Assistant Director of Finance

The Joseph Slifka Center for Jewish Life at Yale is seeking an Assistant Director of Finance to help lead and strengthen its financial operations. As a key partner to the Director of Finance, this full-time exempt position plays a critical role in managing a $3.5M operating budget , ensuring accuracy, compliance, and strategic alignment across the organization.

We are a team-driven, service-oriented, and highly collaborative environment committed to creating vibrant and sustainable Jewish life at Yale. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, intellectually curious, proactive, and thrives in a fast-paced nonprofit setting.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management & Accounting

• Support daily accounting operations, including A/P, A/R, bank deposits, online donations, and online banking review.
• Perform monthly reconciliations (bank accounts, GL accounts, donor funds) and ensure accuracy across all systems.
• Track donor-restricted net assets, endowment balances, earnings, and quarterly investment activity.
• Prepare internal and external financial reports.

Controls, Compliance & Process Improvement

• Maintain and strengthen internal controls, financial policies, and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with all IRS, State of Connecticut, Federal and other regulations; prepare and file required reports.
• Identify operational improvement opportunities and implement best practices across the finance department.

Strategic Finance & Organizational Support

• Partner with the Director of Finance and senior leadership to align financial strategy with organizational goals.
• Participate in the annual budgeting process and maintain budgets within Sage Intacct.
• Support year-end close and work with the external auditor during audit.

Payroll, Benefits & HR-Related Support

• Manage bi-weekly payroll through Hillel International’s system, including onboarding of new employees.
• Maintain accurate payroll, benefits, and HR-related records.

Stakeholder & Vendor Relations

• Build and maintain strong relationships with vendors, software providers, and regulatory agencies.
• Serve as a financial liaison to Yale entities.
• Provide financial oversight and support to student organizations for which Slifka acts as fiscal intermediary.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field.
• Master’s degree or 5 years of managerial experience in finance.
• 6–8 years of relevant experience, preferably in the nonprofit sector.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and nonprofit accounting principles.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and cloud-based ERP systems (preferably Sage Intacct, Bill, or Blackbaud).
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and work effectively in a diverse community.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with endowment accounting and donor-restricted net assets.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to partner with leadership and staff.

What You’ll Receive

• Competitive nonprofit-sector salary 80k-105k commensurate with experience
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, Group Supplemental Retirement Annuity (GSRA),Pension plan, life insurance, Long Term Disability (LTD), Flexible Spending Plan, generous vacation/sick time, and parental leave
• Professional development, mentoring, and ongoing skill-building opportunities.
• Access to select Yale programs, services, and amenities.

A supportive, mission-driven culture that values people, teamwork, and innovation.