DIRECTOR OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION COVER LETTER TEMPLATE

Published: Dec 12, 2024 - The Director of Finance and Administration manages all banking relationships, cash flow, loans, and lines of credit while assisting the school in securing alternative revenue streams. This position oversees human resources functions, including recruitment, benefits administration, employee training, and retention strategies, ensuring that policies are legally compliant and best practices are followed. Additionally, the Director collaborates with the Director of Admissions to facilitate student enrollment and financial aid processes, while also reviewing insurance policies and managing staffing needs for finance functions.

An Introduction to Professional Skills and Functions for Director of Finance And Administration with a Cover Letter

1. Details for Director of Finance And Administration Cover Letter

  • Execute the financial strategy of the Company 
  • Forecasting and financial analysis, including working capital and cash management 
  • Establish and maintain financial controls and accounting procedures 
  • Provide guidance, advice and insight to improve financial performance, by increasing revenue, reducing costs and managing business risk. 
  • Dotted line reporting to Corporate Accounting and Finance Leadership in Florida. 
  • Prepare financial statements plus all journal entries and general ledger reconciliations required in the closing process. 
  • Supervise A/R and A/P and maintain chart of accounts 
  • Prepares and maintains required regulatory reporting and internal reports. 
  • Investigate and resolve inventory cost variances consistently. 
  • Produces and monitors all required budgets and forecasts for the business unit. 
  • Manages Cash of the business unit. 
  • Provide backup for all A/R and A/P functions


Skills: Financial Strategy Implementation, Cash Flow Management, Financial Reporting, General Ledger Reconciliation, Financial Controls, Budgeting and Forecasting, Accounts Payable/Receivable Supervision, Cost Variance Analysis

2. Roles for Director of Finance And Administration Cover Letter

  • Collaborates with community college leadership and senior management on institutional planning. 
  • Provides integrated policy analysis and strategic consultation to the CCCO and senior leadership on major issues affecting the institution. 
  • Responsible for ensuring optimal deployment of the Office of the CCCO’s resources to ensure compliance with financial guidelines.
  • Assists the CCCO in facilitating all executive leadership meetings.
  • Prepares and contributes to the preparation of reports, briefings, presentations, and responses on institutional and strategic issues.
  • Directs, manages, coordinates and establishes the Community College institutional budget, including local, federal and private grant dollars.
  • Collaborates with the University Offices of Finance and Budget, Procurement and Human Resources to monitor financial and procurement information as it relates to personnel services (PS) and non-personnel services (NPS) data.
  • Manages and supervises Community College finance staff.
  • Develops multi-year budget plans and coordinates implementation of annual budgets based upon the Community College strategic plan. 
  • Prepares analysis of program cost and methods of financing, including long range projections and requirements.
  • Researches and analyzes a variety of financial documents/information, including fund balances, cash management, revenues, expenditures, and cost projections in order to identify discrepancies 
  • Provide direction and support, make recommendations, and maximize the use of funds to ensure that institutional operations are effective and efficient.


Skills: Strategic Planning Collaboration, Policy Analysis, Resource Deployment, Executive Leadership Support, Report Preparation, Budget Management, Financial Data Monitoring, Staff Management

3. Responsibilities for Director of Finance And Administration Cover Letter

  • Manages and monitors budget allocations and other budget and financial activities to ensure that allocations are accurate, revenues are recorded and expenditures are within fiscal limits and established fiscal guidelines.
  • Responsible for implementing financial and administrative policies and procedures to meet deadlines, to improve productivity, and make efficient use of resources.
  • Prepares financial reports for presentation to Community College staff and faculty as well as UDC officials.
  • Establishes and maintains internal financial control systems that provide for compliance and accountability of funds.
  • Directs the budgetary process in purchasing and supply management. 
  • Responsible for managing all Community College purchase card budgets, expenditures and reconciliation.
  • In conjunction with the Director of Operations, reviews the capital improvement plan for consistency with the annual operating and capital budget.
  • Oversees the reconciliation of reports between the Banner ERP system and the DC government PeopleSoft system used by Human Resources to ensure accuracy.
  • Assists in the acquisition of federal grants, local grants, corporation contributions and foundation grants in support of the Community’s College.
  • Serves on a variety of committees in varying capacities. 
  • Attends meetings, conferences, and seminars to keep abreast of trends and current developments in relevant areas of program responsibility.
  • Coordinates special projects on behalf of the CCCO, which may often include senior leadership at the institution.


