Director of Finance

Jean Appolon Expressions (JAE) seeks an experienced Non Profit Accountant to serve as its Finance Director. JAE is a Haitian-led contemporary dance company whose mission is to celebrate, nurture, and empower a global community by sharing the liberating power of Haitian Folkloric dance.

Based in Boston, MA—home to one of the largest populations of Haitian immigrants—JAE proudly works toward uplifting and preserving Haitian Folkloric culture while fostering healing and the joy of movement among people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.

In the 10 years since its founding, JAE has grown to serve more than 3,500 community members. As JAE prepares to significantly expand its programming and footprint in the coming years, JAE’s Finance Director will play a critical role in helping the organization prepare for its next stage of growth.

The Founder

The Artistic Director and Co-founder of Jean Appolon Expressions, Jean Appolon is a successful choreographer and teacher based in Boston and Port-au-Prince, Haiti. He received his earliest training and performance opportunities in Port-au-Prince with the Viviane Gauthier Dance Company and the Folkloric Ballet of Haiti. Appolon continued his dance education in the U.S. with Alvin Ailey American

Dance Theater and the Joffrey American Ballet School, graduating with a BA in 2003 from a joint degree program at The New School. Appolon teaches regularly at Boston Ballet, The Dance Complex (Cambridge, MA), and the University of Massachusetts Boston, among other locations. Appolon was recently inducted into the 1804 List of Haitian American Changemakers in the U.S.

Organizational Background

Since its founding in 2013, JAE has been fortunate to have the support of funders such as the Barr Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, and The Boston Foundation. Most recently, multi-year grants from the City of Boston and the Barr Foundation have enabled the organization to prepare for its next milestone, a permanent home in Nubian Square. JAE’s work is guided by a strong Board of Directors, representing diverse backgrounds and a variety of skills. In addition, JAE relies on a group of talented and diverse Advisors who provide strategic guidance to the organization. JAE aims to continue expanding its staffing and program offerings even further to meet the growing demand from BIPOC communities for arts programs that promote health and healing.

Position Description

As the Finance Director, reporting directly to the Executive Director, you will be responsible for bringing the organization through the next phase of its growth and expansion. This role will develop, and grow along with the organization. The Finance Director will implement the Financial and HR systems needed to support the organization now and in future years. The Finance Director will continue building, managing, and streamlining systems to support non-profit finance, accounting, human resources (HR) Information Technology (IT), and continuing compliance in all aspects of state and federal systems. The Finance Director must be a strategic and disciplined thinker who will provide strong, innovative financial stewardship, grants management, account management, and fiscal oversight as the organization builds out and moves into its new studio and office space in Nubian Square. The Finance Director will also be expected to serve on the Board’s Finance Committee and may be asked to attend Board committees such as Governance and Development as necessary.

This is a City of Boston-based, full-time, salaried position with competitive salary and employee benefits. It is anticipated that work will be a hybrid of in-studio and remote working with attendance at major events on some evenings and weekends during the year.

Responsibilities

As a key member of the leadership team, the Finance Director will contribute to the organization’s strategic goals and operations, including ensuring financial and organizational stability and sustainability in a time of unprecedented growth as the organization moves into its own space in Nubian Square and looks to develop programs internationally in the DR and Haiti.

Finance & Accounting

• Manage all business office operations including budgeting, accounting, financial modeling and analysis, payroll, human resources, risk management, employee benefits, cash management, and contract administrations.
• Develop, and implement best practices and internal controls in financial management and reporting that ensures the financial health and stability of the organization.
• In accordance with ‘Generally Accepted Accounting Principles’ perform day-to-day accounting including banking A/R, A/P, and asset management and general ledger accountant duties, including month-end closing activities and balance sheet reconciliations as well as analysis of account payables and account receivables.
• Prepare Monthly Financials reports for the Board Finance Committee
• Manage short and long-term cash flow requirements and capital commitments.
• Prepare for and manage the annual external audit including timely preparation of schedules and documentation.
• Manage all legal and compliance standards for grants, foundations, and major gift management
• Manage banking and lease agreements and capital funding and acquisitions.

Legal & Insurance

• Manage, update, and file all relevant Nonprofit, organization, and solicitation-related reports and details with the State(s) and Federal government on a timely basis.
• Register in additional states as needed for solicitation and maintain timely reporting and re-registrations as needed.
• Work with outside legal counsel and Executive Director on all legal matters pertaining to contracts, the new building, and HR policies and visas for non-US citizens as needed.
• Work with the Executive Director to ensure all relevant insurances and new building insurances are pertinent and up to date.

HR Related Functions

• Manage HR Policies and documentation for the organization
• Ensure the organization remains in compliance with State (MA & FL) & Federal laws and regulations
• Manage the ADP payroll system, Employee Benefits, and tracking of PTO and sick time as required.
• Ensure timely distribution of annual employee and independent contractor contracts and ongoing monthly contract addendums
• Ensure timely distribution and filing of annual Federal and State tax forms- W2 and 1099s.
• Manage the recruitment, hiring, and onboarding process.
• Manage and schedule all annual and other contractual staff reviews.

DESIRED SKILLS, ATTRIBUTESThe qualified candidate must be:

• Experienced in Non-Profit Management and Accounting, grants management, and Non-Profit legal compliance.
• Passionate about arts and the mission of JAE.
• Highly reliable hands-on manager with integrity and strong ethics.
• A self-motivated quick learner, with the desire to work in a dynamic, agile team and mission-driven environment.
• A persuasive communicator who leads by example and can work effectively and collaboratively.
• Have experience working with MA State and or City of Boston regulators on community development, building safety, and maintenance.
• Exceptionally organized and accurate, with the ability to plan, set achievable goals, and follow through effectively and with attention to detail.
• Discreet in handling confidential information.
• Knowledge of Creole, French and or Spanish a bonus.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of a Bachelors’ degree in accounting, finance, or nonprofit administration.
• 10 years of Non-profit accounting experience with demonstrated excellence in managing Finance, Accounting, Budgeting development, Capital development, and HR.
• Knowledge of MA State and Federal HR laws and best practices
• Broad technical knowledge of information business systems and CRM
• Experience in managing capital campaigns
• Experience in managing brick-and-mortar office and studio space.

How To Apply: Cover letter and resume to Liz Smith, Finance & HR Director, accounting@jeanappolonexpressions.org

Please use "name/title" as the subject line for your submission. No phone calls, please.

Apply by: April 26, 2024

Salary: Competitive with health, dental, and retirement benefits

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Experience level:

• 10 years

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Boston, MA