Director of Finance and Operations

About the role

Clay Art Center seeks a Director of Finance & Operations to oversee financial management, administrative systems, human resources, technology, facilities, and organizational operations. Reporting to the Executive Director, this senior leadership position ensures the financial health, operational effectiveness, and long‑term sustainability of the organization, supporting future growth and a major facility expansion. The position is based onsite at Clay Art Center, Port Chester, NY.

Responsibilities

• Lead financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and financial reporting.
• Prepare quarterly and annual financial statements and analyses for the Executive Director, Finance Committee, and Board of Directors.
• Develop and monitor organizational budgets in collaboration with department leaders.
• Manage accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and banking relationships.
• Oversee annual audit preparation and serve as primary liaison to auditors.
• Ensure compliance with grant requirements; create grant budgets and financial reports in partnership with the Development Director.
• Monitor financial performance and provide recommendations to support organizational sustainability and growth.
• Support financial planning and reporting related to the organization's capital expansion efforts.
• Oversee HR functions, including onboarding, benefits selection, employee policies, personnel records, compliance and Professional Employer Organization (PEO) relationship.
• Maintain and update employee handbook, organizational policies, and operational procedures.
• Ensure compliance with employment laws and nonprofit best practices.
• Provide project management support and guidance to Studio Manager for building maintenance and capital improvement projects of the current facility.
• Support operational planning for the organization's future expansion and capital project.
• Oversee necessary upgrades to software and hardware; identify opportunities to improve efficiency through technology and process improvements.
• Oversee database systems and upgrades.

Qualifications

• Experience in finance and operations management.
• Strong knowledge of nonprofit accounting principles and financial reporting.
• Experience with QuickBooks, Salesforce and Microsoft Office/Google Workspace a plus.
• Experience managing budgets and financial systems.

Skills

• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication abilities.

Benefits

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Matching 401(k) plan
• Opportunities for free ceramics classes and studio access

Pay

Salary: $85,000 – $90,000 annually (commensurate with experience and qualifications).

Schedule

Hours: 40 hours per week, onsite. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required for events and gallery openings.