Hiring Organization Information
Position Information
MISSION:
To cultivate the academic and leadership potential of underrepresented students of color through rigorous, transformative opportunities that increase college graduation rates and empower new generations of leaders.
ORGANIZATION:
The Rainier Scholars program model focuses on long-term investment in the lives of the students we serve – those with the greatest number of barriers to achieving a college education. By offering a holistic, 12-year approach with personalized support from 5th grade through college graduation, we are committed to eliminating barriers for underrepresented students of color and growing new generations of diverse college graduates, career professionals, and community leaders.
Rainier Scholars has experienced tremendous growth over the past several years, and this is the optimal time to join the team! With a budget size of $8 million, a staff team of 60+ FTE and over 950 scholars and families whom we currently serve, Rainier Scholars has established a positive brand for our unwavering commitment to education, proven success rate and sustainable impact.
SUMMARY:
Rainier Scholars is on the move and growing. This leadership position will be instrumental in ensuring the business functions necessary to keep pace with the organization as it grows its impact on students, families, communities, and businesses - and across two locations: Seattle and Tacoma.
The Director of Finance will report to the Executive Director and will work closely with contract employees, including a fractional CFO and HR support. The Director of Finance will manage essential financial infrastructure inclusive of general accounting, accounts receivables and contributions, accounts payables, and payroll. The Director of Finance will work collaboratively with internal stakeholders including program directors, the Advancement team, scholars, and staff to apply, analyze, and translate accounting concepts and policies.
On the ground, the Director of Finance will oversee the application of technical accounting issues, implementation of financial policies and internal controls over financial reporting, adherence to deadlines, and continual process improvement. The Director of Finance manages the annual audit and tax return preparation.
This will be a unique opportunity to work with a legacy organization at one of the most exciting times in its 23-year history.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Supervision and Oversight
- Supervise the accounting team by hiring, leading, motivating, mentoring, and training the team (2.5 FTE) to achieve the Finance Office’s overall goals and objectives.
- Oversee all transactional processes for accounts payable and accounts receivable and review to ensure compliance with policies, internal controls, and budget restrictions.
- Oversee all accounts payable and scholarship payments processes and related internal controls.
- Oversee all payroll functions including 403(b) remittances and taxes
- Prepare or provide oversight to areas of accounting that require professional and technical accounting expertise, and lead the implementation of new accounting standards.
GAAP and Internal Controls
- Serve as the primary technical accountant, applying accounting concepts and standards.
- Responsible for financial and accounting policies, internal controls, and processes, including transaction review, reconciliations, and month-end close procedures.
- Establish processes to ensure compliance with policies, GAAP, fund restrictions, and grants while meeting deadlines and providing guidance and direction to staff and internal stakeholders.
- Monitor, recommend, implement, and enforce financial policies, including internal control procedures and systems to ensure the integrity of financial reporting and safeguarding of records.
Reporting
- Prepare monthly and quarterly financial statements for internal management and the board of trustees.
- Support the annual audit and 990 preparations through preparing and reviewing work papers and schedules, drafting financial statements and footnotes, and coordinating with the external accountant.
Systems
- Manage system configuration and maintenance of the chart of accounts and related account classifications.
- Work collaboratively with the intra-departmental and cross-functional teams to improve and streamline processes and systems.
- Assist as a major contributor for system development and improvement projects - finance, tech, and operations.
Perform miscellaneous job‐related duties as assigned.
The successful candidate will need to be a collaborative team player with a high degree of integrity, accuracy, and in-depth accounting and finance experience. This is an integral role in support of the strategies and activities of our vibrant, innovative educational community in support of our mission. The successful candidate will embrace the Rainier Scholars culture, thrive in a fast-paced, student-centered environment, and work well both independently and in teams.
In addition, the successful candidate will:
- Relate to, develop, and mentor junior staff members, and work collaboratively with Finance Office staff and intra-departmental teams.
- Work independently and understand complex relationships between detail (e.g., program and account) and economic impact and institutional policy (e.g., big picture budget).
- Read, analyze, and interpret technical accounting, tax, and governmental regulations to formulate conclusions and recommend solutions. Deploying strong knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) is essential.
- Exhibit strong oral and written communication skills.
REQUIRED:
- Bachelor's degree in business, finance, or accounting.
- Five to eight years of related work experience with a diverse workforce and with a demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion.
- Minimum 3 years experience in training and supervising professional and technical staff.
- Software and equipment used: knowledge of Quickbooks and other enterprise accounting software. Intermediate to advanced Excel to design and manipulate spreadsheets. Ability to adapt to various cloud-based software tools.
DESIRED:
- Master’s degree in business, finance, accounting or a related field
- Licensure/Certification: CPA licensure (active or inactive) preferred
- Familiarity with accounting in a not-for‐profit environment
- Public accounting experience
(Any Equivalent Combination of Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education and Experience)