Director of Finance

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

Job Status: Full time, Exempt

Work Location: Hybrid (2 days in office, 3 days WFH)

Salary Range: $95,000–$110,000

Organization Overview: EMERGE is building the next generation of leaders. We support high-achieving students from low-income communities to access and succeed at the nation’s most selective colleges and universities, unlocking talent that will shape industries, communities, and the country for decades to come. Founded in 2010 in Houston, TX, EMERGE has grown from serving 14 students across four high schools to reaching more than 3,000 scholars across a dozen school districts and more than 100 selective colleges and universities across the country. Under new executive leadership, EMERGE is entering a new chapter. The organization is strengthening its operational foundation, investing in senior talent, diversifying its revenue model, and positioning itself as the leading national platform for identifying and developing exceptional talent from income-constrained communities. Strong, clean, well-run finances are the bedrock of that next chapter, and the Director of Finance will own them.

Position Overview: The Director of Finance leads EMERGE’s accounting, financial reporting, internal controls, budgeting support, and compliance. This is a hands-on role for someone who takes real pride in a clean set of books and a timely, accurate close, and who wants to build the systems that let a growing organization make confident decisions. Reporting to the CEO (and, once hired, the Vice President of Operations), the Director of Finance oversees day-to-day finance operations: monthly close, financial reporting, audit and Form 990 preparation, 1099 filing, payroll reconciliation, accounts payable and receivable, grant and restricted-fund tracking, and compliance with GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards. The role manages a part-time staff accountant and/or outsourced accounting support and coordinates with external partners on audit, tax, and specialized compliance work. The right person knows the technical material cold but also knows when and how to lean on a contractor. The Director of Finance partners closely with the CEO, Finance Committee, Development, People & Culture, and program leaders to strengthen financial systems, support informed decision-making, and ensure EMERGE’s resources are managed with accuracy, transparency, and strong fiscal stewardship. As EMERGE grows, this role may also support broader operational and administrative initiatives; we’re looking for someone finance-first who is comfortable rolling up their sleeves where the organization needs them.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities: Accounting, Compliance & Internal Controls:

• Own core accounting: maintain accurate, audit-ready financial records and ensure compliance with GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards
• Manage and continuously strengthen internal controls
• Lead audit preparation and serve as the primary internal liaison to external auditors
• Coordinate Form 990 preparation and annual 1099 filing with external partners
• Oversee accounts payable and receivable, track donor restrictions, and reconcile payroll activity
• Budgeting, Forecasting & Financial Reporting:
• Support the annual budgeting process, monthly close, budget-to-actual reporting, forecasting, and financial analysis
• Prepare clear, timely financial reports for department leaders, the CEO, Finance Committee, and Board that tell the story behind the numbers, not just the figures, to support strong decision-making and organizational planning
• Grants, Revenue & District Contract Support:
• Oversee restricted grant tracking, donor and funder reporting, district receivables, and revenue recognition
• Partner with Development and program leaders on the financial components of grants, RFPs, contracts, and cost modeling for district partnerships
• Finance Operations & Process Improvement:
• Manage finance systems and processes, including QuickBooks, Bill.com, banking, vendor payments, cash flow monitoring, insurance coordination, and vendor contract support
• Identify opportunities to improve financial processes, strengthen controls, and create clearer cross-functional workflows with People & Culture and program teams
• Team & Vendor Leadership:
• Supervise a part-time staff accountant and/or outsourced accounting support, setting clear expectations and ensuring accurate, timely, compliant work
• Coordinate closely with internal stakeholders and external accounting, audit, and tax partners to ensure smooth, reliable financial operations
• Perform other operational or administrative duties as assigned to support EMERGE’s growth
• The Person: