Overview
Position Title: Finance & Operations Manager
FLSA Status: Exempt
Reports to: Executive Director
Position Location: Remote
Job Type: Full Time
The Native American Food Sovereignty Alliance (NAFSA) is a 501(c)(3) organization comprised of Indigenous leaders dedicated to restoring food systems that support tribal self-determination and community wellness.
NAFSA’s mission is to support Native communities nationally with advocacy, education, and networking as they revitalize their Indigenous food systems. NAFSA brings together proven strategies with innovative thinking as we support ethical economic development by promoting expanded local food production that renews natural resources and enhances traditional cultural activities to mentor a new generation of Native food sovereignty activists, chefs, farmers, and practitioners.
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Financial & Operations Manager will play a critical role in building and maintaining NAFSA’s financial infrastructure, accounting, financial policy development, and tax preparation. This role is designed to enhance financial operations within NAFSA, facilitating collaboration among our Executive Director, Development Team, and Program Staff. The FOM will ensure that financial strategies align with NAFSA’s operational needs and compliance requirements.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
Financial Operations
● Develop and maintain robust financial systems and processes in collaboration with the financial team.
● Provide strategic financial input and leadership on organizational impact issues.
● Implement best practices in financial management, tailored to the nonprofit sector.
● Facilitate effective communication and data flow between in-house teams and external consultants.
● Develop and oversee record-keeping systems; establish best practices within the financial team.
● Conduct financial analysis and forecasting to support strategic decision-making.
● Manage risk assessments to identify and mitigate financial vulnerabilities.
● Oversee grant management and ensure compliance with funding requirements.
● Lead collaborative budgeting processes with key stakeholders to ensure transparency and accountability.
● Support the program and development team with reporting requirements and facilitate meetings with NAFSA staff and Board Members as needed.
Finance & Accounting
● Provide leadership, management, and strategic recommendations on financial matters including financial planning, cash management, banking, budgeting, fiscal policies, and strategic planning.
● Ensure all revenues and expenses are recorded accurately and processed in a timely manner, including receivables, grants, donations, payroll, and accounts payable.
● Ensure that payroll and benefits for multiple states are accurately processed in a timely manner to meet deadlines and requirements.
● Ensure that contracts and awards remain compliant with statements of work, budgets, terms and conditions; coordinate with program staff and grantors to process expenditures according to authorized budgets, submit required reports, and manage award closeouts.
● Provide financial leadership in the planning and development of annual budgets and work plans, working closely with staff, Program Directors, Executive Director, and Board to ensure an accurate budget is adopted for the upcoming year.
Compliance Requirements, Reporting, and Audits
● Coordinate the annual audit of NAFSA financial statements, preparation and submission of IRS Form 990, workers’ compensation audits, and other necessary program audits.
● Ensure that fiscal policies, internal control policies and procedures, and contract templates are regularly reviewed and updated to remain compliant with adopted policies, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, auditing standards, and applicable guidelines (e.g., 2 CFR 200 Uniform Guidance).
● Ensure compliance with all federal, state, local, and private reporting and registration requirements, including federal and state payroll tax returns and other processes to maintain current and effective NAFSA reporting or registrations.
● Review, recommend, and secure the organization’s commercial insurance policies to provide adequate coverages for property, assets, car rentals, and events as required by NAFSA Bylaws, minimizing liability risks.
● Provide support to NAFSA by producing reports and presentations and assisting in understanding and facilitating organizational processes and procedures, such as purchasing, travel, budget development, reviewing and approving invoices from contractors, and compliance reporting.
● Perform other duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
● Proven leadership in managing financial operations within a nonprofit setting.
● Strong ability to design and implement financial systems that meet complex needs.
● Excellent collaboration skills to work effectively with both in-house teams and external partners.
● Detailed-oriented with high standards of accuracy and precision.
● Strong analytical skills and experience with financial reporting and forecasting.
● Familiarity with nonprofit financial compliance and grant management.
● Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with staff at all levels across the organization, including strong writing and verbal communication skills.
● A demonstrated commitment to Native communities and an understanding of work to revitalize Indigenous food systems.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance
Education Preferred: Advanced degree or certification in accounting or finance
Experience: A combination of education, training, and experience that provide the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the position’s work. The following are a plus:
● Demonstrated experience working 3-5 years with fund accounting and general ledger maintenance at a non-profit or similar organization.
● Experience in the development, implementation, and maintenance of an employee benefits program.
● Experience reviewing, recommending, and implementing an accounting system to meet organizational long-term needs.
● An understanding of contracts, grants, 2 CFR 200 (Uniform Guidance), Indirect Cost Proposal development.
Computer Skills: Knowledge of various technology platforms such as Quickbooks, Bill.com, ADP, Google Suites, Microsoft Office, Monday.com, payroll systems, and any future programs as required.
Ability to use the various technology platforms utilized by NAFSA including ADP, QuickBooks, Google Suites (including calendars), Microsoft Excel and Word, Monday.com, payroll systems, bill.com and any future programs as required;
Certificates & Licenses: Driver’s license
Other Requirements: Background check, drug policy
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS STATEMENT:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
REMOTE WORK EMPLOYMENT: Remote Work Team Members complete their job responsibilities from a location other than on-premises. These positions use digital tools to handle tasks, complete projects, and communicate with their team, vendors, and guests. These positions may require Team Members to occasionally report physically to the property for onboarding, scheduled meetings, etc.