DIRECTOR OF FINANCE

Who we are:

Asian Americans for Equality (AAFE) is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization based in New York City. Founded in 1974 in Manhattan’s Chinatown to advocate for equal rights, AAFE has transformed in the past four decades to become one of the city’s leading housing, social service and community development organizations. AAFE advances racial, social and economic justice for Asian Americans and other systematically disadvantaged communities, guided by our experiences as Asian Americans and our commitment to civil rights. AAFE is nationally recognized as an innovative affordable housing developer and property manager; we have created and preserved more than 1,000 affordable rental units in Manhattan and Queens and provided over $400 million in mortgage financing for first-time homebuyers. Through our affiliate, Renaissance Economic Development Corporation, AAFE supports immigrant entrepreneurs, offering low-interest loans and training programs. From neighborhood offices in Chinatown and the Lower East Side (Manhattan) and Flushing and Jackson Heights (Queens) we provide an array of multilingual counseling and educational programs in support of low-income tenants, seniors and immigrant youth. AAFE strives for a more equitable city, through research, advocacy and grassroots community organizing. 

Position Summary & Responsibilities: 

As the leader of AAFE’s Fiscal Teams, the Director of Finance will have overarching responsibility for accounting, financial planning, reporting and analysis, and leading the annual budgeting and audit processes. The Director of Finance is also responsible for the organization’s investments, cash flow control, and record retention.

• Overall responsibility for designing, coordinating, and maintaining agency-level and segment-level financial planning, management, reporting, and compliance.
• Oversee the integrity of the accounting general ledgers and systems, ensuring compliance with appropriate GAAP standards and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee agency-wide record to report processes, controls and fiscal team coordination. (i.e., segment and consolidated reporting and analysis - historical, forecast and budget).
• Lead financial planning, scenario planning, capital planning, and annual budgeting processes.
• Overall responsibility for AAFE general operating and AAFE Community Services grants management, including the design and implementation of program-based budgeting and reporting for AAFE Community Services.
• Implement the consistent reporting of agency-wide and segment-level financials to the leadership team.
• Analyze and review monthly budget vs actual monthly reports with senior directors and program managers.
• Monitor, prepare, and present cash flow projections by segment and for the agency.
  • Design and implement a monthly process for allocating shared and indirect expenses by segment.
• Continuously collaborate with senior directors to establish finance and administrative systems to support program operations.
• Update and maintain finance department policies and procedures, and assist in the development of agency operational systems, policies, and procedures (HR and IT).
• Overall responsibility for fulfilling audit compliance and related tasks.
• Create the internal controls structure for maintaining the integrity of financial and accounting information.
• Supervise all Fiscal staff supporting AAFE Community Services and Property Management business segments.
• Acquire and maintain a full understanding of each of AAFE’s business segments (AAFE Community Services, Real Estate Development, Property Management and Asset Management, and Lending).
• Prepare agendas and presentation materials for Board and Finance Committee meetings, in partnership with Co-Executive Directors and the Finance Committee Chair.
• Other duties as required to meet the mission of AAFE and/or the finance department.

The ideal candidate will be part people-person, part process maven and will have a genuine love for all things accounting systems, Excel, and numbers. We are seeking a do-er who actually looks forward to audit season because they know they are going to ace it.

• CPA and/or MBA required
• 8+ years’ experience in professional non-profit finance which may include a background in social service, CDFI or affordable housing development.
• Direct experience in financial management, including budget management, accounting, reporting, financial modeling and analysis; policy development and implementation, including familiarity with all relevant policies and procedures
• Experience managing, developing, and training staff
• Experience developing, writing, and implementation of policies, SOPs, handbooks, and effective practices documents required
• Familiarity with non-profit focused ledger systems such as MIP Fund Accounting Software and MDS (Multi Data Services) Property Management System
• Must be highly organized and detail oriented
• Strong technical, analytical and project management skills
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and prioritize while working under multiple deadlines

How we work:

We believe that the people and the communities that we have the privilege to serve, deserve our very best every day.  We are a results-driven organization that focuses on inclusiveness, empowerment and impact. AAFE employees are accountable, collaborative and strong communicators with a core strength of community service and development.  We are strategic thinkers who are committed to racial equality and treating each other, and the communities we serve, with respect and dignity.  We have an aptitude for technology and a strong desire to continuously learn. This philosophy expands to the way we manage our work and the way we put our best foot forward.  Expectations for all staff:  

• Support efforts that ensure a safe and healthy work environment.
• Understand and embrace the value in collaborating with people of different cultures, races, genders, ethnicities, beliefs, experiences and ideas.
• An understanding of the concepts of institutional and structural racism and bias and their impact on underserved and underrepresented communities.
• Maintain a positive, helpful attitude.
• Enjoy your time at work!

COMPENSATION:

AAFE offers rich benefits, recognition, opportunities for professional growth and competitive salaries.  Salary offers will be based on the candidate’s experience in similar roles.