Director of Finance - Historic Hudson Valley

Historic Hudson Valley seeks a Director of Finance to direct the daily financial operations of a $16M non-profit organization with a multi-pronged business model that relies on ticket revenue from large-scale festivals, a diverse investment portfolio, government grants, retail sales, and private contributions. As the hands-on, engaged director of two full-time staff members, the candidate will have ultimate responsibility for ensuring the maintenance and accuracy of the organization’s financial records. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), the Director of Finance will also be a key thought partner to the COO and President in areas including strategic decision making, long-range budgeting, and museum operations. Historic Hudson Valley owns and operates five historic properties and presents dynamic programming, from school field trips on the history of colonial enslavement to cultural events including the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze.    

The Director of Finance will join Historic Hudson Valley at a pivotal time, as the organization launches several major capital projects, pursues new sources of earned revenue, and continues to expand its digital platform with the support of prestigious donors like the National Endowment for the Humanities. The Director of Finance will collaborate closely with Vice Presidents, Directors, and board leadership in areas including Development, Buildings & Grounds, Education, Communications & Commerce, Human Resources, and Event Production.  

This is an exciting opportunity for a seasoned non-profit professional who takes satisfaction in advancing the mission of an organization with a long-standing commitment to education, historic preservation, tourism, and community engagement.

Primary Responsibilities 

• Lead staff in daily accounting and recordkeeping functions, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, reconciliation of month-end closings, and financial planning & reporting. 

• Lead annual budgeting and planning process in conjunction with the COO, President, and Vice Presidents; administer and review all financial plans and budgets; monitor progress and changes and keep senior leadership team abreast of the organization’s financial status.  

• Analyze and present financial reports in an accurate and timely manner; clearly communicate monthly and annual financial statements; and oversee all project/program accounting, including that related to grants. 

• Build and interpret sales and revenue forecast models to inform optimal business decisions and financial planning, especially for large-scale public festivals and events.  

• In concert with the Development Department and relevant programmatic staff, lead the financial management of major government grants for both capital projects and educational efforts, including grant reimbursement, reconciliation, and reporting.   

• Lead the annual audit process; liaise with external auditors and the Audit & Operations Committee of the Board of Trustees; oversee preparation of annual audits and IRS Form 990. 

• Monitor, maintain, and improve internal financial controls in conjunction with department directors in areas such as Retail Sales and Information Technology. 

• Manage organizational cash flow and forecasting to support institutional requirements. 

• Maintain investment schedules for a diversified portfolio that includes both marketable securities and private/alternative holdings. 

• Maintain, monitor, and interpret attendance numbers and ticket sale revenue for large-scale public festivals and events.  

• Work hand-in-hand with Human Resources Department on onboarding of new employees, administration of payroll, and management of employee benefit plans, including health insurance, retirement, and life insurance.  

• Review, update, and implement accounting policies and procedures as related to the organization’s business model; maintain the department’s overall policy and procedure manual. 

• Attend and take minutes of meetings of the Investment and Audit & Operations Committees of the Board of Trustees.  

• Serve as primary staff liaison to Auditors, Outsourced Chief Investment Officer, and banks. 

• Serve as secondary staff liaison to PEO and retirement plan administrator.  

• Serve as organizational subject matter expert on accounting and tax standards, regulations, and legislation.   

 
Qualifications & Experience 
 

• Minimum 10 years of accounting and financial management experience. 

• Minimum 5 years managing and supervising accounting staff. 

• Minimum of a B.A. in Accounting, ideally with an MBA/CPA or related degree. 

• Technology savvy with experience selecting and overseeing software installations and managing relationships with software vendors; knowledge of accounting and reporting software (Knowledge of Financial Edge or Tessitura especially helpful). 

• Previous non-profit experience, including senior management responsibility for the quality and content of institutional financial data. 

• Significant experience in budgeting and forecasting for multifaceted organizations. 

• Strong knowledge of human resources functions, including the administration of payroll, health plans, and retirement plans. 

• A track record in managing complex government grants. 

• Familiarity with the administration of mortgages and loans.  

• Working knowledge of point-of-sale ticket and retail software and functions.   

• A successful track record in setting priorities; keen analytic, organization, and problem-solving skills which support and enable sound decision making. 

• Excellent communication and relationship building skills with an ability to prioritize, negotiate, and work with a variety of internal and external stakeholders. 

• Integrity beyond reproach; attentiveness to financial controls and potential vulnerabilities.  

• Ability to wear many hats in a fast-paced environment. 

• A willingness to commit to demonstrating hospitality, professionalism, flexibility, and enjoyment in work, and a dedication to the mission of Historic Hudson Valley. 

 
Compensation 
Compensation includes salary of $150,000-$175,000 depending on experience, and a benefits package including employer supported health insurance (including vision and dental options), employer paid 401k, paid time off, paid family leave, parental leave, and life insurance. This hybrid position requires working four days a week on-site, as well as some evening and weekend shifts in support of public events.  

The advertised pay scale reflects the good faith minimum and maximum salary for this role. It is not a promise of a particular wage for any specific employee. The specific compensation offered to a candidate may be dependent on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, education, special qualifications, or other factors. 

To apply, please upload your resume and a cover letter outlining your interest and experience relating to this position. Only applicants submitting cover letters will be considered.