Director of Finance And Accounting

Job Title: Director of Finance

Reports to: Executive Director

Job Level: Management

Position Overview:

The Director of Finance (DF) serves as the Virginia Education Association’s (VEA) Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, functioning as the principal financial advisor and steward of the organization’s resources. In the NEA system, this position is equivalent to the State Business Manager. The DF provides strategic financial leadership, oversees all accounting and finance functions, and ensures the integrity, compliance, and sustainability of VEA’s financial operations.

The DF also serves as the staff liaison and financial administrator for key committees and programs, including:

• Pension, Budget, Investment, and Audit Committees
• Administration of Pension, 401K, and health/insurance benefit plans
• Beblon Parks Scholarship Fund (Treasurer and account signatory)
• VEA Foundation, Rosa Lee Guard Fund, and VEA Fund (CFO and account signatory)
• Lobbying Ethics Council Officer
• Oversight of annual audit processes

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Manage and develop the accounting and finance staff.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide expert financial guidance to the VEA Board of Directors, Executive Director, Budget Committee, and officers.
• Serve as a member of the executive management team, contributing to organizational strategy and leadership.
• Oversee accounting operations, budget development and execution, dues accounting, political action committee accounting, and other business functions, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Develop, implement, and monitor financial policies and procedures to protect organizational assets and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Prepare and present short- and long-term financial forecasts, budget vs. actual reports, and other analyses to guide decision-making.
• Coordinate annual audits and tax filings for VEA, its political action committees, pension plans, and associated entities.
• Maintain relationships with financial institutions, auditors, actuaries, consultants, vendors, IRS, and other relevant parties.
• Advise and support UniServ offices and local affiliates on financial management and administrative operations; conduct financial reviews as requested.
• Ensure adequate insurance coverage for VEA assets and manage relationships with insurance providers.
• Administer pension and retirement plans, including participant communications, compliance filings, and monitoring of 401K plan activities.
• Implement investment policies for reserve accounts under guidance from the Financial Investment Committee.
• Recommend and implement process and system improvements for financial operations.
• Design and maintain internal controls to safeguard assets and ensure compliance with laws and regulations.
• Administer the VEA TOP grant program and manage multi-year or restricted fund accounting.
• Support collective bargaining negotiations by analyzing financial impacts of proposals.
• Maintain records, filings, and tax compliance for affiliated funds and scholarship programs.
• Coordinate with legal counsel on pension, tax, and other financial matters affecting the organization.
• Ensure annual registration with the Virginia State Corporation Commission for all entities.

• Exceptional organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong oral and written communication, with the ability to present complex financial information to diverse audiences.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel required) and accounting software; experience with Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to coach and mentor staff.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with a Board of Directors, executives, staff, and external stakeholders.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting required; CPA strongly preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of progressive financial management experience, preferably in a non-profit environment.
• At least 5 years of experience preparing organizational financial statements.
• Demonstrated expertise in accounting, budgeting, financial management, and related operations.
• Experience managing a unionized workforce is a plus.

Other Requirements:

• Occasional travel and evening/weekend work.
• Valid driver’s license required.