Skills: Budget Management, Financial Policy Implementation, Financial Reporting, Internal Financial Controls, Purchasing and Supply Management, Purchase Card Management, Capital Improvement Review, Grant Acquisition

4. Functions for Director of Finance And Administration Cover Letter

  • Manages and maintains corporate objectives with acumen to achieve business objectives, while providing ethical financial leadership and guidance to senior management. 
  • Meets or exceeds all financial reporting requirements in an accurate timely fashion. 
  • Recognizes, understands and respects potentially competing objectives among management and corporate owners to enable mutually agreeable outcomes. 
  • Communicates clearly and unambiguously the corporate standards of the business to senior management. 
  • Cultivates positive effective relationships across the internal organization, manages conflict, recognizes and navigates political conflicts if and when they occur in an adroit and astute fashion. 
  • Educates senior management in a comfortable, non-condescending, non-confrontational fashion to build partnerships across functions and business units. 
  • Remain open to other’s ideas and share expertise with others. 
  • Contribute to building a positive team spirit.
  • Must possess and maintain unquestioned integrity and provide ethical and confident guidance. 
  • Adhere to Company Policies and Procedures while upholding organizational values. 
  • Decisive decision-making skills, while understanding the span, scope and limitations of decision-making authority. 
  • Supports and explains decisions and include appropriate individuals in a timely decision-making process. 
  • Willingness to embrace uncertainty and operate in an environment where ambiguity exists, and leadership 


Skills: Business Acumen, Timely Financial Reporting, Conflict Resolution, Clear Communication, Relationship Building, Cross-functional Education, Team Building, Decisive Decision-making

5. Accountabilities for Director of Finance And Administration Cover Letter

  • Oversee the development of the organization's long-term financial strategy, building financial models, analyses, and forecasts, that will strengthen Scratch and ensure strong financial health and sustainability
  • Lead the development, implementation and management of financial systems, cost accounting systems and financial policies and procedures to maintain proper controls, promote efficiency, and ensure compliance with relevant laws and accounting standards
  • Liaise with Scratch staff to advise units regarding financial matters including revenues, expenses, program expansion, product pricing issues, and budget issues
  • Maintain checks on financial expenditures and prudent utilization of resources, make recommendations for improving services and reducing costs
  • Review invoices and statements and approve payments, supervise maintenance of and conduct checks on accounting records and documents to ensure accuracy information
  • Identify areas in which the organization can improve its operations, overseeing the development of new systems and processes to support both excellence and continued growth, as it relates to Scratch's strategic priorities
  • Serve as liaison between executive director, coordination team, board of directors, and staff, regarding Scratch project updates, proposals, and planning
  • Improve current financial and administrative processes and coordinate procedures for better efficiency and productivity
  • Build and develop relationships with all employees, to understand and support their work, and to help to define new financial and administrative strategies
  • Establish relationships with vendors by serving as point of contact on operations and contracts
  • Provide contract-related issue resolution, both internally and externally, and develop vendor management metrics
  • Lead organization-wide management of compliance systems, legal affairs as related to finance and other matters including insurance and certain aspects of risk management


Skills: Long-term Financial Strategy, Financial Systems Implementation, Financial Advisory, Resource Utilization and Cost Management, Invoice and Payment Management, Operational Improvement, Stakeholder Communication, Vendor and Contract Management

