Finance and Accounting Manager

Background

Congregation Emanu El was founded in 1944 and, with a membership of more than 1600 families, is one of America’s largest Reform synagogues. The congregation boasts numerous active affinity groups to serve our diverse congregation, as well as two thriving education centers: the Helfman Religious School for K-12 learners and the Becker School, which serves our youngest learners. Emanu El has been a leader in community service, education, arts and culture, and social justice since its inception. The two statements which flank our pulpit, “Do justly, love mercy, walk humbly with God” and “Be a light unto the nations,” reflect the dual commitment of Emanu El: to teach our members the values through which Jews infuse their lives with spiritual meaning, and to provide them a place to bring those values to life through service to the Jewish people and all humanity.

For more information about Congregation Emanu El, go to https://www.emanuelhouston.org/.

Position

Congregation Emanu El seeks to partner with an energetic, skilled, and professional Finance Manager who will strategically lead all finance and accounting operations for this $7.8 million organization with a 95,000 square foot facility (plus a new 30,000 square foot Center for Jewish Learning currently under development).  Reporting to the Executive Director, this individual will provide strategic financial leadership and directly manage a team of 2 or 3 staff members, depending on an evolving organizational structure. The ideal candidate will be both a leader and a team player, and a professional colleague and partner with staff, lay leadership, and the congregation at large, all in accordance with Congregation Emanu El’s mission, bylaws, and policies.

Responsibilities

• Manage and participate in all financial operations, including, but not limited to, accounting and financial reporting, billing, collections, purchasing, expense control, cash management and analysis, contract negotiations, budgeting, long term capital planning, and investments.
• Develop and track important KPIs (financial and operational dashboards) and analyze trends.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements to leadership and Board of Trustees
• Manage banking relationships, endowment investments, and coordinate with outside accountants for audit preparation.
• At the direction of the Investment Committee, perform, or direct investment transactions of a $25 million Endowment Fund, which consists of over 60 individual restricted, unrestricted, designated, and undesignated funds. At the direction of the Endowment Board, determine allocation of such funds to operations and other areas of financial need.
• Work with legal counsel and insurance experts for employment, liability, and real estate issues, as needed.

Requirements and Skills

• Proven work experience as a CFO or similar type position preferably in a nonprofit organization
• Approachable team builder who will support staff in professional development and career trajectories
• Organized manager and supervisor with a strong technical background in accounting and finance
• Excellent knowledge of data analysis, risk management and forecasting methods; strong analytical skills
• Hands-on experience with accounting and financial management software (e.g. Financial Edge); Expertise in MS Excel
• Ability to explain financial terms in simple language
• Familiarity with the way nonprofit organizations are structured
• Genuine interest in our mission
• BSc or MSc in Finance, Accounting, or relevant field