Location: Los Angeles, California
THE OPPORTUNITY
Join us in building a more inclusive world at Braille Institute of America. We are undertaking one of the most transformative initiatives in our history, planning our next century of success in serving the blind and visually impaired communities.
Through our 2024-2025 strategic planning process, we identified the next generation opportunities to advance critical initiatives in areas such as customer research; the expansion and transformation of current programs and services; the development of new nationally and internationally accessible programs; the creation of dynamic new strategic partnerships; and the alignment of our mission, strategy, and resources.
If you are ready to join a dynamic organization transforming the lives of individuals experiencing vision loss, we want you on our team.
WHO WE ARE
At Braille Institute, we are driven by a shared purpose: to serve the blind and low vision community. We come together to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others, finding fulfillment in the impact we create. We believe in fostering a culture that is collaborative, inclusive, and flexible.
We understand the importance of work-life balance, valuing both personal and professional fulfillment. Here, you'll find an environment that supports your well-being while providing opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive alongside colleagues who are sighted and visually impaired.
Join us in embracing technology and innovation as we shape the future of accessibility and positively transform the lives of those with vision loss.
JOB DESCRIPTION
INCLUDE A COVER LETTER ADDRESSED TO: DEBRA MARTIN
GENERAL EXPECTATIONS: All employees within Braille Institute of America are expected to support the organization’s mission, vision and values, work cooperatively with others, contribute to the positive morale of the department/center and be a respected representative of the organization.
JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Job Summary: Under the leadership of the Chief Financial Officer, the Associate Vice President of Finance and Business Operations (AVPFBO) has overall strategic and operational responsibility for the finance, accounting, and business operations functions. The Associate Vice President of Finance and Business Operations provide strategic leadership for Braille Institute of America’s finances, budgeting, financial reporting, compliance, grants management, and the alignment of these functions with the Braille Institute of America strategic plan.
The Associate Vice President of Finance and Business Operations will monitor and report on financial performance, lead and supervise finance team, and manage relationships with financial advisors, banks, and audit firms. The Associate Vice President of Finance and Business Operations will be a thought leader and strategic partner to all areas of the organization to enhance and streamline business operational systems, processes, and services in support of the mission.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
1. As a member of the Chief Financial Officer’s leadership team, the Associate Vice President of Finance and Business Operations contribute to organizational strategy and policy and develops and implements strategies to optimize Braille Institute of America’s finances and financial operations — accounting, auditing, tax, grants management, budgeting, and cash management — in the service of its mission and goals. This includes partnering closely with program staff to ensure that business operations and financial systems, policies and procedures best support programmatic needs.
2. Assist with organizational planning, including the development and execution of Braille Institute’s Strategic Plan.
3. Responsible for annual audits and other compliance and regulatory reporting. Working with Chief Financial Officer, assist with all Board related reporting for all areas.
4. Oversee, lead, and organize the work of the finance team, promoting a culture of high performance and continuous improvement that values learning and a commitment to quality.
5. Mentor and develop staff using a supportive and collaborative approach: assign accountabilities; set objectives; establish priorities; and monitor and evaluate results.
6. Manage team to ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles standards and statutory requirements. Oversee financial forecasts, including analysis and insights into the key drivers, assumptions and outcomes.
7. Monitor and enhance key performance indicators (KPIs), understand drivers of variances, and help drive improvements.
8. Advise the organization on tools and solutions to increase efficiency in business and financial operations, forecasting, analysis, and reporting. Help design and maintain reporting on business and financial results, including scorecards and dashboards, and key metrics, providing analysis and insights.
9. Ensure appropriate system of policies, internal controls, accounting standards, and procedures.
10. Represents the organization externally, as necessary.
11. Day-to-day liaison with third-party finance and operations vendors such as audit, tax, etc.
12. Create a culture of continuous improvement. Automate and streamline processes to enhance efficient and effective service delivery.
13. Work with the Chief Financial Officer to lead the annual operating plan and budgeting process, ensuring alignment with strategic planning and priorities. Prepare Board reporting for Chief Financial Officer review.
14. Represent Braille Institute of America at meetings and fulfill speaking engagements as assigned. Participate in internal and external committees as needed. Standing member of the Retirement Plan Management Team (RPMT) responsible for the administration of the Braille Institute of America retirement plans.
15. Occasional travel to various Braille Institute of America’s locations. Perform such other related duties as may be assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job duties.
Knowledge and Education: A Bachelor's degree and Certified Public Accountant are required; Past positions at the senior leadership level in a dynamic nonprofit organization and experience working with a Board of Directors is strongly preferred. Understanding of budgeting and accounting principles, organizational and investment policies, procedures, systems, and objectives, as well as knowledge of fiscal management and financial planning.
Skills and Abilities: The Associate Vice President of Finance and Business Operations will be an organized, strategic thinker with leadership and management skills, initiative, adaptability, and the ability to work with others in a supportive and collaborative role.
Must possess the ability to manage multiple tasks and functions simultaneously in a fast-paced environment. Excellent interpersonal skills and an open yet tactful and persuasive communicator, both verbally and in writing. Analytical yet creative with strong strategic planning skills as well as comfortable with day-to-day management, the Associate Vice President of Finance and Business Operations should be an inclusive leader who is collaborative, transparent, self-aware, and good at setting priorities and delivering timely results.
Team leadership is required and must demonstrate a clearly articulated collaborative and flexible management style that supports a positive team culture, well-being of staff, regular feedback, high performance, and employee retention. A customer-centric leader with the ability to develop and maintain effective professional working relationships at all levels of the organization is imperative.
Experience: Accounting, finance and investment experience, including prior work with investment consultants/advisors and a proven track record of financial leadership gained through increasingly responsible positions. Experienced leader with a track record of success in a complex, dynamic environment. A high level of initiative, sense of urgency, accountability, and results-oriented organizational and leadership abilities with a capacity to work independently and as part of a team. Experience with operational aspects of an organization is helpful.
Certifications/licenses: Certified Public Accountant
Work Environment: Full-time position works in a standard office environment with some hybrid work schedule available, subject to business needs (1 day per week).
Physical Requirements: Position operates with standard office equipment.
Salary range: $180,000-$195,000
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HOW TO APPLY
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