Director of Finance

Position Summary:

Build East Baton Rouge (Build EBR) is seeking a strategic, detail-oriented Director of Finance to lead the agency’s financial operations. This role manages all budgeting, accounting, compliance, contract management, and financial planning for redevelopment initiatives, spanning operating budgets, grant funding, construction projects, and real estate transactions. The Director will ensure strong internal controls, lead the annual audit, oversee financial systems, and build foundational policies and procedures for a growing public agency. This role offers the potential to evolve into a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) position as the organization expands. 

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Oversight & Budgeting

• Lead the annual budgeting and multi-year forecasting processes for both agency operations and redevelopment initiatives
• Prepare and manage budgets for capital improvement projects, acquisitions, and construction
• Develop financial models, analyze cost structures, and provide actionable insights to optimize portfolio performance
• Monitor cash flow and expenditures, ensuring sustainability across public, private, and grantbased funding sources
• Provide regular financial reports to the CEO, COO, board members, and funders 

Financial Reporting & Analysis

• Prepare and present monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports
• Track key performance indicators, analyze project-level costs and risks, and assess return on investment
• Maintain audit-ready documentation for all revenue sources and transactions
• Ensure all reporting complies with GAAP, grant regulations, and legal standards

Accounting & Internal Controls

• Serve as the agency’s in-house accountant, maintaining the chart of accounts and general ledger
• Manage day-to-day accounting functions including reconciliations, journal entries, receivables, and payables
• Develop and implement financial policies, procedures, and internal controls
• Coordinate with external accounting firms or consultants when needed Audit & Compliance
• Lead the annual audit process, working closely with external auditors and internal teams to provide data and documentation
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local reporting requirements, including grants, tax filings, and procurement rules
• Track all funding sources (Philanthropic grants, federal, state, and local grants, tax credits, investments, tax-increment financing, donations, etc.) to ensure regulatory compliance 

Real Estate & Construction Finance

• Oversee financials for land acquisition, property sales, leases, and construction projects
• Coordinate disbursements, contractor payments, and cost-to-completion tracking
• Support financial closings, cash flow projections, and funder compliance related to capital projects

Contract Management

• Track all contracts to ensure timely renewal, review, and compliance with terms
• Ensure contracted services are received before payments are authorized
• Monitor incoming revenue from third-party contracts to ensure BBR receives funds owed
• Maintain a central contract calendar and alert relevant staff of key deadlines and deliverables

Strategic Financial Planning

• Lead long-term financial planning aligned with organizational and redevelopment goals
• Assess financial feasibility of new programs, projects, and funding models
• Develop risk management strategies to protect against market volatility, project delays, or funding gaps

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Manage and mentor financial staff, including analysts, accountants, and/or administrative support
• Promote strong collaboration across teams including real estate, planning, development, construction and external partners
• Foster a high-performance culture with accountability and transparency

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required
• Master’s degree and professional certifications (e.g., CPA, CFA) strongly preferred.

Experience:

• At least 5-10 years of experience in financial management, operations, or real estate development, with a strong track record of managing large, complex redevelopment projects.
• Experience in public-private partnerships, real estate finance, or urban renewal is highly preferred.
• Demonstrated expertise in financial modeling, budgeting, cost management, and cash flow analysis. 

Skills & Competencies:

• Advanced proficiency in financial analysis, modeling, and reporting tools (e.g., Excel, QuickBooks, SAP, etc.).
• Deep understanding of GAAP, fund accounting, and internal controls
• Strong organizational, leadership, project management, and communication skills
• Ability to build systems from the ground up in a mission-driven environment
• Knowledge of construction and redevelopment processes, including budgeting and financial considerations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial information to diverse audiences.
• Ability to build relationships and work collaboratively with both internal teams and external partners, including government agencies, developers, and investors.

Work Environment:

• Office-based with optional hybrid work as approved by the CEO
• Occasional travel to project sites, partner meetings, or conferences
• Some evening or weekend work may be required for deadlines or board meetings
• Travel may be required for site evaluations or to attend financial or industry-related meetings and conferences.

Compensation

• Salary Range: $90,000 – $120,000, commensurate with experience
• Benefits include health insurance, paid leave, retirement contributions, and professional development support