Bookkeeping & Business Advisor – Alaska

About Us:

Business Impact NW is one of the leading non-profit community development financial and business assistance organizations in the Pacific Northwest. The mission of BIN is to promote the economic development in communities by offering access to capital, training and support to grow small businesses throughout the Pacific Northwest. For more information, please see our website: www.businessimpactnw.org.

What it is Like to Work for Business Impact NW:

Business Impact NW works hard to serve our clients while maintaining a healthy work-life balance and positive team-oriented atmosphere. Our strategic framework revolves around building trusted relationships, providing equal opportunity, valuing contributions, community impact, and financial stability. Our team consists of 50+ employees that reflect the populations we serve, plus a corps of contractors and an engaged Board of Directors.

Position Summary:

Business Advisors serve as mentors, advisors, and teachers providing assistance in all aspects of starting and growing a business. They offer confidential one-on-one counseling in the area of start-up, business plan development, analysis and preparation of actual and projected financial statements, marketing to increase sales, and more. They also lead trainings and workshops centered around business planning, management, and growth. Assistance may range from general counseling to the identification, analysis, and resolution of specific business problems. The business advisor provides assistance in creating record keeping systems and assists clients with market related activities such as advertising, promotion, market surveys, sales, and other related small business needs. Additionally, the Business & Bookkeeping Advisor role provides advising and training in small business bookkeeping.

They provide entrepreneurs and small business owners with the technical skills, training, and resources they need to start, sustain, and improve their businesses. This position will also be responsible for providing training in multiple locations and to multiple entrepreneurs at various stages in their business development.

Reports to: Senior Managing Business Advisor

Job Responsibilities:

Bookkeeping & Business Advising & Training

• Assisting clients one-on-one with business plan design, including creating financial projections, budgeting, general accounting, break-even analysis, preparing loan packages, and preparing financial statements.
• Assisting clients with market research, promotion, advertising and sales, sales forecasting, and market feasibility studies.
• Aiding clients with the development of business procedures and systems, including inventory control, purchasing, total quality management, human resource management, and training.
• Determining client needs and preparing plan of action.
• Providing ongoing business assistance to a portfolio of loan clients.
• Coordination and delivery of on-site and virtual training for Boots to Business program in Alaska. Boots to Business is a two-day entrepreneurial education and training program offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) as part of the Department of Defense’s Transition Assistance Program (TAP).
• Boots to Business trainings are regularly scheduled throughout the year at Ft. Wainwright, Eielson AFB, and Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson (both military branches). Covering 2-3 Boots to Business trainings a month requires availability for overnight travel.
• This position may also need to travel to other installations in Alaska, Washington, Idaho and/or Oregon on occasion to fill in training and outreach.
• Maintaining accurate records. Timely documentation of all record keeping required for the Boots to Business program, client meetings, and other requirements as dictated by SBA and other grant funders.
• Assisting the team in implementing marketing and outreach to attract clients and volunteers.
• Developing a working relation with other small business service providers and economic development agencies.
• Staying relevant in business expertise.
• Support BINW events and outreach/engagement as required.
• Perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Desired Qualifications & Skills:

• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in small business ownership either owning or working for a small business, banking, economic development, or community development preferred.
• Accounting/bookkeeping background or experience required.
• BA/AA preferred (experience may substitute for education at the discretion of the hiring committee).
• Strong desire and minimum one year experience advising/coaching underserved business owners and diverse communities.
• Must have current base access or be able to meet requirements for obtaining military installation access for on-site instructing.
• Excellent trainer and presenter.
• Ability to travel overnight.
• Bi-lingual Spanish preferred.
• Ability to work independently both remotely and on site as needed. Business Impact NW has a hybrid office work environment, but each candidate must be located within the preferred general geographic region (Alaska).
• Experience working with a diverse population including women, the veteran and military spouse community, people of color, immigrants and refugees, or disadvantaged business owners.
• Self-starter, self-directed, and resourceful, able to work independently with minimal supervision and able to handle a high level of responsibility.
• Experience includes financial analysis, marketing, and business plan development.
• Passion for helping clients succeed.
• Excellent multi-tasking, organization, and prioritization skills.
• High attention to detail and ability to complete tasks on time.
• Ability to follow processes, policies, and procedures.
• High proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Proficiency with Salesforce and other workplace technology tools/platforms preferred.

Schedule & Location:

• Must be a resident of Alaska (preference for being based in greater Anchorage area)
• Must have current base access or be able to meet requirements for obtaining military installation access for on-site instructing
• 40 hours per week, 8:30am – 5pm PT
• When not instructing or traveling the staff in this position can work remotely
• Regular travel within the state for Boots to Business trainings & outreach

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Dependent FSA
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid holidays
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance
• Work from home