Exempt: Full-time

Date created: July 2023
SoundWaters

Vice President of Finance and Human Resources

Job Description

SUMMARY

SoundWaters, a nonprofit environmental education organization based in Stamford, CT, is accepting

applications for a Vice President of Finance and Human Resources (VP of Finance & HR).

The VP of Finance & HR is responsible for financial and human resource oversight and day-to-day fiscal

management. They serve as the President’s chief advisor on financial matters and is principally

responsible for developing, implementing and monitoring the organization’s financial plan and annual

budget. The VP of Finance & HR is responsible for monthly reporting of forecasting budgets vs. actuals,

cash flow analysis, income and expense management, grant administration, and the safety and

soundness of the agency. They also provide leadership and guidance to the organization’s HR

operations. This position is a combination of hands-on fiscal operations and broader financial strategy

and planning.

Founded in 1989, SoundWaters works towards a sustainable environment where people share a passion

for Long Island Sound, students succeed, and our community thrives. Annually, SoundWaters partners

with schools to amplify science learning through investigation of Long Island Sound for over 30,000

students, aboard our three-masted Schooner, at our Coastal Education Center, our Harbor Center and

on and along the coast. We provide high-level study opportunities, aboard our research vessel and in

our labs, where interns gain expertise through rigorous, hands-on research to give local high school

students a path towards college success. We engage the public to create sustainable practices through

outreach and we develop youth by creating life skills and job readiness opportunities in the

environment. Learn more at https://soundwaters.org/

RESPONSIBILTIES

Accounting & Finance

• Manage all accounting functions for a non-profit organization with a $3.2 million operating

budget, including month end closing, financial statement preparation, accounts

receivable/accounts payable (with help from the 35-hour/week Finance and HR Coordinator),

and payroll.

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• Manage cash flow including preparation of cash flow forecasts.

• Serve as the primary contact with the bank and with independent auditors during the annual

review of financial statements and practices.

• Oversee administration of 990s.

• Establish and maintain a system of internal financial controls to meet SoundWaters’ objectives

of effective and efficient non-profit operations, reliable financial reporting, compliance with

applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies and procedures.

• Work closely with the President, senior management, and board to prepare annual and capital

budgets.

• Act as liaison between Finance Investment Committee and endowment financial advisor in

handling of all investment accounts.

• Attend Board meetings, prepare and report to Board on finances, serve as the Finance

Committee’s first point of contact, and participate in business decisions.

Human Resources

• Manage on-boarding of all employees including implementing standardized job descriptions and

postings, requesting and reviewing background checks, review of Personnel Manual and benefits

programs with full-time new hires, payroll onboarding dozens of seasonal employees.

• Set, enforce, and evaluate legally compliant human resources policies, procedures, and best

practices, including state mandated sexual harassment training.

• Provide HR guidance and leadership to the President and management team; assist with

resolution of human resource, compensation, and benefits questions, concerns, and issues.

• Research, develop and implement competitive benefits and compensation programs, as well as

administer the benefits programs.

• Ensure compliance with employment, benefits, insurance, safety, and other laws, regulations,

and requirements.

• Work with President to conduct periodic review/updating of Personnel Manual.

Additional Responsibilities

• Maintain continuous lines of communication, keeping the President informed of all critical

issues.

• Work on-site to best manage and coordinate with staff and senior management.

• Partner with grants writer and program departments to administer/reconcile private and

government grants.

• Supervise the Finance and HR Coordinator and additional part-time staff.

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THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

Our ideal candidate will embody the values of SoundWaters and bring leadership and strategic insights

to the work of this dynamic, growth-oriented nonprofit through the following skills and characteristics:

• 5-8 years related experience in hands-on management of all accounting functions.

• Minimum of a BA, ideally with an MBA/CPA or related degree.

• Keen understanding of the ability to listen, meet people where they are, and engage in

meaningful dialogue with team members.

• Proven leadership and decision-making skills; ability to offer problem-solving guidance and help

others find effective solutions.

• Well-organized, able to multitask, flexible in prioritizing and dealing with competing,

simultaneous demands.

• Proven track record in nonprofit accounting, financial management and budget preparation.

• Experience with independent audits, familiarity with 990 tax returns, knowledge of GAAP

standards and FASB principles.

• Leads and manages with a strategic mindset, open to learning and adapting.

• Strong analytical skills with the proven ability to research and interpret data.

• Digitally savvy, with experience with accounting software (e.g., Sage50), budget software,

Microsoft Office Suite, CRM systems.

• Grace under pressure.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The VP of Finance & HR is expected to work a 40-hour work week in person in Stamford.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The position is a full-time salaried position. The salary range is $110,000–$120,000. In addition, we offer

the full range of competitive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, long-term disability, life

insurance, retirement contribution after the eligibility period is met, paid time off, and 10 paid holidays.

SoundWaters aims to offer annual bonuses based on goal achievement when possible.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

SoundWaters is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment

without attention to race, color, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin,

veteran or disability status.

TO APPLY

We are only considering resume and cover letter submissions via email. All cover letters and resumes

should be sent to soundwaterssearch@gmail.com. Resumes will be accepted until the position is filled.

July 2023

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