Vice President, Finance & Administration

Description

United Way of the Bluegrass (UWBG) works to create the opportunity for all members of our community to have a better life. We focus on the building blocks of a good life — a quality education, financial stability for individuals and families, and good health. The work of UWBG focuses on strategic initiatives, public education, advocacy, outcomes and evaluation, development and strengthening of partnerships/collaborations, convening, resource mobilization and investment as well as backbone and engagement strategies and activities. We bring together the voices, the expertise, and the resources to define, articulate and implement a common agenda for change for our region. That is what it means to "Live United" in Central Kentucky.

POSITION

The Vice President of Finance & Administration (VPFA) leads the financial operations of the organization and serves as a core member of the senior leadership team. The VPFA is expected to uphold a high standard of ethical business conduct, operate with minimal supervision, and contribute strategically to the organization’s long-term success. This is a hands-on leadership role, well-suited for an experienced finance professional with a strong background in nonprofit and grants accounting who can drive operational excellence and position the organization for future growth. Due to the travel requirements of this position, candidates must reside in Kentucky, specifically within Fayette, Scott, Woodford, Franklin, Jessamine, Madison, Montgomery, Clark, Anderson, or Bourbon counties. Reliable transportation is required, and the VPFA must be able to travel as needed throughout the organization's ten-county service area.

The Vice President of Finance & Administration is responsible for the oversight and management of all functions related to Finance, Information Technology, and Facilities. Key responsibilities include: (a) serving as a strategic business partner by advising, counseling, and supporting the President and CEO, as well as the Board of Directors and relevant committees, on financial matters, including operating and capital budgets, community impact support, donor recognition, payment and gift acknowledgements, contracts and agreements, and overall compliance; (b) overseeing the Information Technology function, which is currently managed by a third-party vendor, along with facilities management; (c) leading the organization's enterprise risk management program; (d) ensuring internal control policies and procedures are current, well-communicated, and effective in safeguarding organizational assets; and (e) providing leadership, development, and training to staff to ensure the future stability and success of United Way of the Bluegrass.

Essential Functions

• Oversees the preparation of monthly financial reports for the Finance Committee and Board of Directors, annual audited financial statements, quarterly and annual tax filings (including payroll taxes, IRS Form 990), and reporting required by grants, contracts, and agreements.
• Leads the annual development of the organization's operating and capital budgets, securing approval from the Finance Committee.
• Engages department leaders in monitoring and managing expenditures, provides monthly budget-to-actual financial statements, and delivers comprehensive quarterly financial statements, including statements of financial position and cash flows, to the Executive Leadership Team.
• Establishes and maintains a robust system of internal controls, including clearly documented financial policies and procedures for Finance and Facilities operations.
• Provides strategic oversight in hiring, retaining, developing, and managing qualified Finance Department staff (currently consisting of two employees).
• Serves as the principal financial advisor to the President & CEO, Finance Committee, and external auditors, staying current on developments in generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and tax regulations applicable to nonprofit organizations.
• Functions as the primary liaison to the Finance and Audit Committees regarding financial matters, coordinating agendas, preparing recommendations, and supporting committee chairs and members.
• Projects, monitors, analyzes, and actively manages organizational cash flow, regularly updating the CEO on cash status and proactively identifying potential financial issues.
• Reviews significant contractual agreements, including government grants, foundation contracts, vendor agreements, and leases, with emphasis on performance conditions and risk management. Consults with appropriate staff, legal counsel, and external experts as necessary.
• Reviews and approves monthly journal entries, general ledger activities, account reconciliations, and all accounts payable, verifying appropriate coding, budget compliance, and accuracy.
• Maintains a strong customer-service orientation toward internal and external stakeholders, ensuring financial transparency and responsiveness.
• Develops and maintains an organizational risk management program designed to mitigate financial, reputational, donor-related, and nonprofit-sector risks. Ensures appropriate insurance coverage and reports annually to the Finance and Audit Committees.
• Monitors cash position and oversees the short-term investment portfolio, providing periodic performance updates to the Finance Committee.
• Collaborates with Human Resources to manage employee benefit programs effectively.
• Manages and contributes to special projects and assignments as requested by the President & CEO.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
  
  

Supervisory Responsibilities

Yes

CORE UNITED WAY COMPETENCIES

MISSION-FOCUSED - A top priority is to create real social change that leads to better lives and healthier communities. This competency drives performance and professional motivations.

RELATIONSHIP ORIENTED - Understands that people come before process and is astute in cultivating and managing relationships toward a common goal.

