Finance Director

About the Ecology Center

Founded in 1970, the Ecology Center works to develop innovative solutions for healthy people and a healthy planet. In recent years, the Ecology Center has been at the forefront of protecting communities from PFAS, lead exposure, air, water, & plastic pollution, among other environmental health concerns. In addition to our environmental health work, the Ecology Center is a leading advocacy organization in Michigan’s clean equitable energy revolution. The Ecology Center is the parent organization of Recycle Ann Arbor, founded in 1977, which works to build zero waste communities through convenient and innovative services. The Ecology Center is committed to Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion within the workplace and with our partners. The Ecology Center has offices in Ann Arbor and Detroit. Heading into 2025 our organization is expanding our capacity and staffing and this is one of several positions for which we are currently hiring.

Position Summary

The Ecology Center is seeking a Finance Director who will be a strategic thought-partner throughout the organization, and report to the executive director (ED). The successful candidate will be a hands-on team player with strong organizational and communications skills who will lead and develop an internal team to support the following areas: finance, business planning, budgeting, and administration.

The Finance Director will play a critical role in partnering with the senior leadership team in strategic decision making and financial operations as Ecology Center continues to enhance its quality programming and build capacity. This is a tremendous opportunity for a finance leader to maximize and strengthen the internal capacity of a well-respected, high-impact organization.

Responsibilities

Financial Management

• Prepare, analyze and present financial reports to the staff, management team, and board in an accurate and timely manner; clearly communicate monthly and annual financial statements; collate financial reporting materials for all grant fund segments, and oversee all financial, project/program and grants accounting.
• Coordinate and lead the annual audit process, liaise with external auditors and the finance committee of the board of directors; assess any changes necessary.
• Oversee and lead annual budgeting and planning process in conjunction with the ED; administer and review all financial plans and budgets; monitor progress and changes and keep senior leadership team abreast of the organization’s financial status.
• Supervise the Finance Coordinator’s work to ensure timely and accurate bookkeeping functions.
• Work with HR/Operations Coordinator to administer staff salaries via a payroll service provider.
• Work closely with program staff to oversee the allocation of grant expenses and produce grant reports.
• Manage organizational cash flow and forecasting.
• Maintain a robust contracts management and financial management/ reporting system; ensure that the contract billing and collection schedule is adhered to and that financial data and cash flow are steady and support operational requirements.
• Update and implement all necessary finance related business policies and accounting practices; review and improve the finance department’s overall policy and procedure manual as needed.
• Effectively communicate and present the critical financial matters to the board of directors.
• Work closely and transparently with all internal and external partners including third-party vendors and consultants to maintain regulatory compliance and best practices for tax, insurance, and corporate administration.
• Effectively manage and maintain the MIP Fund Accounting database, software, and the SQL Server it runs on.

Qualifications

• At least 7-10 years of overall professional experience; ideally 6+ years of broad financial and operations management experience
• The ideal candidate has experience of final responsibility for the quality and content of all financial data, reporting and audit coordination for either a division or significant program area.
• Ability to translate financial concepts to – and to effectively collaborate with -- programmatic and fundraising colleagues who do not necessarily have finance backgrounds
• A track record in grants management for multiple grants and programs.
• Technology savvy with experience selecting and overseeing software installations and managing relationships with software vendors; knowledge of accounting and reporting software
• A successful track record in setting priorities; keen analytic, organization and problem solving skills which support and enable sound decision making
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal skills.
• Relationship building skills with an ability to prioritize, negotiate, and work with a variety of individuals, teams, and external stakeholders.
• A multi-tasker with the ability to wear many hats in a fast-paced environment
• Commitment to justice, equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and dedication to the mission, vision, and values of the Ecology Center.
• Preferred education level of a B.A., with an MBA/CPA or related degree desirable.

Reports to: Executive Director, Core Services Team Leader

Salary and Benefits

Range: $75,500-$89,900

This is a salary position and wages are commensurate with experience.

Generous benefits package including health, dental, FSA or HSA, 403(b), ongoing training, and growth opportunities. Upbeat, collaborative, and goal-oriented office atmosphere.

How to apply

Please send your resume and cover letter to jobs@ecocenter.org with the job title “Finance Director” in the subject line. Please include how you heard about the position.

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. We are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. If you are excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Ecology Center is committed to diversity and inclusion in our internal practices and opportunities, and in how we fulfill our mission of working for healthy people and a healthy planet. The Ecology Center is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from people of color, women, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQ communities.

Application Deadline

Please apply by Friday, January 24th, 2025. Applications received by that date will be given priority, but we will continue to receive applications until the position is filled.