Senior Director of Finance Operations

Job Title: Senior Director of Finance Operations

Department: Finance

Location: Oakland, CA or Washington, DC preferred, or remote.

This position requires an ability to travel up to two weeks per year. 

Reports To: Chief Financial Officer

Supervises: Director of Payroll & Accounts Payable, Managing Assistant Controller, (2 to 4 FTE) 

Context: At the Sierra Club, we believe in the power of interdependence. Together, we remain committed to the fight for a healthy climate built on a foundation of environmental, racial, economic, and gender justice – a future where all people benefit from a healthy, thriving planet and a direct connection to nature. As the climate crisis and deeply entrenched systemic racism all fuel injustice, we will continue to fight for a bold, transformational agenda that recognizes the interconnectedness between our planet, our humanity, and our future. By recognizing that our destinies are tied, we continue to name that all things are fundamentally connected, and the overlap between ecology, race, gender, and representative government will move to either advance our collective humanity or to oppress it. Sierra Club has close to 800 staff across the country and a network of 64 local chapters that are led and fueled by thousands of volunteers. We are also proud to be a unionized employer, with three labor unions representing more than half of our employees. 

Scope: The Senior Director of Finance Operations is a key supporting role for the CFO in supporting all financial matters and ensuring the overall financial health of Sierra Club. Responsible for managing the daily accounting operations of Sierra Club, and the preparation and maintenance of the General Ledger, in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles(GAAP). Oversees accounting operations of Sierra Club Political Committee (SCPC), Sierra Club Independent Action (SCIA) and Voter Education funds which are managed by the Managing Assistant Controller. Responsible for creating, adapting, documenting and socializing policies and procedures to ensure proper internal controls for all entities. Supervises the management of central accounting functions for the Sierra Club, including payables, receivables, cash receiving, payroll, tax reporting, and preparation of financial reports and statements. 

Responsible for analyzing financial data, identifying cost-saving opportunities, and collaborating with the procurement team and supplier relationships to negotiate pricing and terms to align with the organization’s overall financial goals. Responsible for data integrity of the Club’s financial system, monthly closings and preparation of General Ledger reports.  Responsible for supervising the preparation and evaluation of client prepared audit schedules and overseeing the annual audit process.  In collaboration with the CFO, provides updates and reports to Sierra Club leadership, board members and the Finance Committee. Provides information, reports and assistance to Sierra Club staff, chapters, and volunteers in a variety of accounting matters. Exchanges relevant information with external auditors, government agencies, banks, authors and other vendors. This role will provide a key interface between finance and other departments across the organization.

• Accounting, General Ledger, Administration
• Oversee accounting operations including, but not limited to, financial statement preparation, accounts payable, accounts receivable and payroll. 
• Maintain finance policies, internal controls, accounting standards and procedures to ensure compliance with GAAP principles.
• Plans, organizes and oversees annual audit of the Sierra Club and selected chapters.  
• Responsible for on-going balance sheet analysis, identifying opportunities, evaluating risk, ensuring proper utilization and compliance of assets. Evaluates reserve accounts and assures adequacy of balances.
• Responsible for maintaining relationships with financial institutions, including concentration and secondary banks, lending institutions, and trust accounts.  Makes regular evaluations of Club’s cash management operations and negotiates with banks for cash management services, merchant card fees and custodial fees.
• Prepares financial reports as requested utilizing knowledge of the general ledger system and strong analytical skills. Makes regular presentations to the Finance and Risk Management Committee regarding the Club’s financial position and financial risks.
• With the support of the Senior Director of Financial Analysis, project cash flow needs for both National and Chapter Finance, and make borrowing and short term investment decisions.  In conjunction with the Chief Financial Officer, manages the long-term investment process.
• In collaboration with the Managing Assistant Controller and Sr Accountant Compliance and Tax Reporting, oversees the preparation of the Form 990 and is responsible for compliance of all IRS and other regulatory agencies mandates on accounting of and segregation of funds.
• Oversees and implements Accounting system conversions, modifications, updates and consolidations.  Anticipates needs, evaluates alternatives, makes recommendations, develops procedures and training.  Evaluates and makes recommendations for systems enhancements, and works closely with other departments to integrate systems.
• Oversees Strategic Sourcing, identifying organizational needs, sourcing capacity, designing policies, procedures and processes, and record keeping. Regularly reviews organizational spending and identifies potential areas for cost reduction, monitors industry trends and market conditions to identify potential new suppliers or cost-effective alternatives, collaborates with procurement to develop sourcing strategies for key categories, including supplier selection criteria, negotiation tactics, and contract terms.

