Who We Are

The DreamYard Vision:

Building Artists- Building Community- Building Dreams- To change the world.

DreamYard Mission and History:

DreamYard (DY), founded in 1994, is an arts and social justice education organization dedicated to working with Bronx youth, families, and schools to build pathways to equity and opportunity.  DreamYard’s yearlong arts programs develop artistic voices, nurture young people's desire to make change, and cultivate the skills necessary to reach positive goals. By committing to sustained learning opportunities along an educational pathway, with 45 partnering public schools, K-12th Grade, with our own DY Prep HS School, and in DreamYard’s Community  Art Programs in Morrisania, DreamYard supports young people as they work toward higher learning, meaningful careers, and social action. We seek to be effective locally while having a national and international impact through partnerships, collaboration, and learning exchanges. At DreamYard, we commit to being an anti-racist organization.

The Position

The Director of Finance manages strategic and operational aspects of the organization’s finances and effectively communicates the results, issues, and opportunities to all stakeholders. This position must understand nonprofit finance, accounting, and systems with an ability to fiscally manage the organization in the areas of accounting, accounts payable and receivable, payroll, grants administration, operations, capital spending, and financial reporting. The Director ensures compliance and sound internal controls and will play a critical role in guiding DreamYard’s financial future and supporting its mission. The Director of Finance will report to the Chief Operating Officer and will manage the Junior Accountant.

Responsibilities

Financial Planning and Analysis

• Lead annual budgeting and planning process

• Administer the implementation of annual budgets for each department and review all budgets (operations, programs, cash, grants, etc.) with monthly monitoring and reporting of progress.

• Develop and maintain cash flow projections, monitoring cash position closely.

• Prepare financial analysis and reports for the Finance Committee and Board of Directors for quarterly Board meetings. 

• Manage all financial, project/program, and grants accounting, and collate financial reporting materials for all funder segments in collaboration with Development and Program teams

• Analyze and present financial reports in an accurate and timely manner; clearly communicate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.

• Partner with the financial consultant to provide fiscal oversight for the organization.

• In partnership with the COO and financial consultant, facilitate the development of an organization-wide financial strategy.

• In partnership with the COO and financial consultant, develop financial forecasts; lead a multi-year financial planning scenario and contingency planning process.

• Participate in regular Leadership Team meetings and provide leadership throughout the organization in collaboration with the COO as it relates to organizational finances and setting goals aligned with DreamYard’s organizational mission, values, and commitment to racial equity.

Accounting 

• Oversee all accounting and finance functions, managing the Junior Accountant in administering accounts payable and accounts receivable, bank reconciliations, and the timely completion of the monthly closing process and preparation of related financial reports.

• Oversee all accounts, ledgers, and reporting systems, ensuring compliance with appropriate GAAP standards and regulatory requirements.

Financial Operations

• Lead annual audit preparation, liaise during all audit phases.

• Implement financial policies and procedures that maintain an effective internal control environment with proper segregation of duties and oversee adherence to policies.

• Ensure that the contract billing and collection schedule is adhered to, and that financial data and cash flow are steady and support operational requirements.

• Ensure financial and operational systems are standardized, automated, accurate, accessible (in real-time), and in sync across the organization; recommend system improvements as needed

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field and 7-10+ years of relevant experience in the nonprofit sector, i.e., finance and accounting, preferably in a grant-funded environment. CPA a plus.

• A commitment to DreamYard’s mission and core values

• Proficiency in financial software (Sage Intacct) and tools, including Excel 

• Strong understanding of (GAAP), as well as other accounting principles, practices, and policies; knowledge of nonprofit financial regulations and reporting requirements

• Strong understanding of nonprofit revenue recognition guidelines to be able to manage both government and restricted grants

• Demonstrated ability to oversee and perform financial activities, including budgeting, forecasting, analysis, and audit preparation in a non-profit context.

• Ability to compile financial statements along with analyzing financial data to provide insights and make recommendations to management. 

• Ability to develop and maintain internal controls

• Excellent communication skills to convey complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to address financial challenges and opportunities

• Strong time management and detail-oriented to review the ledger  

• Strong leadership and management skills, with an emphasis on listening, collaboration, and effective communication

Compensation: 

The Director of Finance is a full-time hybrid, exempt position with a salary range of $110,000-$125,000 commensurate with experience. DreamYard offers an excellent benefits package and generous paid time off.

To Apply

Please use the link below to submit a resume and DreamYard-specific cover letter.

DreamYard is an Equal Opportunity Employer. DreamYard prohibits unlawful discrimination against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, age, national origin, genetic characteristics, disability, status as a special disabled veteran or veteran, marital status, sexual orientation, sexual identity, or any other basis prohibited by law.

Anti-racism Commitment:

At DreamYard, we commit to being an anti-racist organization. We lead with race because we operate in a country founded on the genocide of Indigenous people, the enslavement of African people, and the oppression of countless others. We acknowledge the role this history plays in perpetuating inequity and dominant white culture. 

The Community

DreamYard is focused on the Bronx, a borough that possesses incredible cultural, human, and economic assets. In addition to working throughout the Bronx, DreamYard partners with local, national, and international communities to utilize the arts to build bridges to opportunity. 

DreamYard is committed to the principles of arts education, educational reform, and social justice, and fashions its programs to specifically address the needs of urban communities that are typically underrepresented because of race, sex, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. 

We welcome and encourage applications from a diverse range of individuals. Bronx-based and Spanish-speaking applicants are strongly encouraged to apply. DreamYard Project, Inc. employs without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, or any other attribute not related to superior performance.