Philadelphia Legal Assistance (PLA), a non-profit that provides free civil legal services to low-income individuals and families to ensure equal access to justice and strengthen Philadelphia’s communities, is seeking a seasoned, mission-oriented financial leader to serve as our Director of Finance. The Director of Finance leads a 3-person finance and accounting team and oversees the strategic and operational aspects of the financial, accounting, and budgeting functions of our organization, which has an annual budget of $10 million. This position reports to PLA’s Executive Director and is a key member of the executive team.

Key Responsibilities

Organizational Leadership

• As a member of the organization's Executive Team, advise Executive Team colleagues and the Board of Directors on all financial matters, including how to maintain and strengthen the financial health of the organization and achieve additional strategic priorities. 
• Present management reports, operating budgets and forecasts, audits, and fiscal policies to the Board for review and approval.
• Promote effective communication of financial information across the organization and foster a culture of collaboration within finance and across departments.
• As directed by the Executive Director, serve as member of the management bargaining team for negotiations with staff unions.

Team Leadership & People Management

• Coach and develop finance staff, both direct and indirect reports, ensuring performance is regularly reviewed and evaluated.
• Provide training to orient new employees and to enable current staff to take on new tasks, as appropriate.
• Assign tasks and deadlines, ensuring the optimal prioritization and distribution of work
• Resolve and/or facilitate conflict resolution arising among or involving staff.

Financial Planning and Monitoring

• Work with the Executive Director and other members of the Executive Team to develop financial strategy, plans, and clear objectives and measures for PLA’s financial performance.
• Oversee and direct the preparation of the annual budget. Develop multi-year budgets, including forecasts for revenues, expenses, and cash flows.
• Analyze financial statements and produce reports to communicate results, trends and emerging issues.

Financial Operations and Fiscal Management:

• Oversee accounting and finance functions of the organization, including the completion of monthly closing process and preparation of related financial reports.
• Ensure PLA’s fiscal practices maintain effective internal controls and comply with generally accepted accounting principles and other industry standards. Monitor and approve all financial systems, reports, allocation methodologies, processes, procedures and policies.
• Support the development of process and workflow improvements, including improvements to technology, when needed.
• Direct the timely completion of all annual required financial documentation, including audit and tax preparation.
• Verify that financial issues are accurately tracked and resolved.

Financial Compliance and Reporting

• Ensure PLA complies with all financial rules and regulations of organizational funders
• Direct the preparation of budgets and reports for funders including government entities and foundations

Location and Schedule information

PLA’s work hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. The organization is currently operating on a hybrid schedule, with at least 2 days a week in our Center City Philadelphia office and the remainder of the days working remotely.

To enable successful remote work, candidates will need to have reliable internet access.

PLA values a diverse work environment and strongly encourages women, people of color, people who identify as LGBTQ, people with disabilities, people who have experienced poverty or homelessness, and people who have had prior contact with the juvenile, criminal, or child welfare systems to apply. PLA invites all applicants to include in their cover letter a statement about how your background and/or experiences might contribute to the diversity, cultural vitality, and perspective of our staff and legal services practice.

Preferred Experience and Skills

• Four-year degree in accounting, finance, or a related discipline.
• At least 8 years of financial management, audit, or accounting experience, with demonstrated knowledge of GAAP for nonprofit accounting. Experience with grants management and compliance.
• At least three years of experience managing people and financial teams.
• Demonstrated organizational leadership acumen with strong team management and relationship-building skills.
• Project management expertise with an ability to manage simultaneous priorities with clear benchmarks and goals.
• Highly effective in communicating and presenting financial information to non-financial audiences.
• Skilled in leading through ambiguity and adapting to changing circumstances.
• Values alignment with PLA, including a commitment to justice, equity, and opportunity.

About Philadelphia Legal Assistance

For more than 25 years, Philadelphia Legal Assistance has provided free civil legal services to low-income individuals and families to ensure equal access to justice and strengthen Philadelphia’s communities. Our nearly 100 employees work across 7 divisions to serve over 8,000 clients annually, providing direct legal representation, advice, and information related to housing, public benefits, protection from abuse, child custody, farmworker rights, and more.

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