Who we are:

The Vera Institute of Justice, founded in 1961, is a non-profit criminal justice organization that strives to build just government institutions and safe communities free from the scourge of racism, white supremacy, profit, and inequity that is pervasive in this country’s legal systems. Vera is an “inside” lane organization that drives change at scale with ambitious public sector leaders who share our commitment to building anti-racist, reparative systems that deliver justice.  Vera is committed to securing equal justice, ending mass incarceration, and strengthening families and communities.

About Acacia Center for Justice:

The Acacia Center for Justice is a new non-profit created through a collaboration between the Vera Institute of Justice (“Vera”) and the Capital Area Immigrants’ Rights (“CAIR”) Coalition. The CAIR Coalition is a non-profit organization in the focused on providing legal assistance to adult and child immigrants detained by the government in the Capital Region. CAIR adheres to the fundamental belief that all people – no matter their story – deserve to be free, safe, supported, and have access to a just legal system.

The objective of the Acacia Center for Justice (“Acacia”) is to expand on Vera’s work over the past twenty years in providing legal support and representation to immigrants facing deportation through the development and management of national networks of legal services providers serving immigrants across the country. Acacia’s goals are two-fold: to help non-profit service providers provide exceptional legal services to immigrants and to advocate for the expansion of these programs and the infrastructure critical to guaranteeing immigrants access to justice, fairness and freedom. Acacia will focus the collective power of both Vera and CAIR on delivering accountable, independent, zealous and person-centered legal services and representation to protect the rights of all immigrants at risk of deportation.

Why the Name “Acacia Center for Justice”:

The Acacia flower was chosen for two reasons. First, it is a species of plant found almost everywhere in the world. Second, the Acacia flower historically represents regeneration, perseverance, and integrity. Much of our work with immigrants and refugees builds on these principles of shared humanity and our endless pursuit for justice in the American immigration legal system.

Please note: This career opportunity will begin as a position with the Vera Institute of Justice that will transition to Acacia Center for Justice on or before the July 1, 2022.

What you'll do:

The Business Analyst will support the Budget and Contract Compliance Manager in overseeing the invoicing, budgeting, and contracting processes across the EOIR Orientation Programs - Legal Orientation Program (LOP), Legal Orientation Program for Custodians (LOPC), Immigration Court Helpdesk (ICH), and the Family Group Legal Orientation Program (FGLOP).

In this role, you will:

1. Development of Budgets and Forecasting

• Working with the Program Director and Budget & Contract Compliance Manager, the Business Analyst will be responsible for compiling and consolidating program budgets, updating forecasts throughout the year and ensuring that budget vs. actuals are closely monitored.

2. Assessing financial operations and working with managers to implement best practices recommendations to enhance efficiency and accuracy.

• The Business Analyst will provide creative alternatives and recommendations to systematize the budget review and approval process in a high-volume setting.

3. Coordinating invoice audit and budget activities with the Coordinator

• Providing training and support to staff by coordinating invoice audit and budget activities and answering questions related to compliance with federal regulations and contract billing requirements. The Business Analyst will also review staff’s work to ensure compliance;

4. Perform ad hoc spending and budget analysis and special project as requested.

• Other duties as assigned by Budget and Contract Compliance Manager

What qualifications do you need?

Required:

• 3-5 years in finance or other related business field.
• High proficiency with MS Excel.
• Familiarity with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for not-for-profit organizations as well as Uniform Guidance for Federal awards.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills; must be able to effectively communicate financial information in a way that is easy to understand.
• Strong organizational skills, and the ability to organize, prioritize, multi-task, and work under deadlines.
• Ability to work collegially in an open and collaborative team environment; patient and approachable.

Preferred:

• 2+ years’ experience in grant and contract financial analysis and compliance in a not-for-profit or social service setting; experience with expense allocations and managing multiple contracts at a time.
• Bachelors Degree or equivalent, with a focus on management accounting

List of required software applications:

• Advanced knowledge of Excel; knowledge of other Microsoft Office Suite programs Outlook and Word.

Applications may also be faxed to:

ATTN: Human Resources / Business Analyst, CIJ
Vera Institute of Justice
34 35th St, Suite 4-2A, Brooklyn, NY 11232
Fax: (212) 941-9407
Please use only one method (online, mail or fax) of submission.
No phone calls, please. Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted.

As a federal contractor, and in order to ensure a healthy and safe work environment, Vera Institute of Justice is requiring all employees to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of their COVID-19 vaccine before their start date. Employees who cannot receive the vaccine because of a disability/medical contraindication or sincerely-held religious belief may request an accommodation (e.g., an exemption) to this requirement.

Vera is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.  All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without unlawful discrimination based on race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, prior record of arrest or conviction, citizenship status, current employment status, or caregiver status.

Vera works to advance justice, particularly racial justice, in an increasingly multicultural country and globally connected world. We value diverse experiences, including with regard to educational background and justice system contact, and depend on a diverse staff to carry out our mission.

For more information about Vera, please visit www.vera.org