Job Description
The salary range is based on several factors, including, but not limited to, overall experience, relevant experience, education level, certifications, applicable skills, and expertise.
Join UP! We are lighting the path home, one person at a time.
About Urban Pathways
Since 1975, Urban Pathways has remained steadfast in its commitment to addressing homelessness in New York City. We serve some of the city’s most vulnerable residents—individuals living on the streets or in environments unfit for human habitation—by “lighting the path home, one person at a time.”At the heart of our work is a Housing First approach. We recognize that secure housing is the essential foundation upon which individuals can rebuild their lives. Through a diverse portfolio of housing and programmatic services, we meet people where they are, delivering personalized, person-centered support that empowers each individual to reclaim stability, dignity, and their vision of a better future. Urban Pathways is both a service provider and a catalyst for transformative change, grounded in equity, inclusion, and respect for every person we serve.
Job Summary
Reporting directly to the CEO, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a key member of the Executive Leadership Team and is responsible for the strategic, operational, and cultural leadership of all financial functions across a complex, multi-site, government-funded nonprofit organization.The CFO ensures financial sustainability, regulatory compliance, operational excellence, and data-driven decision-making, while aligning financial strategy with Urban Pathways’ mission, growth priorities, and person-centered service model.This role requires a hands-on, strategic leader who can operate effectively in a highly regulated, multi-revenue-stream environment, while simultaneously modernizing systems, strengthening infrastructure, and supporting organizational scale and impact.The CFO will be an active listener, provide high-quality customer service, and respond by exhibiting cross-cultural awareness with the ability to promote and contribute to an equitable and inclusive anti-racist organizational culture and environment.
Key Responsibilities & Essential Functions
Financial Leadership & Strategy
- Serve as a strategic advisor to the CEO, Executive Leadership Team, and Board of Directors on all financial matters.
- Develop and execute short- and long-term financial strategies that support organizational growth, sustainability, and mission impact.
- Lead enterprise-wide financial planning, including annual budgets, multi-year forecasts, capital planning, and scenario modeling tied to program expansion and policy changes.
- Translate complex financial data into clear, actionable insights for non-financial leaders.
- Align financial strategy with organizational priorities, including service outcomes and organizational goals.
Financial Management, Budgeting & Reporting
- Oversee all financial operations including budgeting, forecasting, reporting, audit coordination, and internal controls.
- Manage a multi-million-dollar budget across 20+ sites and diverse funding streams
- Own the annual budgeting process and implement rolling forecasts with variance analysis at both organizational and program levels.
- Deliver accurate, timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports in accordance with GAAP and funder requirements.
- Build dashboards, KPIs, and reporting tools that enhance transparency and decision-making.
- Ensure continuous audit readiness and oversee preparation of financial statements and supporting documentation.
- Oversee financial management and reporting for affiliated entities and limited partnerships, including real estate holdings and supportive housing portfolios.
- Manage partnership accounting, including allocations, and investor calculations.
Government Funding, Grants & Revenue Cycle Management
- Oversee financial administration of federal, state, and NYC government contracts, grants, and private funding.
- Manage reimbursement-based revenue cycles, billing processes, and receivables; improve drawdown timing and reduce aged receivables.
- Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements, including grant restrictions, indirect cost allocations, and reporting obligations.
- Partner with program and development teams on grant budgets, cost modeling, and pricing strategies for new programs.
Systems, Infrastructure & Transformation
- Lead modernization of financial systems (e.g., Financial Edge), including implementation, integration with HRIS and grants systems, and change management.
- Design and optimize workflows across procure-to-pay, grant reporting, and financial close processes.
- Strengthen financial infrastructure, internal controls, and policy frameworks in a distributed, multi-site environment.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives to increase efficiency, accuracy, and scalability.
Strategic Planning & Organizational Capacity Building
- Partner with executive leadership to support organizational growth, program expansion, and operational scaling.
- Identify opportunities for efficiency, innovation, and improved service delivery through financial insights.
- Support infrastructure and staffing models that align with programmatic needs and long-term sustainability.
- Lead special projects that enhance financial transparency, operational effectiveness, and impact.
Compliance, Risk Management & Governance
- Ensure full compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, as well as funder requirements.
- Oversee risk management related to financial operations and internal controls.
- Lead external audits and serve as the primary liaison with auditors, financial institutions, and consultants.
- Implement corrective actions and continuously strengthen compliance processes.
- Serve as staff lead to the Board Finance Committee, preparing high-quality materials and presenting insights.
- Ensure compliance with partnership agreements, investor requirements, regulations, and applicable housing finance programs.
- Coordinate audits, tax filings, and investor reporting for all partnership entities.
Leadership & Team Development
- Lead, mentor, and develop a finance team (approx. 8 staff), fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and excellence.
- Establish clear service standards, roles, and performance expectations.
- Drive succession planning, staff engagement, and professional development.
- Partner cross-functionally with program, HR, and development teams.
- Promote a culture of equity and inclusion throughout financial operations and organizational practices.
Performs all other duties as assigned and as required.
Qualifications, Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s Degree Required, master’s degree or CPA strongly preferred.
- Minimum of 10 years of progressive financial leadership experience, preferably within nonprofit, healthcare, human services, or government-funded environments.
- Experience overseeing multi-site financial operations and organizational growth initiatives.
- Strong knowledge of government grants, contracts, and reimbursement methodologies.
- Solid experience working with Boards of Directors and Board committees required.
- Experience in housing, homelessness services, or Housing First models.
- Familiarity with NYC funding agencies and regulatory landscape.
- Experience with real estate accounting, limited partnerships, and financing structures.
- Experience leading financial system implementations or transformations.
Skills & Competencies
- Strategic thinking with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to balance big-picture strategy with hands-on execution.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate financial data for diverse audiences.
- Results-oriented, proactive, and accountable leadership style.
- Strong project management and organizational skills in complex environments.
- High integrity, sound judgment, and commitment to mission-driven work.
- Ability to maintain operations while driving transformation.
- Collaborative, inclusive leadership approach with strong interpersonal skills.
- Bi/Multi-lingual a plus.
Capabilities
- May be required to work a flexible schedule including weekends, holidays, and evenings.
- Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop, push, pull, lift (up to 25 lbs.).
- Desire to perform the essential functions of this job.
- Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Urban Pathways offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well-being and professional growth of our employees.
These benefits include:
- Healthcare Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans to keep you and your family in good health.
- Retirement Savings: A 403(b) plan and a 401(a) with employer annual contribution to help you plan for a secure financial future.
- Paid Time Off: Generous paid time off, including vacation, holidays, and personal days.
- Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning and professional development to enhance your skills and advance your career.
- Flexible Work Arrangements: Work-life balance is important to us, and we offer flexible work arrangements to accommodate your needs.
- Wellness Programs: Employee wellness programs, including fitness initiatives and mental health support.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services for personal or work-related issues.
- Employee Recognition: Recognition programs to celebrate and reward outstanding contributions.