Sr. Operations & Finance Manager

About Project Liberty

Project Liberty is a global initiative that aims to restore agency in the digital age by giving people ownership and control of their personal data. Founded in 2019 and publicly launched in 2021 by civic entrepreneur Frank McCourt, Project Liberty advances its mission through integrated efforts across technology development, policy engagement, and movement-building. Project Liberty encompasses Project Liberty Labs, the Project Liberty Institute, and the Project Liberty Alliance.

Project Liberty Labs is responsible for the development of decentralized technologies that promote self-sovereign digital identity, such as Frequency, a decentralized open-source digital infrastructure layer, and the Decentralized Social Networking Protocol (DSNP), an open digital public infrastructure designed to promote individual empowerment and the common good. The Project Liberty Institute is an independent 501(c)(3) organization that collaborates with leading academic institutions — including Georgetown University, Stanford University, and ETH Zurich — to advance research, policy engagement, and stewardship of open-source initiatives, including DSNP. The Project Liberty Alliance is a global network of more than 175 partner organizations committed to building an internet focused on the best interest of people, not platforms.

Role Overview

The Senior Manager of Operations and Finance provides oversight, management, and as needed, creation and improvement of systems and procedures for Project Liberty (PL) and Project Liberty Institute (PLI). They are responsible for ensuring efficient and effective operations, including finance, human resources, legal, as well as other administrative aspects of the organizations. This role is best suited for someone with exceptional problem solving and technical data skills, who thrives in a fast-paced, voluminous environment with an evolving organization structure, and someone who is personally committed to getting every detail right, keeping teams informed, and organizing and streamlining processes wherever possible.

Their responsibilities include:

Financial and Accounting Management // Oversight, management, creation, and improvement of all systems and procedures for the proper accounting, reporting, forecasting, and other financial activities of PL and PLI including:

• Leading the annual budget process and monthly reporting on results versus budget
• Preparation of annual audited financial statements, 990 tax returns, quarterly VAT and other filings
• Donor reporting and proposal budget preparation, including working with the fundraising team and program directors on new/renewing grant proposals and reporting out on existing grants
• Management of the PLI external accountants, as well as close coordination with McCourt Global’s Finance team on PL’s accounts
• Indexing invoices for PL and processing payments for PLI
• Coordinating with the Treasurer and President to manage cash flow, investments, and banking relationships
• Communicating with and supporting the Finance and Audit Committee of the Board of Directors
• Maintain the financial health of the organization
• Support the development of the annual budget and quarterly forecast exercise
• Provide monthly, quarterly, annual and grant / department financial reports and interpret financial information while recommending further courses of action
• Preparation of consolidated financial statements in a multi-currency environment
• Develop ad-hoc reports requested by management
• Develop trends and projections for the organization’s finances
• Conduct reviews and evaluations for cost-reduction opportunities
• Provide oversight and management of external accounting firm
• Coordinate with auditors and external accounting firm on Project Liberty’s annual audit and 990 tax filings
• Collect W8 / W9 information from vendors and ensure all vendors are set up in Project Liberty’s payment system
• Raise accurate and timely invoices, chase unpaid invoices, including invoices for international clients and counter-parties, and apply the correct VAT rules as needed
• Review staff reimbursement requests and pay expenses in line with Project Liberty’s policies
• Ensure all payments are made on time, working in conjunction with the organization’s external accounting firm
• Reconcile balance sheet accounts, including bank reconciliation
• Own the general ledger and reconcile key accounts
• Use Project Liberty’s Client Relationship Management system (HubSpot) to record and keep up to date relevant information on grants and donations
• Manage accounts and relationships with Project Liberty’s chosen banks
• Coordinate the onboarding process for new employees and provide new hires with high touch onboarding experience regarding payroll, taxes, benefits overview, and enrollment
• Process payroll on monthly and semi-monthly pay periods for Project Liberty’s three entities (US, UK and France)
• Answer staff questions about wages, deductions, attendance, and time records

Legal Management // Management of legal functions, including:

• Oversight of counsel’s priorities and deliverables
• Oversight of compliance matters relating to international, federal, state, and local laws and non-profit best practice standards, including requirements applying to Section 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charities
• Development and management of company contracts, grant agreements, incorporation / registration filings
• Registration and maintenance of organizational trademarks and licenses
• Coordination with Secretary to ensure proper and secure documentation and record-keeping

Office, Facilities, Technology & General Administration // Administrative functions including:

• Office and facilities oversight for PLI including procurement, contracts administration, and vendor relations
• Insurance procurement and administration, including risk assessments and monitoring the need for necessary updates
• Data compliance (with GDPR, CCA) and staying updated on emerging data protections / standards, etc

Required Qualifications:

• 7+ years of experience in non-profit Accounting and Operations
• A bachelor’s degree, preferably in business, economics, finance or accounting
• Experience in a multi-currency, international environment
• Displays meticulous attention to detail as well as strong analytical and problem solving skills
• Demonstrates a high degree of initiative, strong organizational skills and the ability to multitask
• Excellent English verbal and written communication skills; French verbal and written communication skills a plus
• Adaptable to changing organizational and operational needs
• Ability to maintain the highest level of confidentiality
• Expert in Google Sheets / Excel and Google Slides / PowerPoint
• Proficient in other Google Workspace / Microsoft Office applications as well as accounting software solutions (such as Intaact, Tallie, Bill.com etc)
• Experience working with PEOs (such as TriNet)

Project Liberty is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, genetics, disability, age, familial, caregiver or veteran status, or any other status protected under applicable law.