Classification: Full-time, Exempt
Reports to: VP of Finance & Accounting
Location: Main Office, Midtown Manhattan
Who We Are
Lantern Community Services helps New Yorkers impacted by homelessness move from surviving to thriving by pairing safe, supportive housing with wraparound services that build lasting stability and independence. Lantern was recognized as a Top 2025 Workplace by City & State New York.
About the Role
The Financial Analyst will have prior experience working in a nonprofit organization with government funders. With oversight of an assigned portfolio of government grants, the Financial Analyst will analyze financial data, prepare accounting and financial reports, and support budgeting, forecasting, and compliance functions. To succeed in this role, you need proven knowledge of financial reporting, grant management, and nonprofit accounting standards.
Essential Functions
Financial Planning & AnalysisPrepare and analyze monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports, including budget-to-actual comparisons with variance analysis and insights for senior leadership.Support organizational and program budget development, financial forecasting, and long-term planning initiatives, including financial modeling for grant proposals and scenario planning.Monitor and project monthly cash flow to ensure adequate liquidity for operations.Accounts Payable & Cash ManagementProcess and monitor vendor payments including check and ACH transactions; manage banking activities and maintain accurate disbursement records in accordance with internal controls.Apply and reconcile credit card payments, ensuring proper coding and documentation.Reconciliations & ReportingPerform monthly reconciliations of general ledger accounts, bank statements, and MetroCards across multiple program sites; complete quarterly petty cash reconciliations and coordinate site replenishments.Investigate and resolve discrepancies in a timely manner.Grant & Fund AccountingTrack grant expenditures, monitor deadlines, and ensure compliance with donor restrictions and funder reporting requirements.Review monthly billing for accuracy; prepare annual contract budgets, budget modifications, and financial close-outs; maintain complete contractual records for all projects.Audit & ComplianceAssist with internal and external audits, year-end closing, and funder site visits by preparing schedules and supporting documentation.Ensure compliance with nonprofit accounting standards and internal policies; identify opportunities to strengthen internal controls and improve financial processes.Conduct monthly audits of all supporting documentation submitted to funding agencies.Collaboration & SupportServe as a financial resource and thought partner to program staff; provide guidance on financial procedures including petty cash and expense tracking.Participate in monthly P&L meetings and provide financial reports for review prior to each meeting.Coordinate with Finance and Program management on finance and risk requirements including revenue recognition, pricing, and bidding policies.Interact with senior staff regularly, coordinate multiple projects with concurrent deadlines, and maintain a high degree of confidentiality.Perform other related duties as assigned.
Required Education and Experience
Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field from an accredited institution is required.Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in finance or accounting.Working knowledge of GAAP and nonprofit fund accounting principles.Prior experience with government-funded nonprofit programs, including familiarity with funders such as DHS, DOHMH, HASA, and/or OMH preferred.Experience with government funder portals, including PASSPort, preferred.Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite with strong Excel skills including financial modeling and data analysis.Experience with Sage Intacct and/or QuickBooks preferred.Strong attention to detail with the ability to meet strict deadlines and manage competing priorities.Excellent written and verbal communication skills, particularly in presenting financial data to non-financial audiences.Must be able to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive personnel and financial data.
Work Environment: This job operates in an office environment.
Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, climb stairs, and/or kneel. They must also use their hands to type, handle, or feel. The employee is frequently required to talk or hear and must occasionally lift and/or move up to 5 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.
Other Duties: Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Note: Lantern Community Services is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes individuals of all backgrounds regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.
