Finance Manager

Company Description

The National Cherry Blossom Festival produces and promotes the nation’s greatest springtime celebration and is dedicated to promoting the beauty of nature and international friendship through year-round programs, events, and educational and entertainment initiatives that enhance our environment, showcase arts and culture, and build community spirit.

The Finance Manager is responsible for managing the financial activities of the organization, including financial analysis and planning, accounting operations and reporting, budgeting and external audits. The Finance Manager is responsible for establishing and improving upon the organization’s financial policies and procedures and ensuring legal and regulatory compliance of the financial functions. Additionally, the Finance Manager provides guidance to senior management, supports Board relations through clear communication of financial reporting and analysis and is the primary interface with external parties on financial matters, including banks, vendors, customers and tax authorities.

Responsibilities

Provide primary support for the business operations functions of the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Communicate with management staff, Board members, clients and vendors using a high degree of tact, professionalism and discretion. Handle NCBF materials under direction of the President and CEO of the NCBF. Carry out directives and established policies and completes assignments with moderate supervision. Organize daily work within parameters set by the NCBF. Track funds and handle cash and confidential financial documents. This position reports to the Director of Business Operations and works in conjunction with the President and CEO as well as the Treasurer of the organization.

The Finance Manager is responsible for:

Financial & Operational Management

• Serve as in-house bookkeeper, supporting day-to-day accounting functions in Quick Books, to include general ledger entry and tracking, accounts payable and receivable transactions
• Support budget creation, budget projections and analysis of expenses as needed.
• Maintain the budget and cash flow; produce weekly and/or monthly reports to monitor revenue and expenses, including but not limited to: budget updates, cash flow reports, merchandise sales reports, and monthly Executive updates.
• Oversee the accuracy of the organizational accounting records and maintain the chart of accounts.
• Establish and monitor adequate internal controls.
• Supervise month-end closings and bank reconciliations.
• Track, report and maintain files on all 1099 workers and produce 1099 form each year for each contractor.
• Provide on-site support and assistance at Festival events.

Accounting & Administration

• Ensure maintenance of appropriate internal controls and financial procedures.
• Manage the monthly close process and other reporting with external accounting firm.
• Timely preparation and completion of the annual audit and 990 with the external audit firm.
• Draft, maintain, and ensure implementation of appropriate administrative procedures and policies for the organization.

Project Areas

• Manage grant procedures, ensure that requirements are fulfilled, and prepare necessary reports.
• Gather and organize data to report on National Cherry Blossom Festival results and achievements.
• Assist in managing earned revenue programs and opportunities, including group and individual ticket sales to Festival events.

Board Committee Assistance

• Act as the liaison to the Board of Directors Finance Committee, including but not limited to: prepare materials for, make presentations to, and serve as primary staff for the Financial Committee of the Board of Directors. Coordinate the scheduling, setup and execution of the monthly Finance and all other NCBF meetings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s in Accounting or other related field preferred
• Minimum of three years’ demonstrated experience working in accounts payable and receivable, general ledger, budgets, cash flow and tax knowledge
• Strong knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles
• Excellent project coordination, time management, and organizational skills with the ability to juggle and prioritize multiple projects in a fast-paced environment
• Strong creative, strategic, analytical and personal sales skills
• Strong leadership skills
• Superior communication and writing skills
• Attention to detail, high productivity and concern for accuracy and excellence
• Proficiency in QuickBooks, Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and strong database management skills are necessary
• Experience with Monday.com or Slack is a plus
• Must be a self-started, proactive and driven with a strong work ethic, a high level of motivation, a strong sense of urgency when needed, the ability to work without direct supervision and consistently meet deadlines
• Commitment to working with shared leadership and in cross-functional teams
• Ability to work non-traditional hours
• Ability to foster positive, productive relationships, collaboration and teamwork, internally and externally, among staff, board members, volunteers, partners and other Festival stakeholders

As an integral part of the NCBF team, this salaried exempt position participates fully in the production and execution of Festival events. This requires flexibility to be available evenings and weekends and to work additional hours during peak periods.

COMPENSATION/BENEFITS

Salary range: $60,000 - $65,000/year. Benefits package includes health insurance with prescription drug, dental, and eye plans (substantially underwritten by NCBF); annual and sick leave; short-term and long-term disability; life insurance; flexible spending account; 401K plan with safe harbor contributions eligible 6 months after hire; parking/transit subsidy.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival is an Equal Opportunity Employer.