6. Tasks for Director of Finance And Administration Cover Letter

  • Analyzes and presents financial reports in an accurate and timely manner, and clearly communicates monthly and annual financial statements to the finance committee, board, Leadership Team and staff.
  • Oversees all financial, project/program and grants accounting and reporting and invoicing.
  • Oversee all accounts, ledgers, and reporting systems ensuring compliance with appropriate GAAP standards and regulatory requirements.
  • Creates and leads annual budgeting and planning process in conjunction with the ED
  • Administers and reviews all financial plans and budgets, monitors progress and changes, and presents the budget to the finance committee and board of directors for approval.
  • Coordinates and leads the annual audit process, oversees contracts with external auditors and coordinates presentation and approval of the audit with the finance committee and board of directors.
  • Manages organizational cash flow and forecasting to support operational requirements.
  • Manages the capital budget and requests for capital needs.
  • Oversees bi-weekly payroll processing by the Accountant.
  • Manages employee health and retirement benefits and aligns HR functions with Finance including employee onboarding into the payroll system, employee election and changes in benefits, unemployment requests, worker’s compensation, and short-term disability claims.
  • Develops and maintains relationships with insurance brokers and ensures the organization has required and adequate insurance coverage.
  • Selects and manages IT contractors to provide IT support for the organization.
  • Ensures there is staff and/or contracted support to provide general maintenance and upkeep of the facilities.


Skills: Financial Report Analysis, Financial and Grants Accounting, GAAP Compliance, Budgeting and Planning, Audit Coordination, Cash Flow Management, Payroll and Benefits Management, Vendor and IT Management

7. Expectations for Director of Finance And Administration Cover Letter

  • Developing and implementing communication and management systems that allow for the coordination of all administrative functions within BPHC.
  • Developing, communicating, and clarifying policies, procedures, and workflow for all administrative areas under the ANF Director's supervision.
  • Identifying strengths and challenges in each administrative department and developing a strategic plan to implement improvements.
  • Supervising the managers of each administrative department and ensuring high quality, and fiscally prudent practices consistent with laws and ordinances governing BPHC.
  • Overseeing general office management functions to ensure an effective, high-quality work environment and efficient, daily operations of physical plant and equipment.
  • Working closely with the CFO and providing overall financial oversight and monitoring, including development and implementation of sound fiscal management practices and internal controls.
  • Overseeing and leading the annual budgeting and planning process in conjunction with the Executive Director
  • Monitoring progress and keeping the senior leadership team abreast of the organization's financial status.
  • Ensuring performance of all audits and working with internal teams to meet operating goals.
  • Work collegially in a supportive and coordinating role with all BPHC staff.
  • Oversee the following departments: Finance, Property Management, Public Safety and Operations.
  • Participating as a member of the senior leadership team and playing a critical role in strategic decision-making and implementation.
  • Meeting regularly with the Executive Director regarding all aspects of program operations including, but not limited to, program staff, fiscal issues, and other confidential matters.
  • Working in a confidential capacity with the Executive Director.
  • Using good judgment and discretion to make decisions affecting the programs and staff as they relate to operations/services and BPHC policy.


Skills: Communication and Management Systems, Policy and Procedure Development, Strategic Planning for Improvement, Supervisory Leadership, Office and Facilities Management, Financial Oversight, Annual Budgeting and Planning, Confidential Decision-making

8. Competencies for Director of Finance And Administration Cover Letter

  • Direct and manage the finance functions of the school in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and develop effective internal control policies.
  • Keep the senior leadership team, Executive Director, Board of Trustees, and budget managers updated on the financial status of the school through timely and accurate reports, including forecasting and budget variances, monthly and annual financial statements, and other needed or requested financial reports.
  • Manage organizational cash flow and forecasting. 
  • Ensure that the contract billing and collection schedule is adhered to and that financial data and cash flow are steady and support operational requirements.
  • Coordinate and lead the annual audit process, liaise with external auditors and the Finance Committee of the Board of Trustees. 
  • Ensure timely and accurate tax filings.
  • Co-lead the organization’s annual budgeting process, in strategic partnership with the senior leadership team, the Finance Committee of the Board of Trustees, and relevant budget managers to ensure sufficient resources to meet both day-to-day needs and the strategic vision of the school.
  • Co-develop budgets and provide financial reports for the school’s auxiliary programs and grant-funded programs.
  • Develop and oversee financial policies, procedures, and internal controls to safeguard assets, protect confidential information, and ensure accurate financial reporting. 
  • Update and implement all necessary business policies and accounting practices, including developing and maintaining a financial policies and procedures manual.


