Finance Manager

WHO WE ARE

The Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) is a global network working towards a just and waste-free world without incineration. GAIA’s mission is to catalyze a global shift towards environmental justice by strengthening grassroots social movements that advance solutions to waste and pollution. We envision a just, zero waste world built on respect for ecological limits and community rights, where people are free from the burden of toxic pollution, and resources are sustainably conserved, not burned or dumped.

THE ROLE 

GAIA seeks a dynamic, systems-oriented Finance Manager to lead collaborative efforts to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the finance function across GAIA. 

The Finance Manager is responsible for oversight and execution of day-to-day accounting duties and related support to Talent & Culture, while having primary responsibility for projects related to finance policies, processes, and systems. The Finance Manager is a key member of the core finance team and the  newly-created “systems champion” task force to align initiatives across GAIA. A highly collaborative role, the Finance Manager works closely with team members at all levels to ensure projects meet the needs of internal customers. This position reports to the Finance Director, and supervises the Accounting Coordinator.

The successful candidate will have extensive experience in financial accounting, change management  

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Finance Operations and Processes (50%)

• Plan, lead, and implement additional projects to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of finance activities across GAIA
• Conduct a needs assessment and internal review of financial systems used
• Research financial software systems and best practices that could improve GAIA’s financial operations and processes
• Provide support and trainings to GAIA’s global staff on use of financial software & processes
• Prioritize and phase upgrades to finance policies, processes, and systems
• Help develop protocol and policies around purchasing and procurement
• Perform contract administration and ensure compliances with regulations and standards
• Accountable for managing the revision and regular updates of Finance Policies & Procedures

Accounting and Supervision (30%)

• Supervise Accounting Coordinator, providing training and feedback to foster professional development and ensure high-quality and timely work products
• Oversee day-to-day aspects of bookkeeping, payroll, and accounting functions performed by Accounting Coordinator
• Review and submit bi-monthly payroll prepared by Accounting Coordinator, ensuring payroll accuracy
• Manage day-to-day Accounts Receivable duties, ensuring timely and accurate deposit and entry of receivables
• Oversee and provide input regarding reconciliations of bank accounts, credit card statements, and payroll reports
• Maintain spreadsheets to manage accounting information and prepare reports for management
• Provide support to annual audit process as needed

Talent & Culture (20%)

• Designated liaison between Finance and Talent & Culture
• Collaborate with the Director of Talent & Culture on ensuring enrollment and administrative maintenance of employee benefits including health insurance, 401k plan and FSA benefits
• Maintain personnel files and ensure benefits compliance
• Manage all state tax registration and filings
• Participate in cross-functional “systems champion” task force

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree, accounting certification, or equivalent experience
• Minimum 3 years non-profit bookkeeping/accounting work experience
• Minimum 1 year supervisory experience with an orientation toward employee development
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles and practices
• Experience with and understanding of regular, ongoing daily, monthly and quarterly accounting tasks
• Experience working in Quickbooks
• Advanced computer and systems skills, including Microsoft Office & Google Sheets; demonstrated ability to understand practical user-level implications of system features and configuration in order to propose changes
• Project management skills, including a demonstrated ability to plan, shepherd, and complete 3/6/12-month projects on an organization-wide level
• Change management skills and stakeholder management skills, including the ability to elicit requirements, manage expectations, and drive decision-making
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Ability to problem-solve, take initiative, and maintain efficiency in a rapidly changing, dynamic environment
• Ability to coordinate multiple simultaneous projects efficiently, involving multiple personnel across time zones around the world
• A passion for environmental health and climate, social, and environmental justice.
• Commitment to GAIA’s mission and core values of: respecting local solutions and community power; shared practice for movement building; equity, inclusiveness, and social justice; and accountability.

PREFERRED SKILLS

• Strongly preferred is experience within an international/multicultural environment; equally valuable is experience furthering diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in a diverse environment
• Spanish language skills a plus

WHAT WE OFFER

• Meaningful work – operating from a place of connectivity and trust, we are able to exchange the cross-border knowledge and tools needed to create a truly global movement that puts an end to waste pollution.
• Comprehensive benefits – this includes employer-covered health/dental insurance, paid family leave, approximately 30 days of paid time off each year (including vacation, holidays, and the last week of each calendar year), retirement plan, and an opportunity to qualify for a sabbatical.
• Strong culture and dedicated team – we take pride in our highly motivated team, and our ability to support one another’s work in an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect. 

LOCATION, COMPENSATION, AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Salary range $75,000-$88,000, depending on experience. 

• Currently some of our team is working hybrid, and others are working remotely. This position will preferably work hybrid with 2-3 days per week out of our Berkeley, CA office. However, we are willing to consider applicants with strong qualifications in another location who are able to travel to the Berkeley office a minimum of 10-12 times per year.
• Additional travel (domestic or international) for team retreats may be required.
• Full COVID-19 vaccination is required for GAIA employees who travel and attend meetings for GAIA.
• Work is performed both independently and collaboratively. Work is performed on a computer, requires almost constant use of a keyboard, mouse, or other pointing device and may be performed sitting or standing.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

 We are committed to equal employment opportunity principles and providing all employees with a safe work environment free from discrimination and harassment. We welcome you regardless of your race, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, age, physical ability, nationality, or any other status unrelated to the performance of the job and protected by law. GAIA practices affirmative action, and candidates from historically disadvantaged or marginalized groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at https://www.careers-page.com/gaia/job/L5969W3R only, including a resume and cover letter. This position will be open until filled; applications will be reviewed as they are received, and the first round of interviews will commence quickly.