audit recommendations.
• Provide financial guidance to CEO, Finance Committee, and Board.
• Maintain internal controls and fraud-prevention practices.

Skills

Strategic planning

Financial analysis

Staff supervision

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting/finance/business administration

MBA/CPA/CMA preferred

Tools

Sage Intacct

Bill.com

Expensify

DonorPerfect

Job description

Reports To: CEO
Status: Full-time/Hybrid, exempt, 37.5 hours/week
Salary: $90,000-$106,000/year based on experience

Job Summary: The St. Paul Jewish Federation is seeking an experienced, hands-on Director of Finance and Administration to lead our financial operations, strengthen our internal systems, and serve as a trusted financial partner to our CEO, staff, Finance Committee, and Board of Directors.

This is a senior leadership role for someone who enjoys both doing the work and improving how the work gets done. The Director will oversee day-to-day accounting and financial management for a grant-making organization with approximately $26 million in assets under management, a $2.5 million annual operating budget, over $1 million in annual grant distributions, multiple restricted and unrestricted funds, Donor Advised Funds, and a wholly owned subsidiary, Talmud Torah St. Paul LLC.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead Finance and Accounting
  • Own the monthly close, general ledger, reconciliations, journal entries, accruals, accounts payable, expense review, and financial records.
  • Maintain accurate accounting for restricted and unrestricted funds, grants, endowments, investments, and Donor Advised Fund distributions.
  • Prepare monthly financial statements, budget-to-actual reports, forecasts, cash projections, dashboards, and variance analysis.
  • Lead the annual budgeting process and provide financial guidance to department heads, senior leadership, the Finance Committee, and Board.
  • Coordinate the annual audit, tax preparation, year-end close, and implementation of audit recommendations.
  • Maintain and strengthen internal controls, financial policies, approval processes, and fraud-prevention practices.
    
• Manage Payroll, Receivables, Billing, Benefits, and Administrative Operations
  • Oversee payroll processing, payroll tax filings, W-2s, benefit deductions, and related reporting.
  • Coordinate routine benefits and HR administration, including onboarding, offboarding, employee records, and required documentation.
  • Oversee selected office operations, vendor relationships, insurance administration, contracts, and administrative procedures.
  • Monitor campaign pledges and other organizational receivables, manage invoicing and payment tracking, and follow up appropriately on outstanding balances.
    
• Support Property and Subsidiary Operations
  • Maintain the accounting and financial reporting for Talmud Torah St. Paul LLC.
  • Serve as the primary contact for the LLC’s property-management company.
  • Oversee lease administration, rental income, property expenses, reserves, maintenance coordination, and capital-project financial oversight.
  • Coordinate with the CEO, legal counsel, tenants, vendors, and other partners on significant property, lease, contract, and risk-management matters.
    
• Provide Leadership and Improve Systems
  • Advise the CEO and Finance Committee on financial performance, risks, opportunities, policies, and long-term sustainability.
  • Explain financial information clearly to staff and Board members with varying levels of financial expertise.
  • Manage an external accounting service (CLA) who provides technical accounting and CFO-level support for 4-6 hours per month.
  • Share supervision of the Database Manager with the Chief Development Officer.
  • Identify practical improvements that increase accuracy, efficiency, transparency, and service.
    

What We’re Looking For

We are looking for a seasoned nonprofit finance professional who is strategic enough to advise leadership and hands-on enough to manage the details.

The strongest candidates will bring:

• At least seven years of progressively responsible accounting and financial management experience, including meaningful nonprofit or fund-accounting experience.
• Demonstrated experience with monthly close, financial reporting, budgeting, audit support, payroll, internal controls, and staff or vendor supervision.
• Working knowledge of GAAP, nonprofit financial reporting, restricted funds, endowments, grants, and investment accounting.
• Strong financial systems skills. Experience with Sage Intacct, Bill.com, Expensify, DonorPerfect, or comparable systems is preferred.
• A bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and directly relevant experience.
• Experience with leases, contracts, property-management relationships, or subsidiary accounting is a plus.
• CPA, CMA, MBA, or another relevant advanced credential is preferred but not required.

How You Work

• Hands-on and accountable. You are comfortable moving between detailed transactions, financial analysis, process improvement, and senior-level advising.
• Accurate and trustworthy. You exercise sound judgment and discretion when handling confidential information.
• Clear and collaborative. You communicate effectively and build productive relationships across the organization..
• Service-oriented and appropriately firm. You build strong relationships while maintaining necessary controls, deadlines, and policies.
• Highly organized. You can manage recurring deadlines, multiple priorities, and occasional urgent issues without losing attention to detail.
• Mission-focused. You are committed to the Federation’s mission and to an inclusive workplace that welcomes people of varied backgrounds and experiences.

Additional Expectations

This position requires attendance at monthly evening Finance Committee meetings and selected Board meetings. Availability is also important during critical financial periods, including audit preparation, budget development, year-end close, and the final week of the calendar year for approved Donor Advised Fund distributions.

How To Apply

Submit your resume and a cover letter with salary requirements to [e-mail] . Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

The St. Paul Jewish Federation is an equal opportunity employer and values a diverse and inclusive workforce. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to enable qualified individuals to perform the essential functions of the position.