Democratic Socialists of America is the largest socialist organization in the United States, with over 120,000 members and chapters across the country. We believe that working people should run both the economy and society democratically to meet human needs, not to make profits for a few. We are a political and activist organization, not a party. Through community and campus-based chapters, DSA members use a variety of tactics, from legislative to direct action, to fight for reforms that empower working people. DSA is a big tent, multi-tendency organization that welcomes everyone committed to democratic socialism.
The Finance Director oversees financial operations, working closely with a wide range of stakeholders to manage the monthly close process, regular financial reports, annual audit process, reimbursements to DSA members, chapter support, and ongoing maintenance of financial systems. The ideal candidate for this position will have a clear understanding of financial strategy, compliance and accounting policies, and can work with multiple stakeholders to provide key information about budgeting and forecasting. The Financial Director should also have the ability to supervise multiple staff and lead teams.
Responsibilities
Lead, and work closely with senior staff and board members on the annual budget process to ensure the accurate report of budget actuals and timely and accurate budget projections
Provide monthly reports to the Budget and Finance Committee of DSA’s National Political Committee (NPC)
Oversee accounting operations including preparation of financial statements, the maintenance of the general ledger, managing our vendors, and the monthly financial close out
Develop new metrics and financial systems to better understand each organizations’ financial health including cash flow forecasting and reserve/liquidity monitoring
Design and maintain internal controls and segregation of duties across cash handling, disbursements, and payment processing
Support staff and volunteers with the development of trainings and resources for chapter treasurers
Evaluate and improve current financial practices and systems to ensure compliance with GAAP policies and efficient, timely reporting to all relevant stakeholders
Work with the Development Director to create metrics to track membership dues, donations, and the success of ongoing fundraising efforts
Work with the Compliance Officer to answer chapter and national committee inquiries about financial items and ensure payments made to members are in compliance with 501(c)(4) requirements
Manage DSA’s Grants program, including development of grant funding opportunities and overseeing grant payments and reporting, and ensuring compliance with any applicable restriction terms and any applicable Single Audit thresholds
Supervise finance staff, currently consisting of a Finance Coordinator, Financial Analyst, and Organizing Bookkeeper
Oversee year-end audit-related activity for DSA and act as the audit liaison; set audit work plans and provide support to external auditors, including tax and CHAR-500 filings
Administer payroll alongside the Operations Director
Supervise cash management both in the national office and at events
Administer bank accounts and electronic processors, such as PayPal, Braintree, Stripe and Auth.net; manage investment accounts with the support of DSA’s Budget and Finance Committee
Perform other duties which may arise based on the needs of the organization
Qualifications
Required:
At least 5 years in finance leadership, with the majority of the time at a nonprofit, political organization, or union, with a record of increasing levels of responsibility.
Strong knowledge of GAAP, nonprofit accounting principles and practices,and net asset classification (restricted vs. unrestricted) Experience with accounting/ERP or related software (e.g., QuickBooks Online, Xero, Bill.com, Concur, or similar) and PEO and/or payroll systems; strong excel skills
Demonstrated experience successfully managing a team, including developing and retaining staff and project-managing work competing workstreams
High level of accountability, responsibility, and dependability, comfort in a in a fast-paced environment with multiple stakeholders
Track record of designing or maintaining internal controls
Enthusiasm and dedication to process, procedures, and documentation
Knowledge of tax requirements by state preferred
Prior work in a 501c4 or managing chapter/affiliate organizations preferred, but not required
Commitment to democratic socialist, feminist, anti-racist, anti-ableist, anti-heterosexist and pro-worker action and identify as a socialist and be grounded in democratic socialist politics; general agreement with the positions and perspectives of YDSA and DSA.
Preferred:
Preferred: Located in the NYC tri-state area with the ability to come into the national office on occasion
Preferred: CPA or equivalent credential
Prior experience with grant compliance and Single Audit requirements
Prior work in a 501(c)(4) or with chapter/affiliate organizational structures
Knowledge of multi-state tax and payroll requirements
