Hybrid position working 40 hours per week in Santa Cruz office
We strive to employ a staff that represents the students we serve - All Genders, LGBTQ+, BIack, Latinx, Indigenous and People of Color are strongly encouraged to apply.
ABOUT LIFE LAB
Life Lab, a national leader in garden based education, is hiring an Accounting Manager. Life Lab advances equity and inclusion as we cultivate children’s love of learning, nourishing food, and nature through living garden laboratories. Life Lab values and builds partnerships with communities in which systemic racism creates barriers to access nature, wellness and experiential education. We believe that liberatory garden-based education and organizational practices support a more just future where all can work together and thrive.
POSITION
Reporting to the Executive Director, our Accounting Manager will be charged with coordinating all finance and accounting functions for the organization, in concert with our external accounting services partner, to support Life Lab’s ongoing operations and ensuring the current and future financial health of the organization. This position requires strong nonprofit accounting experience with thoughtful and strategic application of that knowledge and experience.
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
Ensure effective fiscal health and financial stewardship; oversee long range budgeting and cost management in alignment with the strategic plan.
Ensure timeliness and accuracy of the financial reporting for the Leadership Team, program teams, funders, the Finance Committee and Board of Directors.
Oversee the preparation and communication of monthly, quarterly and annual financial statements with our external accounting services partner.
Develop grant and contract budgets in partnership with the development director and program leaders.
Develop and utilize forward-looking forecasts and activity-based financial analyses to provide insight into the organization’s operations and programs.
Report to the Executive Director and the Board Finance Committee regarding the annual budget, audit and longer-term financial strategy.
Participate in the strategic planning process as an integral member of the Leadership Team.
ACCOUNTING & OPERATIONS
Work closely with Life Lab’s external accounting services partner to ensure proper monthly reconciliation and reporting.
Manage the payroll process, including accurate fund allocation of personnel expenses.
Manage time and expense tracking systems, and ensure proper coding of all entries.
Support timely completion of monthly, quarterly and annual processes to support regular closing of the books and reporting to the staff and Board of Directors.
Manage grant contract accounting, including invoicing.
Ensure maintenance and enforcement of internal controls and GAAP-compliant financial procedures.
Oversee annual and multi-year budgets and monitor, project, and report on budget-to-actual variances.
Oversee financial compliance for restricted grants and gifts.
Manage cash flow and forecasting, including reliable cash flow projection process and reporting mechanism that includes a minimum cash threshold to meet operating needs.
Coordinate external audits and filing of tax returns, in partnership with the Audit Committee.
Optimize banking relationships and implement appropriate strategies to manage operating cash and reserves.
Remain up to date on nonprofit accounting best practices and state and federal law regarding nonprofit fiscal operations.
ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP
In collaboration with the Leadership Team, work to align Life Lab’s resources with programmatic needs.
Serve as a thought partner to the Executive Director and operations team on the organization’s financial, budgeting, and administrative processes to continuously develop and improve systems.
Support the Development team and Board Fundraising Committee on timely budgeting and reporting for fundraising campaigns, grants, and major donor relationships.
Build and maintain strong working relationships with the Leadership Team and Board Finance Committee.
Represent the organization and foster positive relationships with financial partners, including financial institutions, donors, auditors, public officials and other stakeholders.
QUALIFICATIONS
Excellent financial management skills, including budget preparation, analysis, decision making and reporting.
5+ years nonprofit accounting in progressively responsible finance roles, including accounting and management experience.
Experience coordinating nonprofit accounting processes, including payroll, A/P, A/R, and related functions.
Exceptional strategic, critical thinking, and financial analysis skills; high attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality work.
Experience and skill to collaborate with the Executive Director and Board of Directors.
Excellent interpersonal and communication (written, verbal, and presentation) skills, with the ability to foster effective working relationships both internally and externally.
Ability to lead and manage multiple projects, practice delegation, and initiate collaboration.
Exceptional systems and process orientation, and a track record of designing and implementing system improvements.
Advanced spreadsheet skills and strong Google Suite skills.
Exceptional numeracy and enjoyment of working with numbers in accounting systems.
Ability to prioritize and problem solve in a dynamic organizational environment.
Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting or related field. Or Associates degree with associated training.
Demonstrated commitment to equity and the advancement of historically underserved communities.
COMPENSATION
Compensation for this full time, 40 hours per week exempt position is $96,000 - $115,200. This is a hybrid position, working at least 1-2 days a week at our office on the UC Santa Cruz Farm. Compensation also includes a 403(b) employer retirement contribution equal to 5% of gross pay. Paid time off includes up to 15 days of accrued vacation in the first year, up to 12 days of accrued medical time, and 13 paid holidays. Life Lab pays 100% of health plan premiums for employees & their eligible dependents, up to $1,300 total per month, with generous medical, dental and vision coverage.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Please send a cover letter and resumé to [email protected] as soon as possible. We schedule interviews on a rolling basis. Applications are welcome until the position is filled.
A background check will be conducted with finalists for this position.
Life Lab is committed to a policy of non-discrimination as an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment candidates and employees will be considered and managed without regard to race, color, gender, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran's status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other basis in accordance with applicable law.