Finance Manager-Part Time

Founded and sponsored by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, Notre Dame Education Center-Lawrence (NDEC-L) is a non-profit inclusive community of learning where diverse, underserved adults enrich their lives through education and gain the tools necessary for enhanced professional opportunity and community engagement. NDEC-L provides English language and citizenship classes, skills training and leadership development – tuition free or low-cost – in a learning environment that is welcoming, respectful and dignified.

The Finance Manager is a key leadership role responsible for owning the organization’s accounting, grants management, compliance, and core operational processes. This individual will serve as the primary financial and operational partner to the Executive Director, ensuring strong financial stewardship, accurate reporting, grant compliance, and scalable internal systems.

Core Responsibilities

1. Accounting & Financial Management

• Own day-to-day accounting operations using QuickBooks
• Maintain general ledger, chart of accounts, and monthly close process
• Prepare monthly financial statements for Executive Director and Board
• Manage AP/AR, cash receipts, payroll coordination, and bank reconciliations
• Monitor cash flow and support short- and medium-term cash planning
• Ensure proper coding and documentation of restricted and unrestricted funds
• Lead year-end close and audit preparation (or financial review/990 support)

2. Grants Management & Compliance

• Track all government and foundation grants by funding source, program, and restriction
• Ensure expenses are properly allocated and documented by grant
• Prepare or support financial sections of grant reports and reimbursements
• Build and maintain grant budgets, spending schedules, and compliance calendars
• Partner with program leadership to ensure financial compliance with grant requirements
• Maintain audit-ready grant files and documentation

3. Budgeting, Forecasting & Board Support (Critical)

• Lead annual budgeting process in partnership with the Executive Director
• Prepare reforecasts based on grant awards, renewals, and funding changes
• Develop program-level and organizational dashboards
• Support Board finance committee and provide clear financial narratives
• Translate financials into insights for non-financial stakeholders

4. Operations & Infrastructure (Right-Hand Role)

• Serve as operational partner to the Executive Director
• Oversee or support:
• Vendor management and contracts
• Insurance, licenses, and compliance filings
• HR administration and payroll coordination
• Internal controls and basic policies/procedures
• Build scalable processes appropriate for growing nonprofit
• Identify operational risks and improvement opportunities

5. Systems, Controls & Process Improvement

• Strengthen internal controls as appropriate, for a grant-funded organization
• Improve documentation, workflows, and financial visibility
• Ensure financial data integrity and audit readiness
• Support future growth, new grants, and expanded programs
• Update Strategic Plan with regard to costs and financial outlook
• Analyze performance to Strategic Plan for current year
• Research employee benefit plans for possible implementation in 01-2027
• Work with HR Manager on Budget effect on updated wage scales
• Attend bi-monthly Board and Finance Committee meetings
• Weekly catch up with Executive Director
• Monthly catch up with Grantwriter

Qualifications

Experience

• Minimum 5 years of nonprofit accounting/finance experience
• Direct experience managing government grants (cost reimbursement, compliance, restricted funds)
• Hands-on QuickBooks experience (non-negotiable)
• Experience owning month-end close, financial reporting, and audits

Technical Skills

• Strong nonprofit GAAP knowledge
• Grant accounting and fund tracking
• Budgeting and forecasting
• Advanced Excel skills (budget models, reconciliations, grant tracking)
• Experience working with auditors and Form 990 providers

Profile that fits NDEC-L

• Comfortable in a lean, resource-constrained environment
• Willing to both execute and build
• Highly organized, detail-driven, and reliable
• Strong communication skills with non-financial leaders
• Service-oriented and mission-aligned

Preferred

• BS in Accounting or Finance and MBA
• Prior experience as the first finance hire or building systems from scratch
• Experience supporting HR/payroll and nonprofit operations
• Experience working directly with Boards
• Experience with federal, state, or city grants
• CPA or nonprofit finance certification

This position is part-time, 15-20hours/week.

Pay: $35.00 - $50.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Paid time off

Application Question(s):

• Please use this space to paste in a cover letter or discuss why you are interested in this role. You may also use the Supporting Documents section

Work Location: In person