Director of Finance and Grants

What You'll Do

Financial Leadership 

• Provide strategic financial leadership and serve as a thought partner to the Executive Director, Chief Operating Officer, Leadership Team, and Board of Directors on organizational financial health.
• Supervise and support the finance and grant administration staff, fostering a culture of accuracy, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Prepare and present quarterly financial reports to the Executive Director, Chief Operating Officer, Finance Committee, and Board of Directors to increase financial visibility and support informed decision making.
• Collaborate with Directors and Program Managers to ensure the allocation of expenses and grant expenditures are accurate and compliant.
• Maintain effective accounting systems, policies, procedures, and internal controls to safeguard assets and ensure operational effectiveness.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and efficiency gains within the finance and grants department.

Financial Planning and Analysis

• Lead the annual organizational budgeting process, including budget development, fiscal planning, projections, and analysis.
• Develop and present budget materials and financial analyses for leadership, the Finance Committee, and the Board of Directors.
• Develop and maintain a recurring financial forecasting process to provide leadership with an updated view of projected financial performance and support proactive decision making.
• Collaborate with the Program teams to develop, monitor, and analyze program budgets and financial reports for grants and donations, ensuring clear and efficient financial reporting.
• Analyze financial data and provide meaningful financial insights and recommendations to support strategic decision making and resource allocation.
• Monitor organizational financial performance, including budget to actual results, trends, risks, and opportunities.

Compliance and Audit

• Ensure compliance with nonprofit accounting standards (GAAP), OMB Uniform Guidance, legal requirements and funder regulations. 
• Maintain documentation and financial processes necessary to support compliance with federal, state, and private grant requirements.
• Coordinate annual financial statement audit, Single Audits, and tax filings, including preparation of schedules, documentation, and responses to auditor requests. 
• Maintain accounting practices and internal controls that meet audit standards for the organization.
• Oversee insurance renewals, payments, and compliance requirements.

Financial Management

• Oversee day-to-day financial operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger activities, account reconciliations, and payroll.
• Ensure accurate and timely recording, reporting, and analysis of financial transactions in accordance with GAAP, OMB Uniform Guidance, and organizational policies.
• Prepare and review financial statements, management reports, and analyses for internal and external stakeholders.
• Monitor cash flow, liquidity, and financial commitments to support sound financial management. 
• Manage treasury functions, including cash forecasting, banking relationships, and ensuring adequate liquidity to support operations.
• Ensure appropriate tracking and reporting of restricted funds, grant expenditures, and program costs. 

Grant Compliance and Financial Oversight

• Partner with the Senior Grants Manager and Program teams to ensure effective financial management of the organization’s grants.
• Monitor ongoing compliance with grant terms, funder regulations, reporting requirements and internal policies.
• Review and support grant budgets, budget modifications, and line-item adjustments in collaboration with Program staff and Senior Grants Manager.
• Ensure timely and accurate preparation of grant invoices, financial reports, and supporting documentation.
• Monitor grant spending, cash draws, and financial performance, and identify and communicate risks related to underspending, overspending, or compliance concerns to leadership.
• Support effective grant forecasting and closeout processes.

KEY COMPETENCIES

Supervision & Leadership

• Supervise the Finance and Grants Team and set effective workflows with clear directives, deadlines, and goals.
• Role model professionalism and set the standard for team and workplace culture.
• Evaluate department needs and build a team around organizational priorities.

Collaboration & Communication

• Work collaboratively with all departments to achieve shared goals in a deadline-driven environment.
• Excellent written and oral communication for presenting financial data to the board and communicating complex financial concepts to diverse audiences. 
• Openness to conversation, collaboration, and problem solving.

Attention to Detail and Organization

• Exceptional attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to manage multiple complex tasks simultaneously.
• Proven experience reviewing and interpreting budgets, state and federal grants, and large nonprofit fiscal compliance. 

Requirements

Qualifications & Skills

• Education: A Bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit Management, Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience. 
• Experience: Minimum 5 years of experience in financial leadership, nonprofit finance, data, and/or grant management, with demonstrated expertise in both private and government grants.
• Software Skills: Preferred proficiency in  Google & Microsoft office suite, Quickbooks Online, and grants management systems (e.g.,  Zengine, Fluxx).

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS

• Remote/Hybrid: Flexible work location within or near Vermont; work remotely from home or work out of VTAEYC’s shared office in Washington County, Vermont.
• Hours: primarily daytime, Monday through Friday. Occasional evenings and weekends may be required.
• Travel: Some travel in the state of Vermont will be required.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Benefits

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Paid Leave
• Sick Leave
• Retirement Plan
• Professional Development
• Flexible Schedule
• Flex Office Reimbursement
• Mileage Reimbursement
• Health Reimbursement Account Contribution
• Dependent Care Account
• Retirement Account Contribution

About Vermont Association for the Education of Young Children