Financial Operations Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Financial Operations Specialist is an intermediate, permanent, full-time position that primarily supports with keeping the accuracy and efficiency of financial operations within the organization. This role requires a keen eye for detail, strong analytical skills, and the ability to work collaboratively across departments to streamline processes and drive financial excellence.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Finances - Leads overall financial analysis and management for the organization. 
2. Leads with the development and implementation of internal Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable processes. 
3. Periodically analyzes the org budgets and provides the Operations Director with spending recommendations that align with La Defensa’s goals and objectives.
4. Assists in internal and external audits, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and providing necessary documentation and support.
5. Works with staff members, freelancers, consultants, and vendors to facilitate the timely processing of reimbursements, contracts, invoices, and other payments.
6. Serve as a subject matter expert for financial systems and tools, providing training and support to users as needed.
7. Acts as a liaison between La Defensa and our fiscal sponsor, Tides Advocacy, regarding program, legal, and financial matters.
8. Collaborates with team members on internal fundraising efforts such as grant applications, the selling of merchandising, and the creation of a tiered membership program.
9. Operations & Compliance - Collaborates on day to day operations planning and execution. 
10. Regularly communicates with La Defensa’s fiscal sponsor, Tides Advocacy, in regards to operational and compliance related matters.
11. Assists with moderating La Defensa projects, grant proposals, and other produced content to ensure compliance requirements are met.
12. Coordinates yearly processes including year-end closing, contract rollovers, yearly rate and pay schedule adjustments, work year calendars, staffing, etc. 
13. Organizational Development - Provides support with the development and implementation of organizational processes and policies. 
14. Supports the Operations Director with ongoing organization-wide transitions. 
15. Provides analysis of org structures, procedures, processes, and the utilization of resources.
16. Supports with the implementation of a variety of developmental initiatives, action plans, programs, and training materials.
17. Regularly communicates with internal team members about ongoing organizational transitions and changes.
18. Documents processes and presenting progress reports to the Operations Director.
19. Human Resources - Helps maintain the health of the organization.
20. Assists with maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for all staff members, volunteers, contractors, and partners.
21. Provides suggestions on how to address employee concerns and queries and provides external resources when appropriate.
22. Participates in full-cycle recruitment efforts, new-hire onboarding, and off-boarding processes.
23. Leads the organizational activities designed to boost employee spirit such as team bonding events, birthday celebrations, and strategy retreats.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Transition duties to respective team leads as the organization grows.
2. Other duties as requested by the LD Leadership Team.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

3+ years worth of combined experience in financial operations, project management, and human resources. Demonstrated commitment and passion for criminal justice and the mission of La Defensa. Having lived experience or impacted by the injustice system prioritized. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: 

Strong understanding of accounting principles and financial processes. Proficiency in financial software and tools, such as ERP systems like Netsuite, Excel, and financial reporting software. Experience with ADP, SalesForce, GSuite, or similar programs and high level of comfort with technology. The candidate must be able to work independently with limited supervision, be exceedingly well organized, flexible and enjoy the challenges of supporting the operational needs of a decentralized team.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS: 

The Financial Operations Specialist works closely with La Defensa’s Director of Operations and Development and collaboratively with staff, contractors, vendors, coalition partners, local and state legislators, and policy makers. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Travel may be required. Must have reliable transportation. Must be able to sit at a computer for extended periods of time. Accommodations can be provided upon request.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

This is a remote telecommute position that requires travel, especially within Los Angeles County and California. Work hours, depending on circumstances, may sometimes be odd and include occasional night or weekend assignments. The La Defensa team meets frequently for in-person strategy sessions, team-building retreats, and other organization-related events and activities. 

At our organization, we are committed to providing well-rounded benefits that cater to the diverse needs of our team members, ensuring their physical, mental, and financial well-being are supported to foster a healthy and thriving workforce. This includes but is not limited to:

• Flexible Work Arrangements including 32-Hour Work Weeks and Flex Days
• 99% paid-by-employer premiums on Health, Dental, and Vision plans 
• Paid Time Off (PTO) such as vacation days, sick leave, holidays, and seasonal breaks including a 1-month Winter Sabbatical 
• 401(k) plans with employer matching contributions
• Professional Development Stipends
• Remote Office Set Up

All interested individuals should follow the provided link to submit their applications by SUNDAY, MAY 19, 2024. All qualified applicants will receive an invitation to schedule a virtual interview within 3 weeks of the closing date unless otherwise notified.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: La Defensa is an equal-opportunity employer. We strongly encourage applications from women, people of color, and bilingual and bicultural individuals, as well as members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Non-binary communities, especially those impacted by the injustice system. Applicants shall not be discriminated against because of race, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, color, marital status, or medical condition, including acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and AIDS-related conditions. Also, pursuant to the California Fair Chance Ordinance, we encourage and will consider employment-qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES: Reasonable accommodation will be made so that qualified disabled applicants may participate in the application process. If you seek accommodation, please reach out to careers@ladefensx.org.