Drug Policy Alliance

Title:                                     Director of Finance and Accounting                                                                                         
Type:                                   Full-Time

Reports to:                         Chief Operating Officer
Department:                      Finance and Administration

Location:                            New York City

 

About DPA

 

The Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) is the leading organization in the U.S. promoting alternatives to the war on drugs. We envision a just society in which the use and regulation of drugs are grounded in science, compassion, health, and human rights; in which people are no longer punished for what they put into their own bodies; and in which the fears, prejudices, and punitive prohibitions of today are no more.

 

We have played a pivotal role in transforming the national conversation about drug policy. We heightened conversations at the federal and state level around the role of race in shaping drug policy and moved vital issues – like legalizing cannabis, ending mass incarceration, and prioritizing health and harm reduction responses to the overdose crisis – from the fringes of U.S. politics to the mainstream.

 

We are ambitious risk takers and unrelenting advocates with radical imaginations, fighting to change hearts and minds and build a world that centers justice, communities, and dignity. With more than 40 staff in New York, California, New Mexico, and Washington, DC, we have an annual operating budget of approximately $12 million, 12,000 dues-paying members and 170,000 active online subscribers.

 

For more information, please visit our website at www.drugpolicy.org.

 

The Position

The Director of Finance & Accounting is responsible for the overall financial health and stability of the Drug Policy Alliance and Action Funds.  Reporting to the COO, the Director manages the organization’s strategic financial and accounting goals, continuously improves fiscal operations and conducts ongoing risk assessments.  This person also educates and supports senior staff in formulating strategic yearly budgets that strengthen program operations.

 

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee all accounting processes, including month-end close, general ledger maintenance, accounts payable and receivable processing and bi-weekly payroll monitoring. Review and approve journal entries prepared by the Accountant.
• Direct and coordinate annual budgeting and forecasting process. Ensure budgetary alignment with organizational strategy and goals. Prepare monthly variance reports, quarterly reports to management, and financial reports for the Executive team, Board of Directors, and Finance and Audit Committees.
• Appraise senior management of the organization's financial position, providing in-depth financial analysis and assessment of organizational results (including cash flow) and make recommendations for improvement.  Proactively identify risks and opportunities to inform financial planning.
• Formulate, recommend, and implement sound fiscal policies and procedures, including the oversight of internal controls, compliance protocols, and purchasing guidelines.
• Direct the preparation of the year-end financial statements and account analyses. Work closely with DPA’s outside independent public accounting firm in connection with the year-end audit and tax form 990.
• Educate and advice senior team on the annual departmental budgets, reforecast and variance analysis.  Ensure connection to strategic plans and resource needs.
• Oversee all financial, project/program and grants accounting.  Ensure that expenditures are consistently aligned with grant and program budgets throughout the grant/fund period.  Generate financial reporting for all foundation grants.
• Provide financial management services to state campaign committees sponsored by DPA.
• Lead several accounting projects and initiatives, including automation of manual processes and identification of risks and opportunities, to information financial planning.
• Oversee capital budget and ensure that assets are properly recorded, amortized, and disposed of, as appropriate.
• Manage Accountant role in overseeing DPA’s system of accounts, maintaining financial records, recording journal entries and processing accounts receivables and payables.
• Act as a consultant on various projects including the organization’s 401k assessment and compliance and payroll system evaluation.
• Collaborate with members of the organization in the development and reporting of relevant financial and operational information and other special reports and ad-hoc projects, as needed.

 

Skills/Experience:

• Excellent attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and ability to exercise professional discretion, independent judgement, and business acumen
• 7-10 years experience in Accounting/Finance
• Bachelor’s degree in Finance or Accounting
• Nonprofit experience in a C3/C4 environment
• Strong Excel skills
• Knowledge of Blackbaud, Financial Edge and Salesforce
• Commitment to diversity, inclusion and equity and fostering a culture of innovation, learning accountability and continuous improvement
• Strong organization skills and ability to multi-task
• Management experience of a team of 1 or more people
• Ability to pivot in rapidly moving organizational environment

Compensation

DPA offers a competitive salary and benefits package which includes health, dental, long-term disability, and life insurance; a generous 403(b) plan; and paid time off.

Deadline

Applications will be reviewed immediately and will be accepted until the position is filled.

Application Process

 

Please submit your application with resume and cover letter at: https://drugpolicy.bamboohr.com/jobs

 

No phone calls, please. We will only contact candidates who are under consideration.

 

The Drug Policy Alliance is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. DPA encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, ethnicity, personal appearance, political affiliation, family responsibility, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status and record of arrest or conviction. We are particularly interested in hiring people who have been adversely affected by the war on drugs.