Chief Financial Officer

Background:

Publicolor is an innovative educational youth development organization that empowers students facing immense life challenges for academic and career success through a multi-year project-based continuum of programs. Founded in 1996, Publicolor is at the forefront of ensuring educational equity and economic equality for low-income New York City students. Its program unlocks students' creative problem-solving skills, critical thinking abilities, talents, resilience, and ambitions using a continuum of project-based, design-focused programs that support academic success, job readiness, community service, and—ultimately—career fulfillment.

After initially painting and transforming their school, students who are most at risk of dropping out are invited to join Publicolor's continuum of design-based, hands-on learning programs through middle school and high school with mentorships and scholarships that continue into college. They learn to explore career options and life skills in workshops every week and receive tutoring, counseling, and work apprenticeships at paint sites. Their summers are enriched as they participate in a 7-week program, where they apply creative problem-solving skills to challenges in their communities and experience a challenging college-level curriculum in design. With an annual budget of $4.5 million, Publicolor has transformed 351 struggling schools and 256 neglected community sites (health clinics, food pantries, shelters, community and senior centers, and police precincts) since 1996.

The Position: 

Publicolor is seeking a dynamic individual to serve as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO).  Reporting to the President + Founder, they will be responsible for the day-to-day financial management, records, policies, and accounting functions for Publicolor, including the tax, budgeting, and reporting functions, as well as help with administrative functions.  The CFO works closely with the Development and Program teams to help them achieve their goals and provide the required support.  The successful candidate must be a highly skilled and experienced financial executive who has held significant management positions for a number of years, especially in nonprofits.

The CFO will have a thorough knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles in relation to nonprofit entities.  They must be exceedingly intelligent, a hands-on manager, a strategic thinker and problem solver, and a highly effective communicator, both written and spoken.  They will work closely with Publicolor’s staff and be skillful at promoting an open, inclusive environment that emphasizes cooperation and teamwork with a minimum of ego.    In addition, they will be diplomatic, of the highest integrity, and possess sound judgment as well as a sense of humor under stress.

Specific Responsibilities

Accounting and Reporting

·      Manage all daily accounting functions, including general ledger, balance sheet, and monthly close. 

·      Address financial risks and continually develop and recommend solutions in collaboration with the Founder + President.

·      Develop quarterly financial reports for presentation to the Board Finance and Audit Committees.

·      Lead annual audit and Form 990 return development with an external audit firm.

Budget Management

·      Develop annual operating budget for organization.

·      Develop and monitor project budgets, working with program and development teams.

·      Approve expense requests and bills for payment.

Banking and Cash Flow

·      Maintain banking and investment accounts.

·      Responsible for all disbursements and financial transfers.

·      Project and monitor cash flow.

·      Invoicing and collection for donors and clients as needed.

Other 

·      Lead relationships with all finance-related vendors, including PEO for payroll and benefits, 403b provider, insurance providers, and contract with the NYC Department of Education.

·      Oversee and manage the contract with the outsourced IT company.

·      Responsible for the lease management and other facilities functions.

·      Support the execution of Publicolor’s annual strategic plan and use financial insights and planning to identify new revenue opportunities.

Qualifications

·      Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting or related field required; advanced degree in a related field, MBA and/or CPA preferred.

·      At least 5 years of experience working as a financial manager for a nonprofit organization.

·      Demonstrated leadership ability, team management and interpersonal skills.

·      Knowledge of generally accepted accounting practices and principles as relevant to nonprofit entities.

·      Knowledge of internal control systems used for general accounting principles and specialized nonprofit industry accounting practices and procedures.

·      Collaborative working style with demonstrated ability to work with colleagues to balance program and administrative concerns and perspectives in fashioning solutions.

·      Expertise in NYC publicly funded program management (City Council or agencies), ideally in youth development, education or the arts.  

·      Acumen in maintaining accurate financial records and preparing clear and accurate reports for informational, auditing, and operational use.

·      Experience with accounting software (QuickBooks online) and other business management software; expertise in Excel.

·      A high degree of emotional intelligence and the ability to interact effectively with the President + Founder, the senior management team, Board members,  program staff, and external stakeholders, including funders. 

·      Creativity and flexibility.

·      Ability to read, analyze, interpret, and explain complex financial data.

·      Ability to work independently, prioritizing workflow to meet critical deadlines and paying exceptionally close attention to detail.

·      Excellent written and oral communication skills.

·      Strong commitment to Publicolor’s mission.

Compensation

The salary range is $150,000 - $175,000 plus benefits.

TO APPLY:

Publicolor has retained the services of Harris Rand Lusk to conduct this search. Inquiries, nominations, and applications may be directed in confidence to:

 Anne McCarthy, COO

Harris Rand Lusk

260 Madison Avenue, 15th Floor

New York, NY  10016

Email cover letter and resume to: amccarthy@harrisrand.com

Please put “Publicolor CFO” in the subject line of your emailed application.

All positions at Publicolor are filled without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, HIV/AIDS status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.  All are encouraged to apply.