Skills: Financial Management, Financial Reporting and Forecasting, Cash Flow Management, Contract Billing and Collection, Audit Coordination, Tax Filings, Budgeting and Resource Allocation, Financial Policy Development

9. Capabilities for Director of Finance And Administration Cover Letter

  • Manage all banking relationships, cash flow, loans and lines of credit. 
  • Assist the school in identifying and securing alternative revenue streams.
  • Manage and oversee the school’s human resources functions, including recruitment and hiring, benefits administration and oversight, new employee orientation, and employee retention strategies
  • Develop and update the school’s employee handbook
  • Further develop the school’s human resources through professional development opportunities, compensation and benefits, performance evaluation, training, and recruiting
  • Ensure that recruiting processes are consistent and streamlined
  • Establish and manage a training program to educate employees regarding staff tools, policies, and procedures
  • Ensure that human resources policies and practices are current with best practices, legally compliant, and are clearly articulated and consistently applied
  • In partnership with the Director of Admissions, help facilitate the enrollment of new students and re-enrollment of current students through the creation and distribution of student contracts and relevant communication
  • In partnership with the Financial Aid Committee, manage the financial aid process and ensure awards are in accordance with the school’s stated policies.
  • Review and implement insurance policies needed to effectively manage risk.
  • Analyze need for additional support staff for finance functions
  • Hire and supervise either an accounting assistant/bookkeeper or human resources specialist


Skills: Banking and Cash Flow Management, Revenue Stream Development, Human Resources Management, Employee Handbook Development, Staff Development and Training, Recruitment Process Management, Policy and Compliance Management, Financial Aid and Enrollment Support

10. Performance Metrics for Director of Finance And Administration Cover Letter

  • Act as chief liaison with financial, technical, and property management contractors, with other professional service providers and with utility providers
  • Ensure annual filings, licenses, and memberships are complete and current (e.g., Charitable Organization Registration, Business Licenses, Gaming Permit, Organizational dues and subscriptions, DUNS#, etc.)
  • Maintain Northern Center paper and electronic files in compliance with Financial Policies
  • Ensure that Northern Center Staff, Board and other assets are adequately insured at all times
  • Execute and support the Executive Director’s mandate to ensure operational stability and efficiency
  • Serve as Acting Executive Director in the Executive Director’s absence
  • Review, appropriately code, and process financial expenses and revenues according to established accounting system
  • Provide accurate bookkeeping in accordance with the Accounting Manual
  • Provide financial reports as requested by Program Staff, Executive Director, and Finance Committee
  • Assist with organizational budget preparation and revision, monitor budget-actual and cash flows
  • Assist with monthly financial updates and reporting to the Finance Committee


Skills: Liaison Management, Regulatory Compliance, File Management, Insurance Management, Operational Support, Executive Director Backup, Expense Processing, Financial Reporting and Budgeting

What Are the Qualifications and Requirements for Director of Finance And Administration in a Cover Letter?

1. Knowledge And Abilities for Director of Finance And Administration Cover Letter

  • Experience in similar financial, compliance, or operational role supporting USAID and international donor projects in similar contexts
  • Experience with budgeting and financial reporting requirements on multimillion-dollar USAID-funded projects
  • Experience with financial management and reporting on projects with substantial sub-awards
  • Strong knowledge of generally accepted accounting practices, financial reporting standards, financial management processes and procedure
  • Familiarity with USAID rules and regulations
  • Extensive experience in working with computerized accounting systems, standard spreadsheet and database programs
  • Good written and verbal skills in English and in Arabic
  • Experience developing and implementing finance and accounting policies, procedures and systems for USAID projects.
  • Excellent analytical and computer skills, with strong experience in Excel and QuickBooks.
  • Well-developed and effective organizational skills, including to ability to multi-task and work in a high-pressure environment.


