The Organization

Spruce Root is a 501(c)(3) non-profit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) creating a sustainable future for Southeast Alaska’s people, communities, and environment. We are shifting the paradigms of power to support localized economies grounded in Indigenous values and ways of living. Spruce Root is a team of ambitious people dedicated to a new way of working in our region; working collaboratively with others, prioritizing family and wellbeing, and honoring our ancestors while building for the future. 

Position Description 

Position Title: Finance Manager

FLSA Status: Exempt 

Location: Juneau, Alaska or Remote (Southeast Alaska preferred)

Reports to: Spruce Root Executive Director 

Salary: $90,000+ DOE 

Scope: The Finance Manager contributes to Spruce Root’s overall organizational success by effectively managing all financial activities and ensuring the financial health of the organization, and serves as a member of the Leadership Team. The Finance Manager works closely with staff to manage and grow the CDFI. In addition, the position provides support to staff in the implementation and presentation of information vital to making data-based decisions for the organization.

Essential Responsibilities: 

Financial Accounting and Reporting

• Develop and maintain timely and accurate financial statements and reports that are appropriate for the users and in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).

• Develop, implement, and ensure compliance with internal financial and accounting policies and procedures.

• Ensure that all statutory requirements of the organization are met.

• Prepare all supporting information for the annual audit and liaise with the external auditors as necessary.

• Document and maintain complete and accurate supporting information for all financial transactions.

• Develop and maintain financial accounting systems for cash management, accounts payable, accounts receivable, credit control, and petty cash.

• Reconcile bank and investment accounts.

• Review monthly results and implement monthly variance reporting.

• Manage the cash flow and prepare cash flow forecasts in accordance with financial policies and procedures.

• Bookkeeping function including maintenance of the general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable and payroll.

• Develop and implement policies and procedures to ensure that personnel and financial information is secure and stored in compliance with current legislation.

• Manage the acquisition of capital assets and ensure that assets are properly recorded, amortized, and disposed of as appropriate.

• Assist the Executive Director and the Board Treasurer with financial reporting as required at Board of Directors meetings.

• Payroll preparation and administration

• Negotiate and manage the employee insurance and benefits plans.

• Establish guidelines for budget and forecast preparation, and prepare the annual budget in consultation with the Executive Director 

• Assist other staff with the preparation of budgets for funding applications.

Project Management Accounting

• Oversee and support project managers’ tracking and management of grants and reporting to funders.

• Maintain financial records for each project in a manner that facilitates management reports.

• Ensure that accurate and timely financial statements are prepared in accordance with contract agreements with funders and quarterly Board meetings. 

• Provide accurate and timely reporting on the financial activity of individual projects and/or divisions of Spruce Root.

Information Technology

• Evaluate the need for new technology to meet the organization’s financial data processing, control, and reporting requirements.

• Advise on appropriate technology that meets the organization’s information requirements and financial resources. 

Risk Management

• Monitor risk management policies and procedures to ensure that program and organizational risks are minimized.

• Advise the organization’s leadership on appropriate insurance coverage for the organization and the Board of Directors.

• Maximize income where possible and appropriate.

• Negotiate with financial institutions for lines of credit or other financial services as required and appropriate.

Programs

• Support TA & Lending staff in development and delivery of CDFI client workshops

• Provide training to TA staff on finance related themes

General Qualifications, Knowledge and Skills: 

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in accounting, economics, finance, business management/administration, or a related field with public/private sector experience.

• Licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) preferred

• Working knowledge of financial statements and GAAP standards 

• Minimum three years of progressive financial responsibility managing finance and accounting functions of a non-profit organization.

• Knowledge of or experience with Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) preferred

• Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

• Ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively with all levels of employees, management, external agencies and philanthropic/impact investment partners to maximize performance, creativity, problem solving, and results 

• Strong personal passion for Spruce Root’s mission 

 Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (not required): 

• Strong acumen with budgeting and planning process 

• Strong communication skills (written and oral) and ability to speak in public settings 

• Strong ability to work as a productive team member 

• Flexible and a self-starter; able to manage multiple deadlines and be highly detail-oriented.

• Ability to supervise a dynamic and high-performing team.

• Knowledge of and experience in Southeast and/or rural Alaska is a strong plus.

Additional Requirements: Position is subject to satisfactory completion of a background check, and reference check. A valid driver’s license is also required for this position. 

Physical Demands and Work Environment: The physical and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

● Physical demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to walk, use hands to finger, handle objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop; bending or crouching; talk or hear. The employee must be able to lift/carry and/or move up to 30 pounds safely. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. 

● Work Environment: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions and other elements prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually minimal. This job requires regular travel in commercial planes, AMHS ferries, float planes, and twin engine planes. 

Compensation: 

This is a permanent, full time position. Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. Benefits include flexible work schedules, paid personal leave, holidays and retirement benefits, medical/dental/vision insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, cell phone, wellness program, and professional development. 

Spruce Root, Inc. is committed to equal opportunity for all persons without regard to sex, age, race, color, religion, creed, national origin, marital status, disability, or sexual orientation, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination.  It is Spruce Root’s policy to comply with all federal, state, tribal and local laws and regulations regarding equal opportunity.

This description is not intended to be, nor should it be construed as an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills or working conditions associated with the position. It is intended to accurately reflect the activities and requirements of the position, but duties may be added, deleted, or modified as necessary. This description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. 

How to Apply

Send an email to aldyn@spruceroot.org with the subject line “Finance Manager – [YOUR NAME].” 

In the email, please include the following as a single PDF attachment:

• Your resume

• 1-page cover letter explaining your interest in the organization and position

• List of 3 professional references with contact information and relationship to you

• Short answers to the following questions:

  • Where do you see yourself in 5 years and how will this position support you on that path? 

  • What would you be most nervous about going into this role if you were offered and accepted the position?

  • Spruce Root conducts background checks, is there anything you want to share with us about your background?

In the body of the email, please also copy and paste the content of your short answers and include your name, phone number, and email address. As attention to detail is critical for success in this role, only applicants who follow these specific application guidelines will be considered.

For questions regarding the position, please reach out to Aldyn Brudie at aldyn@spruceroot.org.