Director of Budgets

Key Responsibilities & Essential Functions

• Lead the development of annual operating and program budgets across all government-funded programs.
• Align budgets with strategic initiatives, contract deliverables, and program expansion efforts.
• Develop multi-year financial forecasts incorporating funding renewals, rate changes, and program growth.
• Ensure staffing models and program structures are financially sustainable and aligned with funder expectations.
• Funder Budget Management & Regulatory Compliance
• Oversee the preparation, submission, and modification of budgets within PASSPort and other funder-specific systems.
• Maintain adherence to NYC and federal cost principles, including 2 CFR Part 200 (Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards).
• Review and approve budget justifications to ensure costs are allowable, allocable, and reasonable.
• Monitor indirect cost rate applications and cost allocation methodologies in accordance with federal and city guidelines.
• Audit, Comptroller & Financial Oversight
• Serve as the primary budget liaison during audits conducted by the New York City Comptroller's Office, funders, and independent auditors.
• Ensure full audit readiness, including: Supporting documentation for all budgeted and expended costs, Clear audit trails aligned with PASSPort submissions and general ledger data, Compliance with procurement, timekeeping, and cost allocation standards.
• Partner with Finance and Compliance teams to respond to audit findings, corrective action plans (CAPs), and fiscal monitoring reviews.
• Ensure timely resolution of disallowances, questioned costs, and audit recommendations.
• Financial Monitoring, Reporting & Controls
• Monitor expenditures against approved budgets and contract ceilings; identify variances and implement corrective actions.
• Develop and present monthly and quarterly financial reports to executive leadership and program teams.
• Establish internal controls to ensure compliance with city, state, and federal fiscal requirements.
• Support revenue maximization by ensuring accurate billing, expense tracking, and contract utilization.
• Cross-Functional Leadership & Collaboration
• Partner with Program Directors and operations teams to align financial planning with service delivery requirements.
• Collaborate with HR to ensure staffing budgets reflect approved headcounts, salary structures, and fringe allocations.
• Work closely with Compliance, Legal, and Grants teams to ensure contracts, budgets, and expenditures align with regulatory requirements.
• Provide financial guidance for program design, contract negotiations, and operational decision-making.
• Risk Management & Continuous Improvement
• Identify financial and compliance risks related to government funding and implement mitigation strategies.
• Strengthen internal processes to improve audit outcomes, fiscal monitoring results, and overall financial performance.
• Lead initiatives to enhance financial systems integration, reporting accuracy, and budget transparency.
• Team Leadership & Capacity Building
• Supervise budgeting staff and financial analysts.
• Train program and leadership staff on NYC and federal budgeting requirements, including PASSPort processes and audit expectations.
• Promote a culture of fiscal accountability, compliance, and operational excellence.

Communication

• Communicates verbally and in writing in a professional manner at all times.
• Attends staff meetings, training, and supervisory sessions as required.
• Responds to all communications including telephone, email and other oral and written inquiries in a timely manner.

Qualifications, Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive experience in budgeting, government contracts, or nonprofit finance.
• Demonstrated experience managing NYC government contracts and budgets (DHS, OMH, DOHMH strongly preferred).
• Direct experience with PASSPort, NYC Comptroller audits, and federal grant compliance (2 CFR Part 200) required.

Skills & Competencies

• Enhanced knowledge of: NYC procurement and financial systems (PASSPort), NYC Comptroller audit standards and fiscal monitoring practices, Federal Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200), Cost allocation methodologies and indirect cost rate applications.
• Strong financial modeling, forecasting, and variance analysis skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and financial systems (ERP platforms).
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• High level of integrity, attention to detail, and accountability.
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, compliance-driven environment.
• Collaborative leadership style with the ability to work independently and cross-functional teams.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Excel).
• Ability to work effectively with multiple stakeholders (e.g. funders, employers, colleagues).

Desired Characteristics

• May be required to work a flexible schedule including weekends, holidays, and evenings.
• Ability to use public transportation to visit various sites within the five boroughs and other areas.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop, push, pull, lift (up to 25 lbs.).
• Desire to perform the essential functions of this job.