Finance Manager

Hours: 40 hours/week

Status: Full time, salaried

Salary: $80 - $84k/year (based on experience)

Benefits: Health benefits, 16 days of vacation, 6 days of sick leave, and 9 paid holidays per year, 401K

Reports to: Executive Director

Applications: Please email your resume, cover letter, and contact information for three references to:

Darrie Ganzhorn, Executive Director

Email: darrieg@homelessgardenproject.org

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Overview of the Homeless Garden Project:

The Homeless Garden Project (HGP) is a nonprofit organization in Santa Cruz, CA providing job training, transitional employment, and support services for people experiencing homelessness. As an important complement to these programs, HGP also operates a vibrant community volunteer and education program.

Our training, employment, education, and volunteer programs are centered on organic farms and related social enterprises, where trainees gain hands-on skills and support in a healing, community-focused environment.

HGP is funded through a mix of individual donations, grants, events, and earned income. Historically, approximately 60% of our income has come from donations, grants, and events, with the remainder from sales of products made in our training program. We are preparing for a time of significant growth and a new, permanent consolidated site. Our goal is to increase the number of people we serve each year and to increase the percentage of income generated by our enterprises.

As we grow, we are seeking a skilled, versatile, and mission-aligned Finance Manager to steward HGP’s financial resources in accordance with GAAP and to play a key role in supporting our social enterprises and long-term sustainability.

Our team cares deeply about the natural environment and homelessness. We work in a simple environment and value authenticity, collaboration, and the essentials.

Position Description:

The Finance Manager is responsible for the day-to-day financial operations of the Homeless Garden Project, including accounting, financial reporting, payroll, and support for strategic planning, budgeting, and grants management.

The finance manager works closely with the Executive Director and program/enterprise managers to ensure that accurate, timely financial information supports decision-making, program growth, and compliance with funder, contractual, and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities:

Financial Management & Accounting

• Maintain and analyze accounting record.
• Prepare monthly and annual financial statements for internal management, the Board, and funders.
• Prepare and post journal entries.
• Ensure timely month-end and year-end closes.

Compliance, Audit, and Tax

• Ensure compliance with accounting principles, internal policies, contracts, and grant requirements.
• Maintain documentation and records to support audit and compliance requirements.
• Coordinate and manage the annual financial audit, including preparation of schedules and liaison with external auditors.
• Work with the CPA to prepare the annual information return (Form 990 or equivalent).

Payroll & HR Support

• Process payroll ensuring accurate and timely payment of wages, benefits, and related liabilities.
• Ensure appropriate coding of payroll to programs, grants, and cost centers.
• Support compliance with applicable employment and payroll-related regulations.
• Calculate and pay quarterly sales tax.

Budgeting, Grants & Enterprise Support

• Support the Executive Director in developing and monitoring the annual organizational budget and provide strategic insights and recommendations.
• Track and monitor the budget and provide regular variance reports and analysis to Executive Director and Finance Committee.
• Track restricted grants and contracts, including revenue recognition, expense allocation, and preparation of financial reports for funders.
• Collaborate with staff from the farm, retail/social enterprise, and development teams to support business planning and analysis for HGP’s enterprises (e.g. sales performance, margins, and cost tracking). Advises department leaders on enterprise growth strategies and sustainability.

Systems, Processes & Team Coordination

• Maintain and continuously improve financial processes, systems, and internal controls, coordinating with other business units such as the farm, retail business, training program, and fundraising.
• Enter transactions into QuickBooks ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and adherence to financial procedures.
• Work with the Executive Director to maintain banking relationships and manage cash flow, including monitoring balances and supporting basic treasury functions. Manages cash flow, forecasting, and banking relationships.
• Perform other duties as assigned related to the financial management and business operations of HGP.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

• Qualifications in accounting or bookkeeping, or equivalent professional experience.
• Hands-on experience with QuickBooks Desktop (or similar accounting software), including journal entries reporting, and reconciliations.
• Proven experience in financial reporting, including preparation of financial statements and management reports.
• Experience with payroll systems and basic HR/payroll compliance.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively and to supervise and support the skill development of volunteers.
• Commitment to the mission and values of the Homeless Garden Project.

Preferred:

• Familiarity with fund accounting, grants management, and tracking restricted vs. unrestricted funds.

Work Environment:

• Work takes place primarily in an office environment, with periodic interaction on HGP’s farm and social enterprise locations.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace dedicated to cultivating a diverse and inclusive work environment. We believe that diversity is essential to achieving our mission. HGP does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity, or parental status. We strongly encourage people of all races, ethnicities, gender identities, sexualities, classes, and religious identities to apply.