Director of Finance and Accounting

ABOUT US

Kripalu Center is the largest yoga and wellness retreat center in the US. Kripalu is a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to serving people and communities in realizing their full potential through the transformative wisdom and practice of Yoga. Rooted in yoga, mindfulness and holistic wellness, Kripalu creates pathways for personal and collective transformation through experiential learning. Kripalu’s campus is in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts

Kripalu offers a wide range of experiences for guests, ranging from day passes to multi day programs and including signature programming and training developed by Kripalu, online programs, multi-day group events, and programming delivered by visiting talent (thought leaders, presenters, and luminaries).

Kripalu is committed to being an employer and community that prioritizes creating a sense of belonging for all employees, presenters, and guests. We seek employees eager to join us as we evolve as a team that embodies timeless yogic principles and present day practices of leadership and accountability.

Position Summary We are seeking a strategic and results-driven Director of Finance and Accounting to lead and oversee the financial and accounting operations of our organization. This leadership role involves managing financial planning, budgeting, reporting, and compliance while ensuring the efficiency and effectiveness of the organization’s financial operations. The ideal candidate will have exceptional leadership skills, technical expertise in accounting principles, and a strong business acumen to drive financial success.

Key Accountabilities:

Strategic Financial Leadership:

• Develop and implement financial strategies aligned with the organization's goals and objectives.
• Provide insights and recommendations to senior leadership to support strategic decision-making.

Financial Reporting and Compliance:

• Lead financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and compliance.
• Develop and oversee the annual budget process in collaboration with leadership.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports for the Senior Leadership Team, Board of Directors, and banking partners.
• Ensure compliance with nonprofit accounting standards (GAAP), audit requirements, and tax filings (e.g., Form 990).
• Coordinate and support the annual financial statement audit, including preparation of schedules and documentation and collaboration with external auditors.
• Manage cash flow, investments, and endowment funds to ensure financial stability.
• Oversee grant management, including financial tracking, compliance, and reporting.
• Report with urgency unusual transactions or balances to immediate supervisor

Budgeting and Forecasting:

• Lead the preparation of the annual budget - collaborating with department heads to ensure alignment with organizational goals.
• Prepare and present financial forecasts, analyzing variances and providing actionable insights.
• Lead the preparation of the monthly management reporting package.

Accounting Operations:

• Oversee the accounting functions, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll.
• Ensure a timely and efficient month-end, and year-end closing processes.
• Maintain and enhance internal controls to safeguard assets and ensure accuracy of financial data.

Team Leadership and Development:

• Lead, mentor, and support the finance and accounting team, providing guidance to promote professional development, collaboration, and the effective achievement of departmental responsibilities, priorities, and goals.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, professional growth, and collaboration.
• Continuous professional growth in accounting processes and leadership tools and methods.

Cash Flow and Treasury Management:

• Monitor cash flow, ensuring optimal liquidity and effective management of working capital.
• Serve as a key point of contact for banking relationships and external investment advisors.

System Optimization and Process Improvement:

• Identify opportunities to improve financial systems, tools, and processes to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
• Partner with IT and other departments to implement financial technology solutions.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Work closely with program, operations, revenue-generating, and other departments to support organizational initiatives and ensure alignment with financial objectives.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to the Senior Leadership Team on finance and accounting matters.

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• MBA or CPA designation strongly preferred.

Experience:

• 10+ years of progressive experience in finance and accounting, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, financial reporting, and compliance requirements.
• Experience in finance, budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning.
• Proven success in leading audits and implementing internal controls.

Skills:

• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Advanced proficiency with Workday Adaptive Planning, OfficeConnect, Microsoft Excel, and ERP systems; experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities.

Kripalu is deeply committed to diversity in all forms; we are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate in employment and personnel practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, military status, national origin, age, disability or genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

This position is not eligible for sponsorship and Kripalu is unable to support a optional or curricular practical training (OPT/CPT) program. Kripalu is interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States.