Position Title: Finance Director 

Reports To: Executive Director 

Salary range: $65,000 – $75,000, commensurate with experience and education Position Status: Full Time FLSA Status: Exempt 

Posting Dates: January 20, 2025 – open until filled 

About Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council: We are dedicated to protecting our lakes, streams, wetlands, and groundwater through respected advocacy, innovative education, technically sound water quality monitoring, thorough research, and restoration actions. We achieve our mission by empowering others and believe in the capacity to make a positive difference. 

Core Values: 

1. The belief in the beauty and integrity of the natural world. 
2. Technically sound information and programs. 
3. High integrity and honesty. 
4. Innovation and creativity. 
5. Optimistic belief in the capacity to change human behavior. 
6. Persistence. 

The Benefit of Working Here: The Watershed Council’s compensation philosophy is based on equity and transparency. Starting offers are determined by both the candidate’s directly applicable experience and internal equity within the pay grade. As part of our total rewards package, we offer meaningful work, hybrid and flexible work schedules, a pet-friendly office, benefits, promotional opportunities, and competitive compensation. 

Our attractive benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision coverage for each employee in addition to life insurance, an annual paid wellness benefit, and a 403(b) retirement plan with

employer contribution. Additionally, we operate with a discretionary paid time off system based on team equity and trust. 

Position Summary: The Finance Director will oversee the fiscal operations of Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council, ensuring efficient accounting practices, financial management, grant and contract oversight, and administrative operations. This position plays a vital role in maintaining the financial health of the organization and supporting its mission to protect Northern Michigan’s water resources. 

Key Responsibilities: 

Accounting and Financial Management 

• Maintain the general ledger, including processing accounts receivable, cash receipts, and accounts payable. 
• Lead and coordinate internal payroll processing to ensure accurate preparation of bi-weekly payroll. 
• Conduct monthly reconciliation of investment accounts. 
• Assist the Executive Director in preparing the annual organizational budget and monitor results against the budget on an ongoing basis. 
• Prepare monthly financial statements for review by the Executive Director and Finance Committee. 
• Work closely with the Development Director to track and monitor membership and other donations. 
• Attend Finance and Board of Director meetings as requested. 
• Partner with a CPA firm to coordinate the annual financial audit and tax return preparation. 

Grant and Contract Management 

• Prepare contract billing and grant reimbursement reports promptly. 
• Monitor grant spending to ensure alignment with budget requirements.
• Oversee time tracking for grants and contracts. 
• Advise on and review budget development for proposals. 

Administrative Operations 

• Supervise the Office Manager in their duties, and by extension, oversee the operations of the Education Manager. 
• Maintain and periodically review insurance policies. 
• Administer the organization’s employee benefit program, including health insurance and a 403(b) retirement plan.
• Manage the organization’s technology needs collaboratively with the Executive Director and other staff as needed. 

Engagement and Shared Staff Expectations 

• Actively represent the Watershed Council at Finance and Board meetings, ensuring alignment with organizational goals. 
• Support organizational planning and internal operations with a commitment to equity, transparency, and collaboration. 
• Demonstrate leadership, professionalism, and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of the role. 
• Participate in annual staff performance evaluations 
• Be a clear and collaborative communicator with team members 

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree, certificate and/or at least cumulative 5-7 years’ work experience in Accounting or Finance. 
• Preferred five years of experience with a nonprofit organization 
• Proficiency in software applications, including Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, accounting software (SAGE and Quickbooks preferred), and CRM tools (Monday.com, DonorPerfect, etc). 
• Expertise in general ledger management, budgeting, financial reporting, payroll, financial statement preparation, and coordinating annual financial audits.
• A passion for the outdoors and a strong environmental ethic is welcomed. 

Work Location: Position requires on-site work at our Petoskey, MI office with flexible work from home scheduling available. 

This position is ideal for a detail-oriented financial professional with a strong background in nonprofit accounting, grant management, and administrative leadership. If you are committed to advancing water resource protection through impactful fiscal stewardship and collaboration, we encourage you to apply. 

Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status in any of its activities or operations. Candidates from traditionally underrepresented populations are encouraged to apply.