Director of Finance

Physicians for Human Rights (PHR), which shared in the Nobel Peace Prize in 1997, is a U.S.-based international advocacy organization working at the intersection of medicine, science, and law. With a global network of thousands of medical, scientific, and legal experts, PHR uses the power of medical and scientific evidence to document violations of human rights and humanitarian law, prevent abuses, protect survivors, and promote justice and universal human rights for all.

Building upon its highly respected place in the field, and supported by a committed and talented team, PHR seeks a director of finance.

Work Authorization: Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.

Location: Headquarters, New York, NY

Reports to: Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Organizational Overview

Physicians for Human Rights was founded in 1986 by five physicians who were united in the belief that health professionals, with their specialized skills, ethical duties, and credible voices, are uniquely positioned to prevent harm and promote respect for human rights. Since its founding, PHR has built a long and distinguished record of accomplishment by conducting groundbreaking investigations and advocacy, in concert with strategic partners.

PHR’s approach includes extensive documentation of the use of illegal and inhumane weapons in armed conflicts, attacks on civilians, and the physical and psychological impacts of torture and sexual violence as a weapon of war. Other core activities include protecting the rights of those seeking asylum in the United States, the human rights implications of the COVID-19 pandemic, and halting attacks on medical facilities and frontline health professionals.

Role Description

The director of finance (DF), reporting to the chief operating officer, has direct responsibility for the organization’s budget and finance-related activities, from assisting in developing a fiscal strategy to creating projections and reports; managing payroll, accounts payables, and receivables; cash disbursements; the general ledger; and the technology and other systems used to manage our financial systems. The DF should be both a strategic thinker and a hands-on implementer to ensure the maintenance of solid financial systems and a smooth functioning office.

The DF should have specialized financial skills and experience, accounting knowledge, and an affinity for working with state-of-the-art financial software applications. The ability to work with international government and private funding sources and complex budgets is essential.

Responsibilities

Manage all accounting operations, including accounts receivables, accounts payable, cash flow, investments, and the monthly, quarterly, and annual close of accounting and financial records;
With direction from the COO, lead the development of the annual budget, working closely with the executive director, department directors, and treasurer;
Create and present monthly and quarterly financial reports and projections;
Monitor current year’s budget; analyze and review on a monthly basis and effectively communicate and present, in a timely manner, critical financial matters to the appropriate managers, COO, the executive director and the treasurer;
Oversee month-end, quarter-end, and year-end closings, including reviewing, analyzing, and reconciling the general ledger accounts and ensuring all appropriate journal, recurring, allocating, accrual, and adjusting entries are posted in the appropriate period;
Oversee the process of grants management, including budgets for proposals, financial reports for donors, and managing expenditures to their fullest potential;
Manage the annual financial audit and act as the PHR point of contact with the external auditors;
Ensure compliance with mandatory reporting, such as the preparation of the Form 990 and A-133 SEFA;
Monitor and maintain the general ledger, ensuring that all accounting data is accurately transferred from sub-ledgers and other modules, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash management, purchasing and projects, and fixed assets;
Review the trial balance on a quarterly basis and develop and provide supporting documentation for all significant balances;
Provide oversight and backup for payroll and deposit functions;
Manage cash receipt journals, deposits, and bank reconciliations;
Provide financial oversight and manage all accounting operations, including accounts receivables, accounts payable, cash flow, payroll, benefit management, and the monthly, quarterly, and annual close of accounting and financial records in international field offices;
Manage reconciliation and monitor all domestic and foreign cash accounts, and produce cash flow and projections;
Review and match investment transaction advices with monthly investment statements;
Manage the NICRA process and monitor on a regular basis for compliance;
Analyze revenues and expenses to ensure they are recorded appropriately in accordance with GAAP;
Provide oversight on monthly reconciliation on new gifts, pledges, and cash receipts;
Maintain the fixed asset schedule;
Analyze and evaluate temporary restricted assets and ensure that such assets are recorded accurately;
Supervise the grants manager and accounting associate, including reviewing deliverables, managing performance, and providing ongoing training and professional development;
Ensure that appropriate financial procedures and controls are maintained and/or improved to ensure the integrity of the financial and administrative systems;
Research and make recommendations to improve cost effectiveness of the organization;
Establish and maintain auditor, bank, and other vendor relationships necessary for the successful operations of the finance program;
Ensure staff are trained and comply with financial policies and processes;
Work with human resources and/or PEO to ensure the correct financial accounting of employee benefits such as Flexible Spending Accounts, workers’ compensation, and 403(b) plan contributions; and
Assist the COO as necessary in managing the daily financial and administrative operation of the organization.

Qualifications of the Ideal Candidate

Bachelor’s degree in accounting (graduate degree preferred);
10+ years of accounting experience, preferably in a nonprofit environment;
Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles;
Solid knowledge and experience with financial analysis and forecasting;
Experience with Sage Intacct Financial Accounting software; Bill.com and Concur; experienced computer user; familiar with Windows XP and Microsoft Office Suite;
Self-starter, excellent analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills;
Ability to maintain confidentiality in work and to exercise good judgment and discretion at all times;
Ability to stay on top of daily work while also developing systems and processes to more efficiently manage workflows;
Experience/interest in analyzing financial management systems and implementing efficiencies;
Excellent communicator with the interpersonal skills to interact successfully and collaboratively at all levels of the organization, and to develop positive relationships in a culturally diverse workplace;
Strong work ethic and attention to detail;
Team player and self-starter; and
Demonstrated commitment to human rights.

Salary and Benefits

This is a full-time position located in New York City and is an in-office-based role. Salary is commensurate with experience. PHR offers comprehensive employer-paid benefits, including medical, dental, disability, and life insurance, a retirement savings plan, and generous vacation.

How to Apply

Please email cover letter and resume to resumes@phr.org. Please include the job title of the position you are applying for in the subject line of your email and where you saw this job posting in the email body.

Physicians for Human Rights is an equal opportunity employer. We recruit and hire without regard to race, national origin, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, prior conviction, arrest history, disability, marital status, veteran status, or age.

Careers and Internships at PHR | Director of Finance