Director of Finance

Who We Are

The VEA is the largest union of public-school employees in Virginia, advocating for education professionals and advancing public education. As a National Education Association (NEA) affiliate, we represent thousands of teachers, support staff, and school employees across the Commonwealth. Our mission is twofold: ensuring all students receive quality public education while supporting our members' rights, working conditions, and professional growth.

VEA also affirms its commitment to advancing racial and social justice. We believe that equity, inclusion, and justice must guide not only our advocacy in schools but also our internal operations, policies, and use of resources. The Director of Finance plays a vital role in ensuring that financial stewardship aligns with these principles.

General Nature of the Position

The Director of Finance (DF) serves as the Virginia Education Association’s (VEA) Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, functioning as the principal financial advisor and steward of the organization’s resources. In the NEA system, this position is equivalent to the State Business Manager. The DF provides strategic financial leadership, oversees all accounting and finance functions, and ensures the integrity, compliance, and sustainability of VEA’s financial operations.

The DF also serves as the staff liaison and financial administrator for key committees and programs, including:
• Pension, Budget, Investment, and Audit Committees
• Administration of Pension, 401K, and health/insurance benefit plans
• Beblon Parks Scholarship Fund (Treasurer and account signatory)
• VEA Foundation, Rosa Lee Guard Fund, and VEA Fund (CFO and account signatory)
• Lobbying Ethics Council Officer
• Oversight of annual audit processes

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Manage and develop the accounting and finance staff
• Foster a team culture that values diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide expert financial guidance to the VEA Board of Directors, Executive Director, Budget Committee, and officers.
  • Serve as a member of the executive management team, contributing to organizational strategy and leadership.
  • Oversee accounting operations, budget development and execution, dues accounting, political action committee accounting, and other business functions, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
  • Develop, implement, and monitor financial policies and procedures to protect organizational assets and ensure regulatory compliance.
  • Prepare and present short- and long-term financial forecasts, budget vs. actual reports, and other analyses to guide decision-making.
  • Coordinate annual audits and tax filings for VEA, its political action committees, pension plans, and associated entities.
  • Maintain relationships with financial institutions, auditors, actuaries, consultants, vendors, IRS, and other relevant parties.
  • Advise and support UniServ offices and local affiliates on financial management and administrative operations; conduct financial reviews as requested.
  • Ensure adequate insurance coverage for VEA assets and manage relationships with insurance providers.
  • Administer pension and retirement plans, including participant communications, compliance filings, and monitoring of 401K plan activities.
  • Implement investment policies for reserve accounts under guidance from the Financial Investment Committee.
  • Recommend and implement process and system improvements for financial operations.
  • Design and maintain internal controls to safeguard assets and ensure compliance with laws and regulations.
  • Administer the VEA TOP grant program and manage multi-year or restricted fund accounting.
  • Support collective bargaining negotiations by analyzing financial impacts of proposals.
  • Maintain records, filings, and tax compliance for affiliated funds and scholarship programs.
  • Coordinate with legal counsel on pension, tax, and other financial matters affecting the organization.
  • Ensure annual registration with the Virginia State Corporation Commission for all entities.
  • Embed equity considerations into financial planning, ensuring transparency and accountability in the use of resources.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Exceptional organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
  • Strong oral and written communication, with the ability to present complex financial information to diverse audiences.
  • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel required) and accounting software; experience with Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT preferred.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to coach and mentor staff.
  • Proven ability to work collaboratively with a Board of Directors, executives, staff, and external stakeholders.
  • Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in organizational leadership and financial decision-making.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting required; CPA strongly preferred.
  • Minimum 5 years of progressive financial management experience, preferably in a non-profit environment.
  • At least 5 years of experience preparing organizational financial statements.
  • Demonstrated expertise in accounting, budgeting, financial management, and related operations.
  • Experience managing a unionized workforce is a plus.
  • Experience applying an equity lens to resource allocation, compliance, or organizational planning preferred.

Other Requirements

• Occasional travel and evening/weekend work.
  • Valid driver’s license required.

Salary and Fringe Benefits

Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.

The position also includes a rich fringe benefits package, including:

• 95% of employer-paid medical insurance,
• 100% covered employee-level dental and vision and
• 100% employer-funded Health Reimbursement Arrangement account for medical and wellness expenses.

Application Procedure:

Please apply by going to www.veanea.org/careers. A cover letter supporting your qualifications and salary expectations for the position is required.

VEA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The Virginia Education Association is committed to building a diverse team that reflects our membership and the communities we serve. We strongly encourage applications from people of color, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and those from underrepresented backgrounds.

Application Procedure:

Please apply by going to www.veanea.org/careers. A cover letter supporting your qualifications and salary expectations for the position is required.