Director of Finance

Food & Water Watch is looking for a Director of Finance to join our Operations team and help ensure our long-term financial health and growth to protect our food, water, and climate. The Director of Finance will work closely with funders, vendors, and other staff at Food & Water Watch. The ideal candidate will live in the Washington, DC Metro area; however, we will consider remote applicants who meet the position criteria. 

About Food & Water Watch: 

Food & Water Watch is working to create a healthy future for all people and generations to come—a world where everyone has food they can trust, clean drinking water and a livable climate. Making this happen requires involving people in the pressing issues of our time at the local, state, and federal level, building on one win after another, as we develop a larger movement that has the political power to make our democratic process work.  

About the position: 

The Director of Finance will report to the Chief Operating Officer and will work with other staff in all departments to support Food & Water Watch’s work. The Director of Finance is responsible for directing the financial and risk management operations of Food & Water Watch (501c3) and Food & Water Action (501c4), and PAC. This includes leading all financial planning and analysis including accounting, forecasting, budgeting, and cash flow management. The Director of Finance will also manage all administrative functions of the finance department including payroll, grant reporting, creating organizational and program budgets, and creating and implementing the organization’s policies and procedures. Additionally, the Director of Finance is responsible for monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting to the executive leadership team. The Director of Finance will also prepare and present program budgets and financial reports for the Managing Directors and Board of Directors. 

Salary: $150,000 – $170,000

Location: Washington, DC Metro area is preferred, other areas will be considered. 

Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic recommendations to the Managing Directors based on financial analysis and projections, cost identification and allocation, and revenue/expense analysis.
• Oversee long-term budgetary planning and cost management in alignment with the organization’s strategic plan.
• Develop and manage staff in the finance department.
• Engage the Managing Directors to align financial management with short- and long-term financial planning and projections.
• Manage the organization’s accounting function, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, and general ledger.
• Oversee FWW/FWA’s compliance with all rules related to the organizations’ 501(c3)/ 501(c4)/PAC status and reporting obligations.
• Oversee budgeting, and the implementation of budgets, monitoring progress and operational metrics.
• Ensure that finance staff maintains financial record systems in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and monitor the use of all funds.
• Oversee the preparation and approval of all financial reporting materials and metrics for funders.
• Direct annual audit and 990 processes, serving as the principal liaison to the external auditor.
• Prepare monthly and annual financial statements for review, (including explanations for variance analysis) and prepare cash flow analysis.
• Work in collaboration with HR to ensure proper accounting of benefits and staff allocations.
• Create, monitor, and update financial dashboards in Bill.
• Review all formal finance-related procedures, processes, and administration; recommend improvements, and manage the systems in place.
• Manage banking relationships.
• Responsible for the appropriate and timely implementation of all regulatory procedures impacting the organization’s financial reporting.
• Engage other members of the organization to facilitate cross-department collaboration that ensures that all financial solutions positively support FWW/FWA’s evolving strategy, operational delivery, and data collection needs.
• Stay up to date on industry trends and best practices in finance and accounting.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Support Our Culture of Philanthropy: Demonstrate an understanding of the essential role of our members and supporters, and consistently serve as an ambassador for FWW/FWA and our work. Participate in or attend events and other activities as appropriate that are organized for our supporters and donors. Be cognizant of fundraising opportunities and share contacts and information that will help build and sustain FWW/FWA.

Required Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s in finance, accounting, or related field is required. 
• 10 or more years of finance or accounting experience, with at least five years in a leadership role is required.
• Commitment to Food & Water Watch’s core values of justice, human dignity, fair treatment, and equity.

• Ability to work effectively with people of diverse racial, ethnic, class, age, gender, and sexual orientation backgrounds.
• Excellent writing and verbal communication skills. 
• Excellent time management & organizational skills and ability to balance multiple projects.
• Ability to work remotely using basic online programs, including email, Slack, and Google docs.

Desired but not required skills and experience: 

• Certification as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is desired. 
• Comparable experience as a Controller/CFO/Director of Finance is preferred. 

Compensation: $150,000 – $170,000 annually dependent upon experience and location. 

Food & Water Watch provides an excellent benefits package for full-time employees. This includes 100% employer-paid health, dental and vision plans for staff; 403b retirement plans with employer contribution after 1 year; 12 weeks paid parental leave; 3 weeks vacation for new employees; 12 sick days and 5 personal days; paid federal holidays and winter break (December 24 – January 1).     

Click here to apply. Please include as one combined document your resume, cover letter, and three professional references to be considered. Position open until filled. Incomplete applications will not be considered.  

We will review your application and if we feel that your knowledge, skills and abilities are potentially a good match for our organization, we will be in contact with you.  

Food and Water Watch is an equal opportunity employer who encourages applications from women, people of color, LGBTQ individuals, individuals with disabilities, and other members of underrepresented groups.  

Food & Water Watch (FWW) is committed to the health and safety of its staff members. Moreover, FWW, as an organization, promotes science-based policy. Science clearly shows that unvaccinated populations drive the spread of the coronavirus and the emergence of new variants, and that unvaccinated people are more likely to contract COVID and experience severe symptoms. Effective immediately, prospective new staff members are required to provide proof of vaccination or request a waiver as a condition of their offer of employment.