Director of Finance

NCCU Foundation, Inc. is the 501(c)(3) organization that receives private gifts and donations to support North Carolina Central University and expand educational opportunities for students and the institution.

Position Summary

The Director of Finance serves as the senior finance leader for the NCCU Foundation and is responsible for high-level financial management, including budgeting, investments, audit oversight, board reporting, and the monthly close of the Foundation’s books. The role also oversees endowment and foundation fund accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, bank reconciliations, and general ledger integrity, and ensures accurate financial reporting, stewardship of donor funds, and compliance with nonprofit accounting practices.

This position reports directly to the Interim Executive Director and partners with Foundation leadership, auditors, banking partners, and university stakeholders to ensure timely, accurate, and well-controlled financial operations.

Essential Responsibilities

• Close the monthly books and manage monthly, quarterly, and year-end close activities, including journal entries, accruals, reconciliations, and supporting schedules.
• Oversee endowment and foundation fund accounting, including restricted and unrestricted funds, donor-designated funds, and related reporting.
• Manage accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash activity, and general ledger transactions.
• Oversee monthly bank reconciliations and key balance sheet accounts in a timely manner.
• Maintain accurate financial records and support strong internal controls across Foundation accounting processes.
• Prepare financial reports, variance analyses, and schedules for leadership review and decision-making.
• Develop, manage, and monitor the Foundation’s annual operating budget in partnership with leadership and the Board.
• Prepare the monthly budget-to-actual variance report and communicate key drivers to leadership and the Board.
• Oversee Foundation investments, including monitoring investment activity and performance in coordination with investment managers and the Board.
• Prepare the endowment performance report for leadership and the Board.
• Support Board management and reporting, including preparing financial statements, schedules, and presentations for Board and committee meetings.
• Approve all bank transfers, ACH payments, and wire transfers.
• Serve as an authorized signatory for the Foundation.
• Serve as the Foundation’s primary legal contact, coordinating with legal counsel and managing contract and legal correspondence as needed.
• Develop and maintain the Foundation’s financial calendar, including close, reporting, audit, and compliance deadlines.
• Lead the annual audit process, including coordination with external auditors, preparation of workpapers and schedules, and responses to auditor requests.
• Monitor compliance with donor restrictions, Foundation policies, and applicable nonprofit accounting requirements.
• Serve as the primary or lead user for Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT and identify opportunities to improve workflows, data quality, and reporting efficiency.
• Collaborate with advancement and Foundation staff to ensure gifts, endowments, and fund activity are recorded and reported accurately.
• Supervise accounting support staff or outsourced accounting processes, if assigned, and help establish clear procedures and accountability.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field.
• Five or more years of progressive accounting experience, preferably in nonprofit, higher education, foundation, or fund accounting.
• Demonstrated experience with month-end close, budgeting, AP/AR, bank reconciliations, financial reporting, and audit support.
• Strong knowledge of nonprofit accounting, internal controls, and account reconciliation practices.
• Advanced Excel and financial systems skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation preferred.
• Experience with Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT preferred.
• Experience with endowment accounting, donor-restricted funds, and foundation operations.
• Experience in a university foundation or higher education environment.
• Supervisory experience in an accounting or finance function.
• Experience preparing audit schedules and supporting annual financial statement audits.

Core Competencies

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to manage deadlines and multiple priorities.
• Sound judgment and commitment to stewardship.
• Clear written and verbal communication.
• Analytical problem-solving skills.
• Process improvement mindset.
• Professionalism in working with confidential financial information.

Application Process: Candidates selected for consideration will be asked to complete a brief skills assessment as part of our hiring process.

Pay: $130,000.00 - $175,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $130,000 - $175,000