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Finance Director

New York City, NY

Finance Director

OceanX

About OceanX:

OceanX is a nonprofit working to unlock the ocean’s sustainable potential. Through a dual focus on science and education, we’re building a new paradigm where humanity and the ocean mutually thrive. Our approach is fueled by exploration, leveraging advanced research, multimedia educational programs, cross-sector partnerships, and advanced technology to help transform how people understand and value the ocean. Our work strives to fortify biodiversity and increase the sustainable use of ocean resources to help ensure the ocean remains a foundation for human wellbeing and potential. OceanX is a nonprofit operating program of Dalio Philanthropies.

For more information, visit www.oceanx.org and follow OceanX on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube.   

Position Summary:

OceanX is seeking a Finance Director to lead all financial workstreams across the organization, serving as the strategic, operational, and analytical leader of the finance function. Reporting to the COO & CFO, the Finance Director will oversee enterprise budgeting, financial planning and analysis, financial controls, procurement, and fiscal operations while ensuring rigorous financial visibility across the organization.

The Finance Director will partner closely with senior leadership and cross-functional teams - including the Dalio Family Office (DFO) Accounting, Finance, Legal, Grants, and Operations functions - to enable disciplined resource allocation, effective decision support, and compliance with internal and external standards. The Finance Director complements strategic leadership with hands-on engagement in essential financial processes and deliverables.

OceanX is an entrepreneurial environment which values team players who can manage priorities and workstreams simultaneously. To thrive and succeed within our unique culture and work environment, you must demonstrate humility, innate curiosity, and openness to new ideas/approaches. You also must be hard working, composed and goal oriented. All employees are expected to be honest, excited about providing and receiving objective feedback, constantly striving for self-improvement, and committed to the pursuit of excellence.

Position Location:

New York City

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Lead the full enterprise budgeting cycle including annual, multi-year, program level while ensuring alignment with mission priorities.
  • Develop multi-year financial plans, advanced forecasting frameworks, and scenario analyses to guide strategic decision making.
  • Oversee monthly and quarterly financial reporting including consolidated financials, program level P&Ls, and nonprofit financial disclosures (e.g., 990, audited financials).
  • Create and maintain financial dashboards, analytics, and decision support tools using advanced modeling techniques and AI enhanced analysis.
  • Partner with Dalio Family Office Accounting to optimize inter entity structures, chargebacks, and compliance with philanthropic and nonprofit accounting standards.
  • Direct procurement, contract review, vendor evaluation, and implementation of financial controls that meet nonprofit stewardship expectations.
  • Maintain organizational compliance across finance, legal, grants management, and operational requirements including audit support and documentation standards.
  • Lead systems improvements including financial system upgrades, automation initiatives, workflow optimization, and adoption of AI enabled tools for forecasting, reporting, and procurement.
  • Manage and coach a small finance team, fostering a culture of accuracy, learning, innovation, and strong partnership with program, operations, and leadership teams.
  • Serve as a strategic advisor to senior leadership by translating financial insights into actionable guidance for mission delivery, program investments, and long-range sustainability.
  • Oversee cost optimization and resource allocation analyses including evaluation of program efficiency, operational performance, and funding utilization.
  • Support philanthropic reporting, donor compliance, and grant budgeting to ensure transparency and alignment with nonprofit best practices.
  • Ability to work flexible hours, including early mornings or late evenings, to support cross-time zone collaboration.
  • Adaptable to varying workloads, balancing periods of focused execution with lighter operational phases.
  • Additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

  • Professional Experience:
    • Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, Economics, or a related field; MBA, CPA, or equivalent advanced credential preferred
    • 12+ years of progressive experience in financial planning and analysis, corporate finance, nonprofit finance, consulting, or a related field
    • Proven leadership overseeing budgeting, financial modeling, forecasting, and executive-level reporting within complex organizations
    • High proficiency in Excel, financial modeling, BI tools, and familiarity with ERP or accounting systems (ideally in nonprofit or multi-entity environments)
    • Demonstrated experience applying AI tools and emerging technologies to financial workflows such as forecasting, analytics, automation, and scenario modeling
    • Experience improving systems and processes, including implementing new financial tools, dashboards, and data automation
    • Exceptional communication skills, including the ability to translate complex financial information for leadership, program teams, and philanthropic stakeholders
    • Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving ability, with a track record of building operational discipline in dynamic environments
    • Ability to thrive in a mission-driven setting with high standards of accuracy, stewardship, and adaptability
    • Leadership experience managing teams, developing talent, and cultivating cross-functional partnerships
    • Command of nonprofit financial management including restricted and unrestricted funds, grant accounting, donor reporting, and audit readiness, preferred
  • Personal Attributes:
    • Determined, resourceful and practical. An independent, self-starter, with a “roll up your sleeves” attitude and strong work ethic
    • Agility, with a track record of getting things done
    • Organized, reliable, and meticulous
    • Ability to prioritize, meet tight deadlines, anticipate needs, and maintain high quality work
    • Strong interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal)
    • Comfortable with ambiguity
    • Maintains high standards
    • Highly collaborative
    • General curiosity and passion for the Ocean

Illustrative Benefits:  

  • Access to a World Class Exploration Vessel 
  • 100% company paid medical premiums 
  • 17 company paid holidays 
  • Friday summer hours 
  • Monthly community happy hours  
  • Hybrid work environment  
  • 2 One-Month Periods of Remote First Work 
  • Free catered food services for in-office Thursdays 
  • Generous PTO offering 
  • Casual dress code 
  • 150% 401(k) match up to $7,500 and 100% match above $7,500 ($15k match limit) 
  • Gym reimbursement, back up childcare services, insurance, financial, and legal services, and much more! 

Compensation:

Compensation for the role includes a competitive salary in the range from $205,000 - 240,000 (inclusive of a merit-based bonus, dependent on years of experience, level of education obtained, as well as applicable skillset) and an excellent benefits package, including a comprehensive employer paid medical plan and generous employer match for 401k.

Please note that we do not provide immigration sponsorship for this position. OceanX is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All correspondence will remain confidential.

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