• Finance Team Management
• Financial Strategy: In partnership with the CFO and the Sr Director of FP&A, mentor and oversee the Finance Department staff, managing work allocation, and the building of an effective and efficient team dynamic.
• Supervises Director of Payroll and Accounts Payable, Managing Assistant Controller and National Accounting team: 1) providing guidance to staff, 2) assigning work and establishing priorities; 3) providing on-the-job training and professional development opportunities; 4) providing ongoing performance feedback;  5) conducting formal performance planning and evaluation; and 6) making recommendations in hiring, termination and salary decisions.
• Guide larger, cross-divisional teams outside of the direct span of control within the Finance department and organization overall.
• Assist CFO with preparing and conducting performance reviews; making salary, hiring, and termination recommendations;  assigning work and establishing priorities; ensuring development and training of staff. 
• Assist CFO in overall management of the Finance Department with the preparation of department meetings, communications, cross-functional opportunities, and professional growth within the department.
• Help mentor a finance team. Motivate the team members, fostering a collaborative and results-oriented work environment.
• Help lead special projects for the department as directed by the CFO.

• Organizational Leadership
• In partnership with the Senior Director FP&A and CFO, collaborate as the Senior Manager team to discuss financial issues and strategies for the organization.
• Prepare financial reports as requested utilizing knowledge of the general ledger system and strong analytical skills. 
• Makes regular presentations in partnership with the CFO to executive leadership, directors, chairs, and department heads on the organization’s financial reporting, position and financial risks. Attends meetings as directed by/in place of the CFO.
• Work closely with the Finance Committees: Audit Committee, Finance and Risk Committee (FinCom), Investment Committee (IC) and Investment Advisory Committee’s (IAC) to fulfill their respective charges. 
• Oversee the preparation and communication of monthly, quarterly and annual financial statements to leadership and other departments, plus FinCom and Board of Directors.
• Ensure timeliness and accuracy of financial and management reporting data for Sierra Club Foundation, Investors, and Donors, as needed and directed by the CFO.
• Help lead special projects for organizational leadership and directors as directed by the CFO.
• Serves as a corporate officer.

• Bachelor's degree in Finance/Accounting or a related field. 
• 10-12 years experience in accounting and financial analysis, with 6-8 years in a supervisory capacity.
• Thorough understanding of nonprofit accounting and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Communication and Relationship Building: Effective communication skills are essential for the Senior Director of Finance Operations to present financial information clearly and concisely to non-financial stakeholders. They should also be able to build strong relationships with external partners, auditors, and donors.
• Technology Proficiency: familiar with financial management software, reporting tools, and data analysis systems. They should be able to leverage technology to streamline financial processes, enhance reporting accuracy, and improve efficiency.
• Compliance and Risk Management: With substantial funds at stake, the Senior Director of Finance Operations should thoroughly understand compliance requirements for non-profit organizations, including IRS regulations and legal obligations. They should also be adept at risk assessment and mitigation strategies to safeguard the organization's financial health.
• Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills: Strong analytical skills are crucial for the Senior Director of Finance Operations to assess financial data, identify trends, and make informed decisions. They should also have exceptional problem-solving abilities to address complex financial issues and develop effective solutions.
• Strategic Thinking: Think strategically and provide financial guidance aligned with the organization's mission and strategic goals. This includes forecasting financial needs, identifying growth opportunities, and mitigating financial risks.
• Ethical Conduct: Given the fiduciary responsibilities of managing substantial funds, the Senior Director of Finance Operations must uphold the highest ethical standards and demonstrate integrity in financial decision-making and reporting.
• Adaptability and Change Management: A strong Senior Director of Finance Operations should be adaptable to changing financial environments, including shifts in funding, regulatory changes, and emerging financial trends. They should be capable of effectively managing change within the finance department and guiding the organization through transitions.
• Continuous Learning: The Senior Director of Finance Operations should commit to ongoing professional development and stay up to date with evolving financial regulations, best practices, and industry trends. This includes pursuing relevant certifications and participating in professional networks or associations.
• Leading on Equity. You model effective equity analysis and practice and have a track record of operationalizing equity, and have embedded justice and equity throughout team/department policies, structures, culture, and programs.
• Committed to evolution.You are committed to continuously deepening and evolving your own understanding of systems of oppression through study, openness, and humility. And you easily recognize your own relationship to privilege and power, examining and shifting your behaviors as appropriate.
• Uplifting and additive. You see mistakes as opportunities for growth; problems as catalysts for solutions, and inspire others along the journey. You carry a constructive approach, can-do attitude, a sense of humor, and authentic kindness wherever you go.

• Certified Public Accountant and/or MBA designation preferred
• Demonstrated experience working at a non-profit with a mix of c(3) & c(4) funding sources.
• Extensive experience with and knowledge of Netsuite and Adaptive Planning

To Apply

The Sierra Club provides equal employment and advancement opportunities to all staff members. Employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, lived experience and skills. The Sierra Club does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, immigration status, socioeconomic status, ancestry, age, size, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, familial status, veteran status, disability, AIDS/HIV status, medical condition, prior conviction, arrest history, traits historically associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The Sierra Club values applicants who are people that identify as Black, Indigenous, and other minoritized groups; women; queer, transgender, gender non-conforming, and gender fluid people.

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