Director of Finance

Title:                         Director of Finance

Classification:       Full-time, Exempt

Department:          Administration

Reports To:            Executive Director

Schedule:                This is a regular full-time (40 hour/week) position.  The schedule is Monday through Friday. Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required.

Salary Range:        $95,000 to $125,000 annual Salary DOE

Organization

Ganna Walska Lotusland, is a non-profit, botanical garden in Montecito, California whose mission is to preserve and enhance the unique, historic estate of Madame Ganna Walska, care for and improve its collections, and develop its conservation and horticulture programs, so they educate, inspire, and advance our understanding and appreciation of the importance of plants in our lives and in the life of the planet. For more information, please visit www.lotusland.org

Position

The Director of Finance, a key member of the senior leadership team, serves as the primary financial advisor and fosters a dynamic, supportive workplace culture. The successful candidate will be a hands-on and participative leader and will lead and develop our senior management team in the areas of finance, business planning and budgeting, and financial administration.

The Director of Finance will oversee all financial and accounting functions, ensuring accuracy, transparency, and compliance. The Director supervises a contracted accounting firm, as well as the Human Resources Administrator and reports to the Executive Director, working closely with contracted project staff, auditors, and the investment manager.

The Director of Finance works with the staff and the Board to set achievable budgets, and helps to train staff to develop and implement these budgets.

This role will oversee all financial activities and business operations, and provide the leadership, management, and vision necessary to ensure proper financial controls, administrative and reporting procedures and strategic financial planning. Candidate must comply with all current standards and accounting principles (GAAP) as well as maintain knowledge of Form 990 regulations to ensure Lotusland’s financial strength.

The Director of Finance will play a critical role in partnering with the Executive Director and senior leadership team in strategic decision making and operations as Lotusland continues to enhance its visitor experience, programming and builds capacity. This is a tremendous opportunity for a finance and operations leader to maximize and strengthen the internal capacity of a well-respected, high-impact organization operating in a beautiful and serene environment.

Essential Responsibilities

Leadership: Strengthens and grows the sustainable operation of the organization, supporting department heads’ understanding of the financial and operational impact of programming decisions.

Finance and Accounting Operations: Directs accounting policies, processes and internal controls and ensures they are performed effectively. Working with the contract accounting firm, manages and reviews accounting functions including general ledger, pledges receivable, accounts payable, inventory control, fixed assets, and cash management.  Provides guidance and hands-on direction for the preparation of journal entries, reconciliations, and month-end closing.  Reviews and approves the bi-weekly payroll ensuring accuracy of all wages, benefits, and accrual adjustments.

Audit: Ensures the timely completion of the annual financial audit and oversees the annual audit process, liaising with external auditors and the audit committee of the board of directors.  Coordinates the preparation of supporting documentation.

Budgeting: Oversees and leads the annual budgeting and planning process in conjunction with the ED and senior leadership team.  Administers and reviews all financial plans and department budgets. Monitors progress and changes and keeps senior leadership team abreast of the organization’s financial status.  Develops annual operating and capital budgets – for both restricted and unrestricted projects.

Financial Reporting & Analysis: Effectively communicates and presents the critical financial matters to the board of directors. Oversees the production of timely, accurate and complete monthly financial statements, maintaining a current cash flow forecast. Provides financial analysis to the senior leadership team and the Board on business and operational matters, including analysis for capital projects, strategic planning, grant reporting, and other projects as required Risk Management: Manages insurance coverage – including renewals, changes and claims – and other risk management needs.  Reviews employee, volunteer and visitor safety and compliance with workplace laws and requirements.  Maintains files for legal documents, permits, contracts and grants.  Administers the garden’s health plan and 403(b) retirement plan.

Compliance: Ensures compliance with all reporting requirements for donor grant, local, state, and federal agencies.

Committee Liaison: Prepares for and attends the finance and audit committees of the Board. Attends and prepares information for other committees of the Board as needed.

Qualifications

• Degree in Finance, Accounting or related field. Certified Public Accounting (CPA) license preferred.
• At least seven to 10 years of proven professional experience; ideally six-plus years of broad financial management and nonprofit 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

• Thrives in a team-oriented, collaborative culture built on respect

• Excellent written and oral presentation skills
• Ability to translate financial concepts to – and to effectively collaborate with — programmatic and fundraising colleagues who do not necessarily have finance backgrounds
• Knowledge of accounting and reporting software
• Commitment to training and professional development to maximize individual and organization goals across the organization including best practices in human resources activities
• Skilled in QuickBooks and Microsoft Office Suite. Knowledge of Salesforce and Paylocity a plus.
• A successful track record in setting priorities; keen analytic, organization and problem-solving skills which support and enable sound decision making
• Excellent communication and relationship building skills with an ability to prioritize, negotiate, and work with a variety of internal and external stakeholders
• A multi-tasker with the ability to wear many hats in a fast-paced environment
• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and dedication to the mission of Lotusland
• Must possess a strong business background with non-profit experience and have up-to-date knowledge of current financial and accounting regulations

Work Environment:

• Frequent work with computers (repetitive movement – typing). This position is highly administrative
• Frequent standing, sitting, extended walking, climbing stairs and bending with occasional lifting of light to moderately heavy loads (15 lbs).
• General office environment within the garden setting of Lotusland

Must be able to perform each requirement of the position as outlined in the job description.  Essential Requirements are representative and are essential for satisfactory job performance. The Work Environment characteristics are representative of those that may be encountered while on the job.  Lotusland will make reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. Lotusland is an equal opportunity employer. The responsibilities and deliverables listed above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work to be performed by the individual in the position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and/or skills.  Other tasks may be assigned as needed.

Lotusland is an Equal Opportunity Employer

TO APPLY

Sunday July 17, 2022, 4 P.M. is the deadline for Applications

Please forward your resume with a cover letter and a minimum of three references to:  HR@lotusland.org

For more information, we encourage you to visit www.lotusland.org