Confidential Director of Finance Wilmington, DE · Full time

The Director of Finance is responsible for overseeing the financial operations and fiscal strategy. As a key member of the leadership team, this person ensures financial integrity, prudent resource management, and regulatory compliance to support long-term organizational sustainability.

Description

Position Overview

The Director of Finance is responsible for overseeing the financial operations and fiscal strategy. As a key member of the leadership team, this person ensures financial integrity, prudent resource management, and regulatory compliance to support long-term organizational sustainability.


Reports to: Executive Director


Core Responsibilities

Financial Leadership & Strategy

·        Develop and execute long-term financial strategies aligned with organizational goals and sustainability objectives

·        Direct all accounting operations including budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and financial reporting

·        Lead annual and multi-year budgeting processes with precision, transparency, and stakeholder input

·        Monitor economic trends and recommend proactive strategies to mitigate risks and capitalize on opportunities

·        Integrate financial strategy with programmatic priorities to support mission-driven growth


Reporting & Analysis

·        Prepare and present accurate financial statements, reports, and analyses to executive leadership and board of directors

·        Provide program-level and organization-wide financial reporting with actionable recommendations

·        Interpret financial data to assess organizational health, identify trends, and inform executive decision-making

·        Conduct cost-benefit analyses, margin reviews, and scenario modeling to evaluate strategic options

·        Translate complex financial metrics into actionable insights for non-financial stakeholders


Compliance & Risk Management

·        Ensure full compliance with federal, state, and local financial regulations

·        Design and implement internal controls to safeguard assets and ensure financial integrity

·        Oversee timely submission of tax filings, audit documentation, and grant reports

·        Identify and mitigate financial, operational, and reputational risks through structured assessments

·        Coordinate audits and work with external auditors to ensure transparency and accountability


Team Leadership

·        Build and mentor a high-performing finance team with clear roles, accountability, and growth pathways

·        Foster a culture of integrity, collaboration, and continuous improvement

·        Delegate effectively while maintaining oversight of critical financial functions

·        Support professional development and high performance across the finance department


Stakeholder Engagement

·        Communicate financial information clearly and persuasively to internal and external audiences

·        Build trust with funders, auditors, board members, and program leads through transparent engagement

·        Present financial reports and strategic recommendations with clarity and confidence

·        Assess and negotiate contracts, investments, and financial partnerships to strengthen fiscal position


Key Qualifications

Required

·        Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field

·        8-10 years of progressive finance experience with at least 5 years in leadership or executive role

·        In-depth knowledge of financial regulations, accounting standards, and risk management practices

·        Strong analytical, organizational, and decision-making skills

·        Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities with proven leadership track record

·        Proficiency with financial software and tools


Preferred

·        Master's degree or CPA certification

·        Nonprofit financial management experience

·        Multi-year financial forecasting across diverse funding streams


 

Essential Competencies

Strategic Thinking — Aligns financial strategy with organizational mission and anticipates funding shifts, policy changes, and economic trends to guide proactive decision-making

Financial Analysis — Interprets complex financial data to identify patterns, inefficiencies, and opportunities; evaluates program-level performance to improve ROI

Risk Management — Designs internal controls to prevent fraud and mismanagement; conducts regular risk assessments and develops contingency plans

Regulatory Compliance — Maintains current knowledge of financial regulations and ensures timely, accurate reporting for all compliance requirements

Problem-Solving — Navigates complex financial challenges with composure and creativity; resolves discrepancies, funding gaps, or compliance issues with structured analysis and decisive action

Leadership — Inspires teams, manages change, and drives results while maintaining fiscal discipline and mission alignment


Typical Duties

·        Review and approve monthly financial statements and reconcile discrepancies

·        Lead quarterly and annual financial planning processes including budget revisions and forecasting

·        Maintain and update fiscal policies ensuring alignment with current regulations

·        Supervise payroll processing, accounts payable/receivable, and general ledger maintenance

·        Prepare financial reports for grant applications, renewals, and compliance audits

·        Conduct financial risk assessments and present mitigation strategies to executive leadership

·        Oversee procurement processes and vendor contract negotiations

·        Facilitate finance committee meetings and present financial updates to the board

·        Collaborate with program directors to align financial planning with programmatic goals


Professional Development Opportunities

·        Access to executive leadership training focused on strategic finance and governance

·        Support for CPA licensure, CGMA, or nonprofit financial management credentials

·        Sponsored attendance at financial leadership conferences and sector-specific forums

·        Engagement in CFO roundtables and peer networks to share best practices

·        Training in financial software, data visualization, and automation platforms

·        Opportunity to mentor emerging finance leaders


 

Key Challenges & Opportunities

·        Complex Funding Streams — Managing diverse revenue sources including grants, contracts, and earned income requires precision and adaptability

·        Regulatory Navigation — Staying ahead of changing financial regulations presents opportunities for strategic leadership

·        Cross-Departmental Collaboration — Strengthening financial literacy across departments and aligning fiscal strategy with programmatic goals

·        Technology Integration — Implementing financial systems can streamline operations and improve data accuracy

·        Economic Volatility — Navigating funding fluctuations and market uncertainty demands proactive planning and scenario modeling

Salary

$78,000 - $80,000 per year