Job Description

The Role

Location: Boston, Massachusetts

Reports to: Chief Financial Officer

Position Summary

Urban Edge (UE) is seeking a mission-driven, hands-on, and strategic financial leader to serve as its Director of Finance. Reporting to the long-tenured Chief Financial Officer (CFO), the Director of Finance will oversee the organization’s accounting operations, financial reporting, budgeting, and compliance functions while supporting real estate development and asset management activities.

This position is designed as a key leadership role and successor position to the CFO, who plans to transition within two to three years. The Director of Finance will be mentored by the CFO and gain exposure to all aspects of UE’s financial management, strategic planning, board and committee relations in preparation for assuming the top financial leadership position.

The ideal candidate is an experienced finance professional who brings both strong technical accounting skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, senior leadership, lenders, auditors, and public partners. The Director of Finance will be an integral part of a collegial, mission-driven team dedicated to preserving and expanding affordable housing and economic opportunity in Boston’s neighborhoods.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management and Oversight

• Oversee day-to-day accounting operations, including general ledger maintenance, accounts payable and receivable, bank reconciliations, and payroll, ensuring compliance with GAAP and nonprofit standards.
• Supervise and support the Controller and Accounting Manager, fostering professional growth and maintaining a high-performing finance team.
• Ensure accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting across multiple entities, including real estate partnerships and the parent nonprofit.
• Lead the development and monitoring of organizational and project budgets in collaboration with the CFO, CEO, and department heads.
• Manage cash flow projections, bank relationships, and financing activities in partnership with the CFO.
• Support the annual audit process and the preparation of Form 990 and other required filings.
• Real Estate and Asset Management Support
• Partner with the Real Estate team to manage accounting for development projects, including capitalization of costs, tracking of financing sources, and compliance with tax credit and grant requirements.
• Provide financial analysis for refinancing, asset repositioning, and other asset management activities.
• Assist in maintaining fiscal compliance and reporting related to affordable housing developments, including HUD, LIHTC, and city/state funding programs.

Strategic Financial Leadership

• Work closely with the CFO to identify and implement process improvements, automation, and internal control enhancements.
• Participate in long-range financial planning and scenario analysis to support Urban Edge’s strategic priorities.
• Present financial information and analysis to the Finance and Audit Committees of the Board of Directors, clearly communicating key insights and trends.
• Serve as a financial liaison to external partners, including lenders, auditors, public funding agencies and investors.

Leadership and Collaboration

• Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships across departments, providing financial insight and problem-solving support to colleagues at all levels.
• Promote a culture of transparency, teamwork, and continuous improvement within the finance function.
• Uphold and advance Urban Edge’s mission, values, and commitment to equity and community impact.

Candidate Profile:

Professional Experience:

• Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive experience in nonprofit, affordable housing, or real estate finance and accounting.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and nonprofit accounting principles.
• Supervisory experience managing accounting or finance staff.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to translate complex financial concepts for non-financial audiences.
• Prior experience working with auditors, funders, and governmental agencies.
• Proficiency with financial management systems and advanced Excel skills.

Personal Attributes:

• Deep commitment to Urban Edge’s mission and the communities it serves.
• Collaborative, flexible, and approachable leadership style.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to thrive in a collegial, long-tenured, and supportive workplace.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to balance day-to-day operational excellence with long-term organizational planning.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• CPA certification or advanced degree in accounting, finance, or related field preferred.

Compensation:

• $140,000 to $170,000

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