Job Description

Job Description

The Chief Finance Officer is a strategic leader who serves as the New York Genome Center’s (“the Center”) chief financial officer, responsible for the organization’s overall financial leadership, strategic financial planning and financial operations management. In addition, this individual will lead several functional departments (Finance & Accounting, Research Administration and Facilities). Reporting to the Scientific Director & Chief Executive Officer, this position is a key member of the Executive Team.

Key Responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

Participates in developing, implementing and leading the organization’s plans and programs and helps shape the overall direction of the Center as a member of the Executive Team, including:

Evaluates, advises and manages the impact of long-range planning and regulatory action/risks in the assigned areas of responsibility.
Oversees the initiation, negotiation, valuing and critique of all financial arrangements the organization might consider, such as capital procurement, financing transactions, loans and strategic alliances.
Represents the Center both internally and externally to the financial and business communities, including to the Board of Directors, partners, auditors, granting agencies (both government and private), regulators and advisors. Develops productive and trusting relationships.
Prepares materials for meetings of the Board of Directors and its committees, including multi- year projections, financial status analysis, budgets and related analyses.
Contributes to integrated strategic plans and projects to advance the Center’s programs and priorities. 

Finance and Accounting

Responsible for overseeing the Finance & Accounting teams in managing the fiscal operations of the Center, including general accounting, audit, accounts payable, payroll, tax planning and filings, internal and external financial reporting, cash flow management, budgeting, procurement, grants accounting (pre-and post-award) and reporting.
Oversees analysis, projections and short-and long-term forecasting, including multi-year outlooks based on alternative scenarios to assist in strategic decision-making.
Oversees effective financial controls and compliance with all technical and regulatory accounting standards related to non-profit and research organizations, as well as local, national and international financial laws, regulations and requirements.
Responsible for forecasting, financial modeling and scenario planning, and acts as a thought partner to the Executive Team on pricing strategy for research products and services.
Responsible for performing investment, debt, and treasury activities.
Develops and implements a multi-year financial plan to ensure efficient management of resources, including management and development of financial policies, systems and processes that will enable the Executive Team to monitor and address revenues, expenses and operations.
Authorized signatory for contracts, checks and other related spending. 

Research Administration

Oversees pre-and post-award grants management, compliance and reporting for government (Federal and state) contracts and private grants.
Oversees the Center’s compliance with the terms and conditions of government contracts, grants and cooperative agreements, and applicable local, national and international laws, regulations and guidance, including the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), Office of Management and Budget (OMB) circulars, the NIH Grants Policy Statement, and other applicable government flow-down clauses and certifications.
Evaluates and provides leadership in the maintenance and expansion of various government contracts, grants and available funding.

Facilities, Office Administration and Safety/Compliance

Oversees and participates in the planning, implementation and management of institution-wide measures to ensure a safe, compliant, healthy and secure environment.
Oversees the Center’s capital assets, overall functioning and conditions of NYGC’s building and associated infrastructure.
Oversees the development and implementation of risk management programs to ensure compliance with legal and contractual commitments, including research reporting obligations, conflict of interest management, and data privacy and security requirements.
Oversees the management and maintenance of Center insurance plans.

Management and leadership. Responsible for team leadership and management of a large number of staff. Attracts, retains and inspires a diverse team through training, regular feedback, mentorship and development.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing 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.

Required Skills

BS degree required, MS and/or MBA degree strongly preferred.
15+ years directly related progressive financial experience in nonprofit environments involving the planning and developing of multi-million-dollar budgets, implementation of strategic business plans, treasury management, investments, debt and insurance activities required.
Experience managing the financial and operational functions of an academic, medical or research institution strongly preferred.
Substantial familiarity with federal grants management and compliance issues required.
Demonstratable communication skills and strong relationship-building skills at all levels required, including with the Board of Directors. Experience messaging complex regulatory requirements required, including an ability to make sound risk management decisions.
Strong analytical skills required, and the ability to coherently synthesize complex or diverse information.
A leader who prioritizes and values diversity & inclusion required.
10+ years’ experience as a hands-on manager, with a strong commitment to team development and experience leading, managing and developing a diverse, high caliber, and highly collaborative team required.

Competencies

Technical and Professional Skills: Consistently demonstrates skills and knowledge relevant for current role; strives to expand the depth and breadth of technical and professional skills; works with a high level of integrity; exhibits focus and discipline; appropriately prioritizes, manages expectations and delivers on commitments.
Collaborative & Communicative: Models collaboration and teamwork; brings out the best in others; effectively works with all levels, internally and externally; respects and embraces diversity of perspective; communicates clearly and listens carefully; uses good judgment as to what to communicate and when to do so.
Adaptable & Innovative: Adaptable and embraces change; develops new insights and pursues improvements and efficiency; fosters exchange of new ideas and willing to challenge the status quo; takes initiative and is solution-oriented; engages in work with passion and curiosity.
Leader and Manager: Attracts, develops and retains diverse talent to achieve outstanding results; encourages professional development, coaches and regularly communicates expectations and feedback; aligns and inspires efforts toward our mission; translates organizational vision into action; responsibly utilizes NYGC’s human and financial resources to ensure organizational and financial health; uses good judgment when making decisions; pushes boundaries and generates new ideas.