Qualifications: BA in Accounting with 8 years of Experience

2. Experience and Requirements for Director of Finance And Administration Cover Letter

  • Ability to think strategically and connect strong execution to broader strategic objectives and priorities
  • Demonstrated experience interacting with government agencies, civil society counterparts, and international donor agencies.
  • Previous direct supervisory experience of professional and/or support staff.
  • Ability to measure and evaluate results of strategies and activities.
  • Demonstrated experience in auditing and accounting, grants and fund management.
  • General overall office management skills and general business knowledge.
  • Ability to obtain a good working knowledge of all business-unit operating systems
  • Experience in leading, managing and coaching teams
  • Excellent conceptualization, problem-solving and project leadership skills
  • Bilingual (Spanish/English) skills


Qualifications: BS in Finance with 7 years of Experience

3. Skills, Knowledge, and Experience for Director of Finance And Administration Cover Letter

  • Demonstrated expertise in business and management concepts.
  • Demonstrated strategic leadership, planning and change management skills
  • Ability to demonstrate a high level of diplomacy in persuading and influencing a wide variety of people at various levels to achieve results.
  • Advanced financial expertise in accounting, budget planning, and financial forecasting.
  • Strong knowledge of industry standards and/or regulatory requirements.
  • Demonstrated ability to identify and analyze all pertinent information/data to make and communicate decisions to meet the unit's current and future financial, research, academic and administrative needs.
  • Exceptional negotiation and effective interpersonal skills negotiation and political acumen skills.
  • Ability to establish a culture of integrity within unit and with those external to the units.
  • Demonstrates to others that he/she is direct, truthful, and credible.
  • Demonstrated skills as a receptive listener, influential and persuasive and seeks to understand the differing sides of each situation.


Qualifications: BA in Business Administration with 9 years of Experience

4. Requirements and Experience for Director of Finance And Administration Cover Letter

  • Experience in a clinical enterprise and/or academic medical center
  • Experience with Pre-Award and Post Award Management
  • Strong leadership and supervisory skills and experience.
  • Detailed working knowledge of general accounting principles and A.I.C.P.A. Standards.
  • Strong computer background with accounting applications, and proficiency with database management.
  • Ability to properly interpret financial transactions for general ledger entry and production of accurate financial statements.
  • Ability to use historical data and research information for analysis and budget projections.
  • Ability to recognize and institute proper accounting controls for the treatment of cash, subsidiary and general ledgers.
  • Familiarity with business insurance requirements.
  • Ability to work with committees and boards to meet the financial reporting needs of the organization.


Qualifications: BS in Economics with 8 years of Experience

5. Education and Experience for Director of Finance And Administration Cover Letter

  • Project management experience.
  • Proven time management, planning, organizational and analytical skills.
  • Demonstrated communication skills (written, oral and listening).
  • Ability to work effectively under pressure, to be part of a team and to meet deadlines.
  • Experience working with Microsoft Office, and experience with fundraising/database software.
  • Ability to become proficient in utilization of office database system for daily tasks by seeking support and training from the Coordinator of Information Systems and Technology.
  • Ability to meet deadlines and provide critical decision-making.
  • Excellent computer skills.
  • General overall office management skills and general business knowledge
  • High integrity, commitment to growth and excellence and dedication to the mission of EPS.
  • Excellent verbal, written, interpersonal, and presentation skills in French and working proficiency in English.


