Finance Manager

Key Responsibilities

Accounting Oversight & Policies

• CLI will be outsourcing its accounting function; as such and in partnership with the MD-FOP, the Finance Manager will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day relationship and will be the regular point of contact on all matters of business with the accounting firm, including:
  • Annual 990 and other regulatory reporting / filings.
  • Monthly and annual closes.
  • Cash flow and forecasting reports.
• Manage accounts payable activities and protocols through Bill.
• Support the MD-FOP with cash management responsibilities.
• Develop and document finance / accounting processes and policies to maintain and strengthen internal controls and compliance, with an eye towards continuous improvement and best-in-class practices.

Financial Reporting & Analysis

• Prepare financial reports for CLI leadership and the board as well as ensure they have accurate financial information to inform strategic decisions, annual report preparation, and grants reporting.
• Conduct analyses to provide financial insights and recommendations to CLI leadership.
• Perform a variety of forecasting, budget variance, and other data analysis activities to ensure financial reporting supports organizational priorities, strategy, and short- and long-term planning.
• Support the MD-FOP in conceptualizing, documenting, and building financial models to assist in decision making.
• Provide support to the annual budgeting process, as needed.

Audit Support

• Support preparation and management of the annual audit process; manage and/or coordinate schedules and control narratives as necessary; act as supporting contact for auditors.
• Review, track, and support implementation of audit recommendations.

Contract Management

• Manage all contracts with vendors, suppliers, and service providers.
• Develop and maintain systems and policies for internal teams across CLI to contractually engage with external providers.

Ideal Candidate

CLI seeks a Finance Manager who is inspired by the opportunity to help a mission-driven climate organization grow and scale its newly created finance and operations function. The ideal candidate will be equally skilled with systems and numbers, possessing the ability to pivot to support multiple departments simultaneously, and able to meet competing deadlines in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment. A strong ability to read, analyze, and interpret financial information is key, as is a strong attention to detail, accuracy, and follow-through in all areas.

The Finance Manager will possess strong business and financial acumen that has been refined by working in dynamic and growing nonprofit organizations. With experience scoping and implementing finance / accounting policies, procedures, and financial systems, the successful candidate will bring a depth and breadth of experience that will allow them to successfully navigate complexity and nuance.

Candidates must bring excellent analytical and communication skills. This role requires a team player who enjoys working across a range of functions, and the ability to be a hands-on doer with flawless execution. The ideal candidate is intellectually curious and confident enough to speak up with questions.

Additional qualifying factors for the Finance Manager include:

• Minimum of six years of finance and accounting experience.
• Experience working in nonprofit organizations is preferred, but not required.
• Strong working knowledge with general ledger functions, accounts payable, accruals, fund classification, month-end and year-end close processes, and budgeting.
• Experience assessing, implementing, and managing financial systems and policies.
• Experience working with outsourced providers of accounting and/or other services.
• Experience with a variety of financial technologies, tools, or systems; potential platforms that CLI is currently exploring include QB Online, Sage, Bill, Intact, and Expensify.