ABOUT U.S. ENERGY FOUNDATION

U.S. Energy Foundation’s (EF) mission is to secure a clean and equitable energy future to tackle the climate crisis. We envision a healthy, safe, equitable economy powered by clean energy. We believe a thriving clean energy economy can create sustainable opportunities, spur innovation, and protect our climate—for today and future generations.

EF supports education and analysis to promote non-partisan policy solutions that advance renewable energy and energy efficiency while opening doors to greater innovation and productivity—growing the economy with dramatically less pollution. For more than 30 years, EF has supported grantees to help educate policymakers and the general public about the benefits of a clean energy economy. Our grantees include business, health, environmental, labor, equity, community, faith, and consumer groups, as well as policy experts, think tanks, universities, and more.

At EF, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are top organizational commitments. We are working daily to uproot racism and other forms of oppression and create equitable systems that support people to flourish. We aim to bring humility, transparency, respect, and an appreciation for others’ lived experiences to our interactions with colleagues, grantees, and partners.

EF’s Fundraising Philosophy

As EF’s primary clients/partners are our funders and grantees, EF commits to acting as a strategic and thought leader for our current and prospective funding partners and the field by:

1. Collaborating—and co-creating, where feasible and desired—on strategy development including the hosting and/or managing of funder collaboratives
2. Highlighting the opportunity for climate philanthropy to maximize benefits to disadvantaged communities and those most impacted by climate change
3. Offering excellent, responsive service by providing proactive, compelling and timely updates and information

EF is headquartered in San Francisco, CA, and our more than 100 staff members are based in locations throughout the Midwest, Northeast, Southeast, and Western regions where they can best serve our programs, partners, operations, and other functions.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Senior Manager of Finance will drive and ensure the quality of the accounting and finance operations at the organization. This position reports directly to and will work closely with the Senior Director of Finance to execute the strategic direction for financial management, accounting, and budgeting through joint coordination and oversight of a team of accounting colleagues. The Finance team plays a core role in the efficient and effective management and distribution of the foundation’s financial assets to fulfill through the power of grantmaking its vision of an equitable, clean energy future. The Senior Manager will constantly assess the structure and delivery of the accounting functions and will implement adjustments to ensure effectiveness. They will promote and model equity and accountability within the area of finance while helping to ensure the organization's financial strength. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Accounting Operations

• Provide guidance and support to accounting team members to execute day-to-day accounting operations work at a high-performance level.
• Assist with the prioritization of activities, assessment of daily workloads, and delegation of tasks to maintain a balanced and productive work environment.
• Direct the completion of timely and accurate month-end accounting closes.
• Verify the cost allocation methodologies in use and their proper application.
• Validate that strong internal controls and appropriate accounting practices are being utilized at all times. 
• Collaborate with team members to lead the development, maintenance, and implementation of financial policies and procedures.
• Manage and update the general ledger account structure to ensure it supports the ability to accurately reflect the organization’s financials.  
• Maintain banking, auditor, and other key financial relationships.

Budgeting and Forecasting

• Coordinate the seasonal annual budgeting process.
• Guide department budget managers to develop realistic and achievable goals leveraging budgeting best practices.
• Perform ongoing financial forecasting that supports long-term planning and effective decision-making at organization, department, and program levels.

Financial Reporting and Analysis

• Track actual financial performance against the budget and distribute regular updates and reports to management executives and department budget managers.
• Assist with interpreting results, performing analysis, identifying trends, and assessing risks and opportunities to share with strategic decision-makers.
• Monitor cash flow, forecast liquidity needs, and optimize investment balances. 

Audit, Tax Filing, and Compliance

• Lead the team to prepare for and effectively respond to the annual financial audit and testing process.
• Provide secondary support for preparation for the workers compensation and ERISA audit reviews. 
• Coordinate follow-up actions on audit recommendations and ensure resolution.
• Verify that all tax filings are accurately completed and filed by their deadlines.

Other

• Continually seek and recommend process improvements, contribute ideas, and take initiative.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated progressively more responsible experience in management of finance and accounting operations, with a strong preference for a significant presence in a nonprofit setting during that time. 
• Expert-level knowledge of accounting principles and practices, financial analysis and reporting, and budgeting and forecasting techniques.
• Significant experience with coordinating and leading audit activities.
• Adept with technology, including proven expertise with advanced accounting and budgeting systems, and integrated accounts payable applications. 
• Ability to work independently, be self-motivated, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
• Capacity to manage multiple projects and deadlines while maintaining a high quality of work.
• Strong collaborator with excellent verbal and written communication skills, and the skill to listen to and effectively communicate with colleagues at all levels and across departments and teams.
• Solutions-oriented and efficient in handling employee inquiries. 
• Demonstrated organizational skills and attention to detail, committed to quality and accuracy.
• Curious and innovative in seeking to expand skill sets and recommend improvements. 
• Excellent judgment regarding the handling of confidential and sensitive employee and organization information.

SUPERVISION

Reports to the Senior Director, Finance.

COMPENSATION

This is a full-time position. The target salary for this position is $171,000 for a candidate based in the San Francisco Bay Area, and $153,000 for candidates in other areas of the U.S. EF provides a comprehensive benefits package, including competitive salary, medical, dental, vision, disability, and retirement benefits and paid time off.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Ability to travel one to two times a year for three to four business days at a time.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands 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. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to spend extended hours at the computer. This position requires moderate levels of domestic travel.

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

EF is a remote-first work environment. This position may be based in any of EF’s offices or may work remotely from anywhere in the U.S.

The office environments include some shared workspace, some individual offices, and shared kitchen facilities, with moderate noise levels and a collegial atmosphere. On occasion, there are activities or events after work hours.