Qualifications: BA in Management with 7 years of Experience

6. Professional Background for Director of Finance And Administration Cover Letter

  • Understanding of home real estate development and mortgage lending
  • Extensive knowledge of fund accounting and GAAP principles
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite or related software
  • Understanding of practices, theories, and policies involved in operations and human resources.
  • Superior verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills
  • Excellent managerial and diplomacy skills
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Excellent analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving skills
  • Experience in administrative and financial management of large-scale, donor-funded projects.
  • Experience in capacity building of subgrantee organizations and in financial and forensic audits of donor-funded projects and programs.


Qualifications: BS in Financial Management with 8 years of Experience

7. Education and Qualifications for Director of Finance And Administration Cover Letter

  • Extensive knowledge of USAID rules and regulations
  • Demonstrated experience and skills in developing and managing large budgets, particularly with USAID projects.
  • Experience in managing a diverse group of staff leading multiple workstreams.
  • Strong demonstrated management, interpersonal, communication and facilitation skills
  • Ability to work closely in teams and networks with various stakeholders.
  • Financial and administrative skills, including mastery of relevant software, such as Excel and QuickBooks and other relevant accounting and contractual software.
  • Demonstrated ability in financial management of donor-funded grant programs of comparable scope, preferably USAID grants.
  • USAID contract management experience, including expertise in the financial, regulatory, and contracting aspects of USAID
  • Experience in developing organizational safety, security, and health protocols
  • Excellent oral, written, and presentation skills in English.
  • Excellent computer skills.


Qualifications: BA in International Business with 9 years of Experience

8. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities for Director of Finance And Administration Cover Letter

  • A successful track record in setting priorities, keen analytic, organization and problem-solving skills which support and enable sound decision-making
  • Experience with final responsibility for the quality and content of financial data, reporting and/or audit coordination
  • Experience with management and supervisory responsibilities
  • Ability to translate financial concepts to and effectively collaborate with colleagues with and without a background in finance
  • Technology savvy with at least 3 years of experience selecting and overseeing software installations and managing relationships with software vendors
  • Knowledge of and facility with accounting and reporting software including QuickBooks, Salesforce and G-Suite
  • Experience with benefits administration
  • Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with an ability to prioritize, negotiate, and work with a variety of internal and external stakeholders
  • Excellent computer skills, including MS Office Pro (Excel proficiency including expertise in V-Lookup and pivot tables
  • Knowledge of all related software), network administration basics, internet-based communications


Qualifications: BS in Public Administration with 8 years of Experience

9. Accomplishments for Director of Finance And Administration Cover Letter

  • Passion for CCL’s mission and its core values of innovation, poder, economic justice, solidarity and accountability.
  • Ability to engage a diverse community of people.
  • Commitment to confidentiality and professionalism.
  • Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and OMB Regulations
  • Knowledge of federal and local legislation affecting charities, including CRF 200
  • Knowledge of regulations on Employment Standards, Occupational Health and Safety, and Human Rights
  • Knowledge of all Microsoft programs and a high level of digital/technological literacy
  • Experience using QuickBooks Software
  • Capacity to balance multiple tasks, prioritize work, meet deadlines and work independently
  • Excellent documentation and organization skills


Qualifications: BA in Business Economics with 9 years of Experience

10. Key Qualifications for Director of Finance And Administration Cover Letter

  • Experience in project administration with multiple partners
  • Demonstrated experience with the finance and administration functions of international organizations
  • Proven experience in the development and implementation of systems for grants and grant monitoring
  • Demonstrated knowledge and technical experience in accounting, administration and operational practices
  • Experience in management and administration of human resources and personnel issues
  • Knowledge of USAID funding rules and regulations, financial reporting and disclosure requirements
  • Demonstrated skills in negotiations and effective communications with partner organizations and sub-grantees
  • Ability to facilitate decision-making processes and to build constructive alliances internally and externally
  • Ability to provide technical support and training in finance and administration
  • Knowledgeable of logistics and procurement systems for supplies and equipment
  • Knowledgeable about information technology systems, including business software
  • Strong leadership and technical skills, with proven capacity to direct and manage change, and inspire high-performing teams


Qualifications: BS in Corporate Finance with 10 years of Experience