Director of Finance

Full-time - Senior

Portland, ME

About the position

The Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI) develops and delivers collaborative solutions to global ocean challenges. We are dedicated to the resilience of the Gulf of Maine ecosystem and the communities that depend on it. To learn more, visit gmri.org. The Director of Finance will be a key partner in driving the financial strategy and fiscal sustainability of the organization. Reporting to the CFO, they will oversee the day-to-day financial functions of the organization, ensuring strong financial management, accurate financial planning and analysis, operational compliance, and strategic alignment with the company’s long-term goals. This role will be instrumental in shaping financial policies, optimizing financial strategies, and providing analysis that drives executive decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Engage, develop, and mentor a high-performing finance team, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and excellence
• Provide leadership and development opportunities to ensure a strong financial talent pipeline
• Collaborate with program leads to translate their needs into detailed financial plans, including resource allocation and budget forecasting
• Establish periodic meetings with program leads to hold them accountable to their budgets
• Develop forward-looking financial insights and risk assessments to inform executive decisions
• Lead the annual budgeting and forecasting process, ensuring accuracy and alignment with strategic priorities
• Present financial reports and key performance metrics to senior leadership and assist CFO with preparation for quarterly board meetings
• Identify and mitigate financial risks, ensuring the organization is prepared for market fluctuations, regulatory changes, and economic shifts
• Develop financial contingency plans and scenario analysis to guide decision-making in uncertain environment
• Monitor financial performance, analyze variances, and develop actionable insights to optimize resource allocation
• Oversee financial operations, including accounting, financial reporting, audits, and tax preparation
• Ensure internal financial controls, policies, and regulatory requirements are met and continuously improved
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and automation to enhance departmental efficiency and accuracy
• Assess financial opportunities, providing CFO and leadership with data-driven recommendations
• Manage cash flow to support organizational growth and sustainability
• Develop and oversee financial models that evaluate the financial impact of strategic initiatives
• Translate complex models into concepts that colleagues and collaborators who do not have finance backgrounds can understand

Requirements

• Master’s degree in business administration, Finance, or Accounting; MBA and/or CPA preferred
• 8+ years of progressive financial leadership experience, including managing teams
• Expertise in financial planning and modeling within a complex organization
• Advanced accounting and analytical skills with the ability to translate complex financial data into actionable insights and strategies
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills, with experience presenting to executives
• Extensive experience with financial systems, Excel, and data analytics tools
• Proven track record of driving financial strategy and operational improvements in a dynamic environment

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package