Overview:

American Student Assistance is a is a national nonprofit changing the way middle and high schoolers learn about careers and navigate education-to-career opportunities. ASA is seeking a Director of Financial Operations, a technical role that requires expertise in all matters accounting and tax as well as strength in leadership skills. This position reports to the Vice President, Head of Finance and will manage staff.

Detailed Description:

• Independently oversee and direct the day-to-day financial operations team, inclusive of Payroll, Accounts Payable/Receivable, Purchasing and employee reimbursement.
• Responsible for the oversight of accounting functions and financial reporting for the organization.
• Daily oversight of the organizations cash and liquidity position.
• Responsible for regulatory compliance, including the preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP, the organizations IRS Form 990 and financial audits.
• Strategic guidance and operational oversight of the firm’s third-party accounting provider.

Major Responsibilities:

• Manage the accounts payable team and purchasing process, ensure invoices are approved, coded, and paid on a weekly basis.
• Review/approve biweekly payroll and serve as a backup for payroll preparation and submission.
• Cash forecasting, including continuous monitoring of organizational cash inflows/outflows to meet obligations and optimize short-term cash positions. Alerting Head of Finance of liquidity concerns when guidelines are triggered.
• Lead and participate in banking relationships.
• Co-manage relationship with third-party accounting service provider, inclusive of reviewing the providers work product and ensuring compliance with GAAP.
• Investment accounting oversight and guidance;, familiar with Private Equity funds and direct equity investments as well as all investment accounting terms.
• Serve as audit liaison, coordinating with external financial, compliance and tax advisors.
• Create and monitor organization policies and internal controls, concentrating on spending controls to safeguard the organization’s assets and minimize fraud risk.
• Ensure compliance with local laws, tax provisions and financial regulations.
• Assist the FP&A team in the budget process.
• Mentor, manage and provide guidance to direct reports and finance team members.
• Lead key Finance projects as applicable, including the ability to project manage, provide senior management updates and delegation as necessary.
• Other duties as business needs require.

Required Education, Experience, and Skills:

Education:

• BS degree in Accounting, Finance, or Economics

Experience:

• 7-10 years of progressive experience in Accounting/Finance with proven leadership experience
• CPA and/or audit experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP accounting
• Experience in nonprofit tax preparation (i.e. Form 990)
• Financial statement preparation
• Knowledge of investment/endowment accounting, including private equity and alternative investments

Skills:

• Excellent organizational skills
• Effective communication and people skills
• Ability to multi-task and deal effectively with ambiguity
• Understanding of accounting processes, procedures, and internal controls
• Critical thinker with exceptional analytical and problem-solving abilities