COLLABORATOR - Understands the roles and contributions of all sectors of the community and can mobilize resources (financial and human) through meaningful engagement.

RESULTS-DRIVEN - Dedicated to shared and measurable goals for the common good; creating, resourcing, scaling, and leveraging strategies and innovations for broad investment and impact.

BRAND STEWARD - A steward of the brand and understands his/her role in growing and protecting the reputation and results of the greater network.

LEADERSHIP & FINANCE COMPETENCIES

TALENT MANAGEMENT & PEOPLE DEVELOPMENT

• Embraces equity and inclusion. Builds and leads a diverse team that enables organization to succeed; Hires the right talent; Demands high performance and results; Ensures people’s work is aligned with mission and strategy.
• Open to new ideas; Invests time & resources in training, development, & succession for the department; Identifies & grooms high-performing individuals; Delegates effectively.
• Coaches and mentors employees and teams.
• Receives and provides feedback in a constructive way that builds confidence among staff; Addresses performance problems.
  
  

BUSINESS ACUMEN & STRATEGIC DIRECTION

• Demonstrates understanding and knowledge of United Way network; Understands business of the organization and effectively creates strategy.
• Understands the community and its business environment.
• Understands general business & financial principles required to effectively lead, manage, & align resources for performance; Able to read financial statements, create budgets.
• Contributes to the bottom line by helping organization grow its resources and capacity.
• Operational Planning and Execution
• Establishes effective and efficient processes that align their department priorities with greater organization goals, strategy, and mission.
• Collaborates effectively within organization.
• Inspires and motivates people which builds the culture of United Way as the Philanthropic Partner of Choice.
• Engages volunteers in a way that helps execute the strategy.
  
  

STRATEGIC RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT

• Develops strategic relationships to benefit United Way and the community; Knows key players in community & is diligent in maintaining & expanding the network of partners.
• Seeks learning from inside and outside the network to build skills, knowledge, and abilities to challenge the organization in reaching its potential.
• Effective spokesperson for United Way and its work.
• Is present and visible in community and with partners (donors, volunteers, etc.); Engages, listens, and understands community aspirations.
• Establishes credibility as a leader on critical issues & solutions affecting the community.
  
  

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field required; CPA preferred.
• Minimum 7–10 years of relevant nonprofit financial leadership experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience supervising and mentoring finance staff.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and ability to set applicable controls required.
• Strong understanding of nonprofit fund accounting, grant accounting and compliance, and donor restrictions. Knowledge of the donor-centric environment of a nonprofit a plus.
• Grant management experience preferred.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to present information and interact effectively with Resource Development, Marketing, and Senior Leadership team.
• Interpersonal and leadership skills with a demonstrated ability to organize and prioritize work to meet tight deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to lead an information management technology and facilities function.
• Demonstrated ability to make decisions, using creative problem solving and analytical skills.
• Requires confident self-expression, extemporaneous and structured presentation skills, and the ability to communicate financial principles and requirements in both technical and layman terms. (experience presenting to board members preferred)
• Advanced Excel, database, MS Word and strong accounting systems understanding required.
• Ability to work with diverse groups and personalities (staff and volunteers).
• Good personality and kind attitude. .
  
  

Physical Requirements

The employee is regularly required to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, with others in person, over the phone, and via other communication devices. The employee must be able to transcribe information, read extensively, prepare and analyze data and figures, and operate a computer and other standard office equipment. Regular travel is required to UWBG facilities and community partner locations, where the employee will be responsible for setting up displays and presentations in both physical and electronic formats. The employee must possess a valid driver’s license, maintain an insured vehicle, and have reliable transportation to travel throughout UWBG’s ten-county service area. Additionally, the employee must have the ability to lift, carry, push, and/or pull objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

Required License/Registration/Certifications

Valid Kentucky Driver’s license required and a reliable means of personal transportation

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, etc. This position will be primarily based out of the central UWBG office, hybrid work is possible with Manager approval.

EXPECTED WORK HOURS

Monday through Friday, 8:30AM-5:00PM. Must be willing to occasionally work a non-standard work schedule, including nights, weekends, and other unusual hours.

Pre-employment Screening Requirements

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by UWBG. These screenings may include a national background check, and Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) review.

Benefits

Our robust benefits package includes 100% employer-paid premiums on employee-only health, dental, and vision plans; 3%-6% employer contributions to 401(k), employer-paid life/ADD and STD insurance; generous parental leave policy, PTO, and more.

SALARY

Salary Range for this position is $70,000 to $90,000 annually.