Business Manager

About SEA

The Sea Education Association (www.sea.edu) is a unique leader in experiential education promoting scientific and social understanding of ocean health. For more than 50 years, SEA has remained true to its vision: to give students the opportunity for direct, hands-on study of the oceans applying a range of academic traditions. Today SEA leverages its unique blend of educational settings, combining study at its 5-acre campus in the renowned oceanographic research hub of Woods Hole, Massachusetts, aboard its two tall ship sailing school vessels (SSVs), across coastal communities around the world, supplemented by online learning accessible from anywhere. The SSV Corwith Cramer currently sails in the Atlantic Ocean concentrating on the Gulf of Maine, and the SSV Robert C. Seamans operates in the South Pacific focusing on the islands of Polynesia and Melanesia.

Founded in 1971, SEA operates top-rate academic programs and scholarly research but is not a degree-granting institution. Offering undergraduates and high school students a range of transformational educational opportunities, SEA programs focus on critical environmental topics including climate change, coral reef conservation, ocean plastics, marine policy, and biodiversity.

SEA also hosts a wide range of customized expeditions with higher education institutions such as Boston University, Wharton School of Business, Stanford University, and NASA, among many others. SEA also leads customized high school programs including an ocean robotics program in partnership with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, CA, and a comprehensive oceanography and marine biology program with Proctor Academy in New Hampshire out of the SEA main campus in Woods Hole, Massachusetts.

This is a campus-based (Falmouth, MA) position with the possibility for remote Fridays.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the Business Office team ensuring a culture of community and continuous improvement
• Oversee all accounting and financial functions; promote a service-oriented environment with opportunities for skills development of team members
• Ensure that the Organization complies with all applicable accounting procedures and standards in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB)
• Coordinate the annual financial statement audit including preparation of reports and reconciliations required for the audit, drafting the financial statements and assisting the auditors as needed
• Coordinate the preparation of the Organization’s federal and state tax returns (Forms 990 and PC) and prepare the Mass 3ABC as well as tax returns for the 403(b) retirement plans (Form 5500)
• Work with the SEA’s senior management team to prepare the annual budget to be presented to the Board of Trustees and its Finance Committee
• Prepare monthly financial statements with related budget/forecast variance analysis, cash flow analysis and projections, investments accounting and analysis, fundraising accounting and analysis, and other financial statistical reporting.
• Ensure provision of timely and accurate monthly budgetary/forecast information to leadership team and departmental heads; perform analytical review procedures and audit individual department budget/forecast performance.
• Supervise and assist the accounting staff with student billing, accounts receivable, accounts payable and purchasing as needed
• Collaborate with the development / advancement team to track and analyze the institutions endowment in consultation with the Board Development Committee, reconciling and reporting on donations monthly and annually
• Ensure the renewal process for SEA’s insurance policies (marine vessels, shore-based property, workers compensation, health insurance, D&O and cyber, etc.) is conducted each year in a timely manner
• Supervise the SEA HR Coordinator overseeing payroll and benefits accounting
• Supervise and mentor direct reports which include the Network Administrator, Shore Facilities Coordinator (physical plant), Human Resources Coordinator, Staff Accountants (accounts receivable / bursar and accounts payable)
• Work to maximize department utilization of accounting software,
• Work to continuously improve the Organization’s accounting, financial reporting and internal control policies and procedures

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance required
• CPA license and/or advanced degree preferred
• Minimum 5+ years of relevant experience with a demonstrated track record of progressive responsibility including supervising a team
• Experience with Blackbaud Financial Edge a plus
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment
• Nonprofit accounting experience preferred, private education experience a plus
• Strong technology and innovation skills; demonstrated ability to leverage technology and create efficiencies and process improvement
• Attention to detail with the ability to think analytically and strategically
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities simultaneously
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport and trust
• Demonstrated experience working collaboratively with a diverse group of people and a strong commitment to equity and inclusion
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to present data effectively

Compensation and Benefits

Salary range for this position is $75,000-$95,000 annually, commensurate with experience.

SEA Education Association, Inc. offers a generous benefits package, including medical, dental and vision insurance plans, an organization-matched retirement plan, and paid time off.

How to Apply

Please send resume and cover letter to Contact_Business@sea.edu.