Background:

For over 150 years, Congregation Beth Elohim (“CBE”) has been one of Brooklyn’s largest and most influential Reform Jewish synagogue.  Based in Park Slope Brooklyn, CBE’s membership has grown significantly over the years, currently exceeding 1100+ households.  CBE is a thriving, community-based place of worship dedicated to honoring Jewish traditions–a place of learning, a place to socialize, a place to celebrate and a place to actively engage with the world.

CBE responds to the demands of its multi-generational community and expands the notion of what it means to be a large urban synagogue in the 21^st century.  A pioneer in modern Jewish education, CBE provides Jewish education to nearly 500 students and through myriad adult learning programs.   CBE also serves the broader neighborhood through its Early Childhood programs, summer camp programs, and afterschool programs.  In addition, CBE’s vibrant campus houses programs in worship, learning, and service.  As a hub for its members and the surrounding community, CBE also engages the greater public in issues related to literature, art and Israel, convening intellectual conversation and encouraging community action.   It is a synagogue center energizing and enriching the Jewish community through study, ritual and acts of loving kindness.

The Position:

Congregation Beth Elohim is seeking a dynamic individual to serve as its new Director of Finance and Administration.  Reporting to the Executive Director and accountable to the Treasurer of the Board, this person will be responsible for the day-to-day financial management and accounting functions for CBE, and will assist the Treasurer (Officer of the Board), the Executive Director, and the members of the Audit and Finance Committees in budgeting, financial reporting, and administrative functions.  Supported by a [5 person] team, this person plays a key role in organizational decision-making by providing a balanced picture of the organization’s finances, identifying where the problems might lie and what actions may need to be taken.

The successful candidate must be a highly skilled and experienced financial executive who has held significant management positions for a number of years, particularly for nonprofits or religious institutions.  This person is a strategic thinker with a collaborative management style who is thoroughly familiar with generally accepted accounting principles.  The Director of Finance and Administration has strong interpersonal skills, excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to address and solve problems or issues as they arise. In addition, this person will be diplomatic, of the highest integrity, and possesses sound judgment as well as a sense of humor.

Responsibilities include:

• Collaborate with the Executive Director to set long and short-term financial objectives including the annual budget development and monitoring processes.
• Manage the daily accounting and reporting functions, including the billing and collection of the accounts receivable; supervise the accounts payable and purchasing systems, establishing and enforcing proper controls and procedures.
• Serve as a resource for the Board Treasurer and the Executive Director, counseling and partnering with them on matters of fiscal control, regulatory compliance and monthly budget review meetings.
• Oversee compilation of information necessary to complete the annual audits.
• Prepare financial reports for the Board of Directors and the appropriate committees, including the Finance, Audit, and Investment Committees.
• Manage financial reporting functions including the preparation of financial statements, forecasting, cash flow, actual vs. budget reports & analyses; develop effective fiscal policies, systems and procedures for financial management, reporting and auditing.
• Analyze employee benefit plan, health insurance, and deferred compensation options.
• Manage annual insurance (property, casualty and liability, and D&O) renewals and claims reporting.
• Ensure all finance policies and procedures are documented, communicated and reflective of current practices and comply with all federal, state and local rules and regulations for New York and other states as appropriate.