Director of Finance And Accounting

The NYS Public Employees Federation (PEF) is a diverse and powerful New York State labor union committed to creating a better life for our members. We represent around 50,000 professional, scientific, and technical workers in NYS government. Members include healthcare, education, corrections and supervision, youth services, direct care, and other professional titles.

The PEF Membership Benefits Program (MBP) mission is to serve active, dues-paying PEF members in a PS&T represented position and PEF retirees, with a wide variety of statewide and regional benefits and discount programs. PEF members take advantage of, and enjoy, the PEF Membership Benefits Program for its many benefits including: insurance protection, legal services, financial planning, and travel services, as well as discounted tickets for movie theaters, water/theme parks, sporting events, performing arts, and much more!

Overview:

Under the direction of the Membership Benefits Program Administrator, the Financial Executive oversees the financial operations of the PEF Membership Benefits Program. The incumbent is responsible for supervising the Senior Accountant and Bookkeepers charged with the recording of all financial transactions which directly affect the original books of entry for the program; performing professional accounting services; analyzing work related to budget preparation and reporting of financial transactions; assisting auditors and outside examiners in their audit functions; and formulating and effectuating financial policies of the Membership Benefits Program. 

Responsibilities:

• Supervise staff performing bookkeeping functions (e.g. review, approve or deny leave requests; review time sheets; assign work; monitor new hires performance and complete probationary reports; monitor employee performance and counsel or implement disciplinary actions when needed).
• Review, formulate and effectuate Membership Benefits Program financial policies necessary to the program’s financial operations.
• In conjunction with the Administrator, review and establish the appropriate internal controls necessary for the financial operations of the program.
• Prepare periodic comparative financial reports for the Administrator and the Trustees. 
• Review and analyze general ledger account balances. Verify accuracy and make recommendations for corrections.
• Trace and reconcile discrepancies, omissions, double entries and other errors. Determine adjustments, accruals and allowances necessary. Prepare work papers, schedules, summaries, analyses and other statistical or financial reports as needed.
• Assist the Administrator with budget preparation, Federal and State taxes and Labor Department reporting.
• Accumulate and analyze information necessary to prepare financial statements, reports, tax returns and various reports for federal, state and other outside agencies, as well as for internal accounting and financial needs.
• Recommend and/or implement changes in accounting and reporting systems and procedures.
• Perform special assignments and other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field is required.
• Previous experience in auditing or accounting is a must.
• Must possess prior experience in a supervisory capacity.
• CPA license is preferred.

Successful candidate must demonstrate:

• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) to clearly communicate matters to all levels of management, including union leaders.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to maintain confidential and sensitive information.
• Strong computer skills (Microsoft Office Suite: Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
• Knowledge of automated accounting systems and related software (preferred experience with Great Plains Accounting Software).
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the capacity to work cooperatively with a wide range of individuals.
• Initiative to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Ability to assess and set priorities, meet deadlines, and manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, changing environment.
• Strong organizational skills including time management and attention to detail.
• Consistent and reliable attendance is critical.

Salary and Benefits:

The salary range for this position is $85,449.00 (minimum) - $108,015.00 (maximum).

PEF offers an excellent benefit package which include:

• Health insurance with Health Reimbursement (HRA)
• Employer paid dental and vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Plan (FSA)
• Employer paid life and long-term disability insurance
• 401-k with safe harbor contribution
• Pension plan through SEIU
• Paid holidays, vacation, sick, and personal time
• Tuition reimbursement and on-going professional development