Senior Director, Finance and Operations

General Summary

The Senior Director, Finance and Operations is a strategic, hands-on leader who ensures United Way of Southern Maine’s (UWSM) financial health and operational excellence. This role directly combines high-level financial planning with direct management and execution of core accounting and operational functions.

Reporting to the Chief Operating and Communications Officer, the Senior Director directly supervises the Director of Finance, Finance Associate (Accounts Payable), Finance Associate (Accounts Receivable), and Office Manager. In addition to leading the team, the Senior Director actively performs key financial and operational tasks, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and efficiency across the organization.

The ideal candidate thrives in a dynamic, collaborative environment, brings deep nonprofit finance expertise; and is energized by improving systems, ensuring compliance; and supporting organizational effectiveness through both strategic insight and direct action.

Essential Functions

Leadership

• Lead multi-year financial forecasting and scenario planning to support organizational sustainability.
• Identify and implement process improvements across finance and operations.
• Monitor financial and operational risks and propose mitigation strategies.
• Collaborate with development and program teams to align financial planning with grant opportunities.
• Serve as a key advisor to senior leadership, translating financial data into actionable insights.
• With the Chief Operating and Communications Officer, develop and monitor UWSM’s annual budget and strategic financial forecast.
• Serve as lead staff to the volunteer Finance Committee, working closely with the Board Treasurer and President and CEO.
• Provide monthly financial reports to relevant staff and regular financial reports to the Board of Directors and the Finance Committee.

Accounting and Compliance

• Lead staff in preparing and performing as needed core accounting functions, including journal entries, payroll, accounts payable and receivable, bank reconciliations, and cash flow monitoring.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, internal controls, and investment policies; recommend and implement system improvements.
• Lead audit preparation and tax filings, including coordination of IRS Form 990 and end-of[1]year reporting.
• Manage financial reporting processes, including review and approval of reconciliations, journal entries, and financial statements.
• Maintain and oversee fixed asset schedules, depreciation, and endowment fund activity, ensuring accurate reconciliation with custodial accounts.
• Supervise cash management and compliance with investment policies

Grant and Donor Designation Management

• Manage financial activity related to grants and donor designations, ensuring compliance with agreements, accurate classification of restrictions, and timely payments.
• Supervise fund accounting processes, including reconciliation and release from restriction documentation.

Operational Excellence

• Direct office operations and support the Office Manager in facilities and supply management.
• Maintain operational policies and optimize financial systems for automation, accuracy, and alignment with organizational goals.

Team Leadership and Organizational Engagement

• Lead the Finance and Operations department, supervising key staff and fostering a high-performance, collaborative culture.
• Provide mentorship and professional development opportunities for finance and operations staff.
• Participate in cross-functional projects, special events, and organizational initiatives.
• Serve on Senior Director Leadership team.

Preferred Education

Bachelor’s degree or foreign equivalent required with a minimum of seven years of experience in nonprofit financial accounting or in a senior financial leadership role required. A CPA or graduate degree in accounting is strongly preferred.

Requirements

• Proven experience leading nonprofit finance functions, with a strong understanding of GAAP and financial reporting standards.
• Demonstrated success in budgeting, forecasting, and managing audits and investments.
• Skilled in developing and implementing financial systems that support transparency, accountability, and strategic decision-making.
• Experience managing grants and donor designations, with a commitment to accuracy and compliance.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with a track record of coaching and developing high-performing staff.
• Ability to translate complex financial data into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.
• Proficiency in financial software and Excel; experience with nonprofit accounting systems preferred.
• Exceptional organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present confidently to senior executives, board members, and external stakeholders.
• Commitment to UWSM’s mission and values, with a service mindset and a collaborative spirit.
• Ability to lead through complexity, balancing strategic vision with operational execution.
• Experience working with volunteers and cross-functional teams to achieve shared goals.
• High standards of integrity, discretion, and professionalism.

Supervisory Responsibility

• Director, Finance
• Finance Associate, Accounts Payables
• Finance Associate, Accounts Receivables
• Office Manager

Work Environment

• This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and printers.
• A valid driver’s license, verifiable auto insurance, cell phone, and use of a personal vehicle required.
• We are focused on creating connections within the Southern Maine community. Our current hybrid model is focused on doing just that. This position requires at least 24 hours per week creating connections. Examples of creating connections include office time, external meetings/gatherings, training, volunteer engagement events, and even a cup of coffee with an internal/external partner.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. This position may require long hours including early morning meetings, evening events, and weekend work during peak times.

Travel

• Travel is primarily local during the business day, although some out-of-area and overnight travel may be expected.

Other Duties

• Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

The salary for this role is $86,000 per year. Resumes will be accepted until November 7th. Please submit a cover letter and resume to hr@uwsme.org.