Finance & Operations Manager
Summary
Spark Northwest is seeking an experienced Finance and Operations Manager to lead our financial, administrative and human resources systems. This person will manage our part-time Accounting Specialist and report to the Executive Director.
Spark Northwest’s mission is to advance clean energy programs in partnership with rural, Tribal and low-income communities in Oregon and Washington. Our organization has experienced steady growth in recent years; our operating budget for 2025 is $2 million. We have a healthy mix of revenue, with about half expected to be fee-for-service via contracts with public agencies. We maintain a three-month board-designated operating reserve. Please visit sparknorthwest.org to learn more.
We have a small but mighty eleven-person team. We use a hybrid structure, where employees have the option of working remotely and also meeting up in our Seattle office. In keeping with our mission to advance clean energy that builds power and wealth in marginalized communities, we especially value candidates who have lived or professional experience in BIPOC, immigrant, rural, Native and low-wealth communities that have been underrepresented in the sector. We highly encourage people with that knowledge and experience to apply.
Responsibilities
Financial Management (35%)
- Develop and implement short-and long-range financial projections in consultation with the Executive Director. Provide financial analysis and leadership on business and operational growth strategies.
- Manage and perform accounting transactions in accordance with GAAP, including payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, invoicing, cash flow and bank reconciliations. This includes overseeing our Accounting Specialist, who performs several of these functions.
- Prepare monthly financial statements and reports for the organization in an accurate and timely manner.
- Maintain and assure organization compliance with tax, labor and business-related policies and reporting.
- Develop and maintain internal controls to safeguard financial assets, including the investment management policy.
- Manage the annual audit and preparation of tax returns and 990s filings by external CPA.
- Lead the annual budget and mid-year review process.
- Assist staff with programmatic and grant proposal budgets. Perform analysis of fee-for-service billing rates and update as needed.
- Manage the organization’s banking, accounting and vendor relationships and documentation.
- Create and maintain systems for project staff to monitor and report on their budgets. Train and advise staff as needed.
Administration and Organizational Development (35%)
- Oversee risk management and legal activities: contracts, leases, and other legal documents and agreements. Maintain records for contracts, business registrations, and insurance enrollments.
- Manage technology consultant to maintain existing office and technology equipment, conduct technology assessments and planning, and troubleshoot networking issues.
- Manage daily office operations, including monitoring general email box and directing to appropriate staff. Evaluate office needs, order supplies and organize inventory.
Human Resources (20%)
- Work with outside brokers to negotiate employee benefits package, insurance and other staff benefits on an annual basis.
- Maintain personnel files, HR documents and manage periodic updates of the Employee Personnel Policy manual as needed.
- Manage employee hiring process, orientation, training and termination of staff.
- Organize and provide support for employee performance reviews and retention, including working with the Executive Director to conduct compensation and benefits package analysis.
Board Support (~10%)
- Staff the Finance Committee and work collaboratively with the Board Treasurer.
- Coordinate board meeting packets and plan board meeting logistics. Maintain shared Board portal.
- Coordinate and participate in orientation of new Board members.
- Attend all Board meetings and support the Board Treasurer on reporting.
Benefits and Compensation
The Finance & Operations Manager salary range is $90,000 to $95,000 annually. In addition to salary, benefits include: health and dental insurance, four weeks paid flexible time off, an additional 12 paid holidays, paid sick leave, retirement plan, professional development allowance, and public transit subsidy.
Location
We require that employees reside (or plan to reside) in Oregon or Washington. We offer a flexible work environment with a self-determined mix of in-person and remote work. We have an office located in downtown Seattle, where we gather for in-person collaboration. For remote work, employees need access to internet and phone. If this is a barrier, we can make accommodations.
To Apply
Please submit the following to jobs@sparknorthwest.org with the subject line: “Your Name/ Finance and Operations Manager”:
- A cover letter. Please provide examples of your experience in a nonprofit organization for items listed in the responsibilities section of this job description.
- A current resume with duration or dates of employment
No phone inquiries please. Position will remain open until filled. Note: Applicants must be authorized to lawfully work in the United States.
Spark Northwest is an equal opportunity employer who does not discriminate against any employee or job applicant due to gender, race, color, religion, national origin, political ideology, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran or military status, or any other legally protected status. Background checks may be performed. An interesting past is not an exclusion for working with our team. We ask applicants to be open to discussing any findings with us as we may have questions. We believe in grace, forgiveness, and second chances.