Senior Director of Finance Operations

Summary

Join the Sierra Club as a Senior Director of Finance Operations, a key role supporting the CFO in managing all financial matters and ensuring the organization's financial health. You will oversee daily accounting operations, maintain the general ledger, and supervise a team. Responsibilities include financial statement preparation, accounts payable and receivable management, payroll, tax reporting, and compliance with GAAP. You will also analyze financial data, identify cost-saving opportunities, and collaborate with various teams. This position requires strong leadership, analytical, and communication skills, along with experience in non-profit accounting. The ideal candidate will have a CPA or MBA and experience with NetSuite and Adaptive Planning. The Sierra Club offers a competitive salary and benefits package.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Finance/Accounting or a related field
• 10-12 years experience in accounting and financial analysis, with 6-8 years in a supervisory capacity
• Thorough understanding of nonprofit accounting and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
• Effective communication skills are essential for the Senior Director of Finance Operations to present financial information clearly and concisely to non-financial stakeholders
• They should also be able to build strong relationships with external partners, auditors, and donors
• Familiar with financial management software, reporting tools, and data analysis systems
• They should be able to leverage technology to streamline financial processes, enhance reporting accuracy, and improve efficiency
• With substantial funds at stake, the Senior Director of Finance Operations should thoroughly understand compliance requirements for non-profit organizations, including IRS regulations and legal obligations
• They should also be adept at risk assessment and mitigation strategies to safeguard the organization's financial health
• Strong analytical skills are crucial for the Senior Director of Finance Operations to assess financial data, identify trends, and make informed decisions
• They should also have exceptional problem-solving abilities to address complex financial issues and develop effective solutions
• Think strategically and provide financial guidance aligned with the organization's mission and strategic goals
• This includes forecasting financial needs, identifying growth opportunities, and mitigating financial risks
• Given the fiduciary responsibilities of managing substantial funds, the Senior Director of Finance Operations must uphold the highest ethical standards and demonstrate integrity in financial decision-making and reporting
• A strong Senior Director of Finance Operations should be adaptable to changing financial environments, including shifts in funding, regulatory changes, and emerging financial trends
• They should be capable of effectively managing change within the finance department and guiding the organization through transitions
• The Senior Director of Finance Operations should commit to ongoing professional development and stay up to date with evolving financial regulations, best practices, and industry trends
• This includes pursuing relevant certifications and participating in professional networks or associations
• You model effective equity analysis and practice and have a track record of operationalizing equity, and have embedded justice and equity throughout team/department policies, structures, culture, and programs
• You are committed to continuously deepening and evolving your own understanding of systems of oppression through study, openness, and humility. And you easily recognize your own relationship to privilege and power, examining and shifting your behaviors as appropriate
• You see mistakes as opportunities for growth; problems as catalysts for solutions, and inspire others along the journey. You carry a constructive approach, can-do attitude, a sense of humor, and authentic kindness wherever you go

Responsibilities

• Oversee accounting operations including, but not limited to, financial statement preparation, accounts payable, accounts receivable and payroll
• Maintain finance policies, internal controls, accounting standards and procedures to ensure compliance with GAAP principles
• Plans, organizes and oversees annual audit of the Sierra Club and selected chapters
• Responsible for on-going balance sheet analysis, identifying opportunities, evaluating risk, ensuring proper utilization and compliance of assets. Evaluates reserve accounts and assures adequacy of balances
• Responsible for maintaining relationships with financial institutions, including concentration and secondary banks, lending institutions, and trust accounts.  Makes regular evaluations of Club’s cash management operations and negotiates with banks for cash management services, merchant card fees and custodial fees
• Prepares financial reports as requested utilizing knowledge of the general ledger system and strong analytical skills. Makes regular presentations to the Finance and Risk Management Committee regarding the Club’s financial position and financial risks
• With the support of the Senior Director of Financial Analysis, project cash flow needs for both National and Chapter Finance, and make borrowing and short term investment decisions.  In conjunction with the Chief Financial Officer, manages the long-term investment process
• In collaboration with the Managing Assistant Controller and Sr Accountant Compliance and Tax Reporting, oversees the preparation of the Form 990 and is responsible for compliance of all IRS and other regulatory agencies mandates on accounting of and segregation of funds
• Oversees and implements Accounting system conversions, modifications, updates and consolidations.  Anticipates needs, evaluates alternatives, makes recommendations, develops procedures and training.  Evaluates and makes recommendations for systems enhancements, and works closely with other departments to integrate systems
• Oversees Strategic Sourcing, identifying organizational needs, sourcing capacity, designing policies, procedures and processes, and record keeping. Regularly reviews organizational spending and identifies potential areas for cost reduction, monitors industry trends and market conditions to identify potential new suppliers or cost-effective alternatives, collaborates with procurement to develop sourcing strategies for key categories, including supplier selection criteria, negotiation tactics, and contract terms
• In partnership with the CFO and the Sr Director of FP&A, mentor and oversee the Finance Department staff, managing work allocation, and the building of an effective and efficient team dynamic
• Supervises Director of Payroll and Accounts Payable, Managing Assistant Controller and National Accounting team: 1) providing guidance to staff, 2) assigning work and establishing priorities; 3) providing on-the-job training and professional development opportunities; 4) providing ongoing performance feedback;  5) conducting formal performance planning and evaluation; and 6) making recommendations in hiring, termination and salary decisions
• Guide larger, cross-divisional teams outside of the direct span of control within the Finance department and organization overall
• Assist CFO with preparing and conducting performance reviews; making salary, hiring, and termination recommendations;  assigning work and establishing priorities; ensuring development and training of staff
• Assist CFO in overall management of the Finance Department with the preparation of department meetings, communications, cross-functional opportunities, and professional growth within the department
• Help mentor a finance team. Motivate the team members, fostering a collaborative and results-oriented work environment
• Help lead special projects for the department as directed by the CFO
• In partnership with the Senior Director FP&A and CFO, collaborate as the Senior Manager team to discuss financial issues and strategies for the organization
• Prepare financial reports as requested utilizing knowledge of the general ledger system and strong analytical skills
• Makes regular presentations in partnership with the CFO to executive leadership, directors, chairs, and department heads on the organization’s financial reporting, position and financial risks. Attends meetings as directed by/in place of the CFO
• Work closely with the Finance Committees: Audit Committee, Finance and Risk Committee (FinCom), Investment Committee (IC) and Investment Advisory Committee’s (IAC) to fulfill their respective charges
• Oversee the preparation and communication of monthly, quarterly and annual financial statements to leadership and other departments, plus FinCom and Board of Directors
• Ensure timeliness and accuracy of financial and management reporting data for Sierra Club Foundation, Investors, and Donors, as needed and directed by the CFO
• Help lead special projects for organizational leadership and directors as directed by the CFO
• Serves as a corporate officer

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Public Accountant and/or MBA designation preferred
• Demonstrated experience working at a non-profit with a mix of c(3) & c(4) funding sources
• Extensive experience with and knowledge of Netsuite and Adaptive Planning

Benefits

• The salary range for this position is $230,000 - $250,000 annually
• The Sierra Club offers a competitive salary package commensurate with skills and experience plus excellent benefits that include medical, dental, and vision coverage, and a retirement savings 401(k) plan