Powerhouse Arts is a not-for-profit organization committed to creative expression. Housed in a purpose-built-facility in Brooklyn, the organization hosts an extended network of art and fabrication professionals and educators who work together to co-create and share artistic practices vital to the well-being of artists and the communities to which they serve. Our new facilities house fabrication services, production services, production spaces, and member workshops for artisans. In 2025, PHA expects to welcome in thousands of patrons as the building becomes a center for art and performance. Over the next few years, PHA will see growth and expansion in all areas of business and an increased focus on revenue generation.
We are seeking an experienced VP of Finance to steward the organization into its new phase of growth and stability. The VP of Finance has a primary responsibility to oversee and direct financial, accounting, and investment activities in support of the organization’s stability and long-term goals. This role will streamline PHA’s financial reporting systems, ensuring the proper tools and protocols are implemented to support the organization’s current and growing infrastructure. This person will be a creative problem solver who understands the balance between numbers, data, programmatic narratives, and overall sustainability.
Reporting to the President, the VP of Finance will be a member of the Senior Leadership team, who collectively advances the organization’s long-term strategy objectives in line with our values. The VP of Finance will supervise, coach, and mentor the finance team's staff, which currently includes (1) direct report, and will oversee and evaluate the relationship with a third-party financial services firm, to foster excellence, accountability, collaboration, and transparency. As an organization with a strong culture that is highly collaborative in nature, the VP of Finance will be an important culture carrier of our values and team leader.
Responsibilities:
Financial Leadership
- Partner with the President, and Executive Leadership Team, to develop long-term financial plans, setting targets for organizational growth.
- Assess organizational performance against both the budget and long-term strategy; provide strategic recommendations based on revenue/expense analysis and projection; make actionable recommendations on both financial strategy and operations.
- Lead the design and assessment of financial strategy and practice against annual and long-term budget and other performance goals, fostering organizational effectiveness and sustainability.
- Assess and mitigate risks related to financial performance and investment strategy.
- Generate and maintain a multi-year income and expense financial model that aligns with the organization’s strategic plan and other guiding documents, and shifts as necessary as the organization grows.
- Manage organizational cash flow forecasting to ensure revenue and expenditures align with the operating budget and financial reporting requirements for government, corporate, and foundation grants.
- Partner with Executive Team, program directors, and Finance Director to understand the nuances of each line of business and how business operations affect income and expenses.
- Proactively engage, and advise, leadership and Board on major external or internal changes by presenting analysis of potential significant repercussions or opportunities.
- Serve as the staff lead for the board Finance and Investment Committees:
○ Work closely with board committee members to advance overall finance and investment strategy.
○ Report ongoing financial results, annual budget, and audit reports.
○ Generate reports and develop tools to provide critical financial and operational information.
- Serve as a member of the Executive Team, working closely with all team leads and staff to implement the overall fiscal management and procedures throughout the organization.
- Partner with other Vice Presidents on cross-functional collaboration between Development, Programing, Fabrication, Finance, HR and Operations to facilitate teamwork and optimize organizational effectiveness.
- Continuously develop and improve financial systems, internal controls, and reporting.
- Oversee relationship with auditors and tax counsel.
Compliance:
- Oversee, establishing as necessary, internal systems, controls, processes, and procedures to ensure the integrity, accuracy, compliance, and usefulness of timely financial information and reporting.
- Oversee successful completion of annual audits, IRS filings, and other mandated reporting; ensuring compliance with all local, state, and federal government regulations and applicable laws governing our tax structure.
- Ensure compliance with government grants and development engagements.
- Remain up to date on nonprofit audit best practices and state and federal laws regarding nonprofit operations.
- Ensure legal and regulatory compliance regarding all financial functions with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
Team Leadership:
- Manage a finance team, including hiring, scheduling, overseeing personnel issues performance reviews, training and other duties related to management of this staff as necessary.
- Support Finance Director in managing third-party financial management firm and determining if this relationship will continue, or if service can and should be brought in-house long-term.
- Work closely with the Finance Director, and external firm to ensure financial operations align with accounting procedures and provide support on implementation throughout the organization.
- Oversee the finance team and ensure staff receive appropriate training and development.
- Oversee the production and presentation of timely monthly, quarterly, and year-end financial reports and analysis.
- Conduct regular meetings with key staff to identify and resolve on-going issues within the Finance Department and its interaction with other departments, and entities.
Qualifications:
Powerhouse Arts is a safe, inclusive workplace for people of all backgrounds and walks of life. We strongly encourage you to apply if you are from a marginalized or underrepresented group. The requirements listed are guidelines. You do not have to satisfy every requirement or meet every qualification listed. If 80% of what you read fits you, or if you have skills that are transferable, please apply.
- 10+ years of progressive experience in finance and administration in a nonprofit setting.
- BA/BS required; CPA and/or MBA a plus.
- Passionate about the arts and Powerhouse’s mission.
- Flexible, creative, organized, thorough, and resourceful.
- Experience managing teams, developing talent, and inspiring collaboration; a strong record of building and leading collaborative teams.
- Proficiency in nonprofit accounting for complex social services organizations with exposure to the government, corporate, and foundation grants.Prior experience accounting for NYC government funding within a nonprofit organization.
- A collaborative leader and strong communicator who supports and empowers others to take on new projects and responsibilities.
- Skilled in critical thinking, change management, and decision-making.
- Knowledgeable in general accounting and financial reporting procedures in New York State.
- Proficient with financial and office software, including Microsoft Office and accounting packages.
- Accountable with a strong sense of ownership and responsibility.
- Capable of creating, analyzing, and reporting on financial statements and budgets.
- Effective at managing priorities, meeting deadlines, and multi-tasking.
To Apply: Please apply with a thoughtful cover letter and resume. Qualified candidates will be contacted for virtual interviews.
Compensation: The salary for this position is $170,000-$220,000 annually. We offer excellent benefits including health, dental and vision insurance, employer sponsored retirement plan and professional development opportunities. Time off includes vacation, holidays, personal days, and a week off at year’s end.
Powerhouse Arts is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants receive consideration without regard to race, age, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or any other basis prohibited by law. Powerhouse is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace and recognize the positive value of diversity.
For more information, visit www.powerhousearts.org
What We Do
Powerhouse is a not-for-profit organization committed to creative expression. Housed in a purpose-built facility in Brooklyn, the organization hosts an extended network of art and fabrication professionals and educators who work together to co-create and share artistic practices vital to the well-being of artists and the communities to which they belong.
