Director of Finance and Operations

About Us :

Below covers everything you need to know about what this opportunity entails, as well as what is expected from applicants.

At Fairtrade America you will work with companies, shoppers and campaigners to create a more equitable trading system for and with the producers growing products like coffee, cocoa and bananas.

Fairtrade America is the US branch of the social impact organization behind the Fairtrade Mark. This product label shows shoppers that farmers and workers in the regions we work (Latin America and the Caribbean, Africa and the Middle East, and Asia and Asia Pacific) are getting a fairer deal.

We envision a world in which justice and sustainable development are interwoven with trade and business - one where every person can have a decent life.

Fairness, integrity and transparency are core to everything we do at Fairtrade. Fairtrade is a global movement that includes nearly 2 million farmers, over 2,000 businesses and millions of shoppers in over 100 countries.

By working together, we can create a more equitable world.

Job Purpose :

The Director of Finance and Operations is responsible for overseeing the full range of Fairtrade America’s financial and operational activities, which includes leading the Operations Team as well as key support entities in human resources (HR) and information technology (IT).

The Director of Finance and Operations monitors the organization’s financial results and ensures its practices are GAAP compliant.

The position focuses on sound financial management and controls as well as efficient and cost-effective financial and operational policies and procedures.

A key responsibility will be providing leadership and insight into scaling up a growing team with increasing complexity as the organization expands access to the US market for farmers and workers around the world.

Reports To : Executive Director

Duties & Responsibilities :

Team Leadership approximately 30% of your time

• Serve as an effective, inclusive, and thoughtful leader of the Operations Team, supporting their professional development and providing guidance and mentoring.
• Foster and work to maintain an entrepreneurial growth culture.
• Serve on Fairtrade America’s Leadership Team, working in partnership with the Executive Director and other departmental leaders to provide strategic advice and promote a strong organization.
• Ensure the implementation of our financial and operational goals aligned with Fairtrade America’s Strategic Plan by managing and evaluating personnel, guiding, and coaching them to achieve their individual goals set collaboratively each year.
• Oversee annual organizational revenue forecasting, expense budgeting, and reporting in close partnership with the Executive Director, as well as commercial and marketing teams.
• Own and be accountable to Operations Team’s annual budget.
• Effectively communicate and present critical financial matters to the Executive Director, Leadership Team, staff, and Board of Directors.
• Partner with staff and leadership to provide guidance on Excel-based models and tracking tools.

Financial Oversight approximately 30% of your time

• Analyze, reconcile, prepare, and present financial reports in an accurate and timely manner; own and communicate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Audit accounts payable, revenue recording, cash receipts, and account status on a regular basis.
• Maintain and improve systems of internal controls to safeguard financial assets; own and update key internal policy documents including Procurement Policy.
• Monitor and lead the annual audit process, liaise with external auditors and the Board of Directors; assess and make changes as necessary.
• Own Sage Intacct account management for organization; develop team-specific reporting tools and dashboards to improve usability and enhance insights.
• Oversee and identify process improvements for monthly invoicing and payments done by the Operations Team.
• Process and record payroll in coordination with HR consultant as needed to ensure accuracy of payroll deductions and compliance with Fairtrade America policy and applicable state and federal laws.
• Ensure that third-party provider records are maintained, updated as needed, and 1099’s are filed.

Operational Oversight approximately 30% of your time

• Manage 401k contributions and related compliance requirements.
• Ensure smooth execution and management of employee benefits programs, including annual review / renewal with broker and open enrollment.
• Coordinate with HR consultant on key HR and talent management priorities, including maintenance of Employee Handbook.
• Oversee record-keeping and labor law compliance, including for out-of-state remote employees, in partnership with HR consultant.
• Provide guidance and support on Fairtrade America diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) workstreams.
• Oversee management of IT company support; enhance internal IT SOPs.
• Support compliance and reporting requirements for institutional and government grants.

Coordination with Fairtrade International System approximately 10% of your time

• Collaborate with the Fairtrade International system on key financial initiatives. Sit on Global Finance Working Group.
• Oversee and identify process improvements for financial management of strategic global commercial accounts.
• Engage with counterparts in other National Fairtrade Organizations as well as finance and operations staff in our regional Producer Networks located in Latin America, Africa, and Asia.

If you were here right now, you might be working on projects like the following :

• Partnering with Director of Commercial Partnerships to enhance forecasting tool and provide topline revenue updates.
• Planning for Q3 performance and development check-ins with your team.
• Kicking off 2025 Budget Planning with Executive Director and Leadership Team.

Location :

This position is based at Fairtrade America's headquarters in Washington, DC. To be eligible for the position, candidates must reside in or be willing to relocate to either the District of Columbia, Virginia, or Maryland.

Basic Qualifications :

Bachelor’s degree plus a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience or, if the candidate doesn’t hold a bachelor’s degree, an additional four (4) years’ experience.

Required relevant experience includes non-profit accounting, budgeting, and financial management, auditing experience, HR and IT oversight, and demonstrated success in scaling and streamlining financial and operational efficiencies at small to medium sized organizations.

• Minimum of five (5) years of proven experience successfully leading and developing a team to facilitate cross-department collaboration.
• Exemplary leadership and people management skills, including excellent communication, interpersonal, and diplomatic skills, and the ability to effectively liaise with colleagues and stakeholders of diverse backgrounds.
• Entrepreneurial, pro-active, and creative strategist with strong analytical, organizational, and interpersonal skills, including the ability to motivate others to act by creating a shared sense of vision or purpose.
• Comprehensive knowledge of financial accounting standards and procedures. Maintains current knowledge of GAAP, FASB, and other relevant accounting standards.
• Advanced knowledge of Excel, and familiarity with Sage Intacct or other accounting software systems.

Preferred Qualifications :

• Food, retail, or consumer packaged goods industry experience.
• Experience managing reporting and compliance for institutional and government grants.
• Prior work in and commitment to social justice, DEI, and accessibility.
• Proven ability to establish trust and leverage credibility and rapport with internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience with cross-cultural teams.

What We Offer :

Fairtrade America offers a dynamic and engaging work environment and a competitive salary and benefits program, including :

• Generous time off, including vacation, sick leave, paid volunteer time, 12 paid holidays, and employees receive full pay when the office is closed during the last week of the year.
• Comprehensive health care for you and your family through medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• For emergencies and financial security, life, long and short-term disability, and accidental death and dismemberment insurance, plus an employee assistance program.
• 401k plan with employer matched contributions to help you save for retirement.
• Flexible spending and transit reimbursement programs offering pre-tax savings for qualified health care, dependent care and transportation expenses.
• Paid parental leave for three months, plus additional flexible options for six months.
• Telecommuting and flexible work schedules available.
• Wellness benefits, including access to an on-site fitness center and reimbursement for wellness programs and activities such as wellness memberships, yoga classes, meditation, and more.
• Mission-driven, passionate, and welcoming colleagues who learn from each other and enjoy working together.
• Professional development program designed and funded to support your career goals.

Salary : $100,000 - $140,000 per year

Fairtrade America is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive and diverse workforce. We do not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, genetic information, military service or veteran status, or any other status protected by law.

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