Assistant Vice President of Finance/Controller - Brooklyn Public Library

Overview

As one of the nation’s largest public library systems with a network of 62 neighborhood libraries, BPL is committed to providing the borough’s 2.7 million people quality services and a vibrant learning environment through outreach programs, educational workshops, and youth services events. We seek professionals dedicated to providing excellent customer service, developing fruitful partnerships in the community, and creating environments aligned with our mission.

We are seeking a driven and experienced Assistant Vice President of Finance with a deep focus on accounting to join our leadership team. Reporting to the Vice President of Finance, this role will play a critical part in steering the financial policy, ensuring compliance, and supporting our day-to-day operations. This role requires a strong accounting background, strategic thinking, and the ability to collaborate with senior leadership to support the library’s financial objectives.

Responsibilities

As the chief accounting officer of the library, the Assistant Vice President of Finance is primarily responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the BPL’s financial accounting and reporting functions.  The AVP for Finance is responsible for all accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, payroll, and grants administration. Specific responsibilities include: 

• Maintain fiscal records and prepare financial reports following generally accepted accounting principles, tax requirements, and standards set by governmental funding agencies
• Forecast short and long-range cash requirements and obligations as a basis for maintaining adequate funds
• Act as immediate contact with the library’s independent auditors on accounting matters and supervise annual audits
• Serve as a critical partner in improving and modernizing library business practices as it transitions to a new ERP system
• Directly supervise the Assistant Controller, who assists with the oversight of the general accounting and accounts payable functions.
• In partnership with the Vice President for Finance, the AVP for Finance provides leadership and support for all Finance department staff in their training and career development
• Together with the Vice President of Finance, the AVP for Finance models and promotes integrity, teamwork, accountability, and quality among all members of the department
• Provides guidance to Library managers throughout the organization on best practices in fiscal management

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution of higher education in Accounting or Finance and, preferably, an MBA or other advanced degree; CPA certification preferred
• A minimum of (8) eight years of progressively responsible experience overseeing financial management, accounting, and reporting functions for large, preferably not-for-profit organizations with significant public funding and annual operating budgets of $100 million to $150 million
• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution of higher education in Accounting or Finance and, preferably, an MBA or other advanced degree; CPA certification preferred
• Superior computer and analysis skills with working knowledge of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems.  Experience with Infor Lawson or Workday financial systems is a plus
• Knowledge of financial accounting and reporting standards and government regulations governing not-for-profit organizations
• Demonstrably superior communication and organization skills and noteworthy accomplishments as a change agent and a team player
• Proven track record of leading financial teams and delivering accurate financial reports and analysis
• Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work strategically and collaboratively with senior leadership 
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

This is a non-union, exempt position with a salary range of 160,000 - 170,000.