Finance & Operations Manager

Finance and Operations Manager

Application preferred deadline: Monday, July 28, 2025

Preferred start Date: August 11, 2025

Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts seeks an experienced, nonprofit finance and administrative professional to manage the organization’s bookkeeping and finances; handle the office, administrative, and human resources functions; and serve as a main point of contact. The Finance & Operations Manager works closely with and reports to the Executive Director; collaborates with all staff members to provide direction and support in managing the organization’s financial resources, most frequently with the Program Coordinator and Development staff; and is responsible for fiscal reporting to the Board of Trustees and Finance Committee.

RESPONSIBILITIES SUMMARY

Financial Management

• Together with the Executive Director, develop and manage the annual operating budget, manage cash flow, create annual cash flow statement
• Together with the Executive Director develop financial forecasts, analyse trends and project 2 - 3 year budgets to inform Board of Trustees planning.
• Perform routine bookkeeping tasks including: accounts payable and receivable, data entry of sales and donations, bank deposits, journal entries releasing temporary restricted grant funds, monthly reconciliations of accounts (bank, investments, and credit cards)
• Prepare for annual 990 tax return filing and financial statements, liaise with external accountants, and prepare financials for the annual report
• Together with the Executive Director and Senior Development Manager, create budgets for grant applications
• Track temporary and permanently restricted funds and maintain financial accounts of funds received and expended for grants and special projects; produce grant reports accordingly.

Operations

• Establish, train staff on, and monitor internal controls, policies, and procedures with a focus on the best use of assets in accordance with best practices
• Works with the Executive Director and board to ensure legal and regulatory compliance
• Greet visitors to JPWH and the Barkan Gallery; answer the phone, check voicemail, field inquiries to appropriate staff, and return calls; check mail
• Maintain campus-wide supplies and ordering
• Organize filing of hard copy and electronic documents
• Serve as the point person for campus-wide IT needs, including computers, printers, internet, etc.
• Renew subscriptions, leases, contracts
• Arrange for external cleaning service to maintain office and other buildings as needed

Human Resources

• Manage new-hire document processing and maintain the integrity and confidentiality of human resource files and records
• Process payroll: submit biweekly payroll report in an accurate and timely manner to the external payroll company, and process wages internally according to program/class
• Administer employee benefit programs (health insurance, Simple IRA, and optional FSA): enrollments, change reporting, payroll deductions, and contributions
• Participate in staff recruitment and onboarding
• Report workers' compensation claims in a timely manner
• Assist in the maintenance and implementation of personnel policies and procedures

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all required activities, duties, or responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS

• College degree preferred, or equivalent experience
• Prior experience with a non-profit organization, including HR and financial management, preferred
• Adept user of QuickBooks Online and Microsoft Excel
• Highly collaborative and organized with the ability to manage competing priorities
• Proficient with computers, software programs, and platforms including: MacOS, Microsoft Office, Google Suite (Mail, Calendar, Drive), Dropbox, Zoom, WordPress, Constant Contact, PayPal, and Little Green Light
• Strong listening and interpersonal skills, and the ability to professionally and effectively communicate with people of diverse backgrounds and experiences
• A self-starter with keen attention to detail and problem-solving skills
• An interest in the arts, artists, and arts organizations, preferred

Work Conditions & Demands

Work is most often stationary and performed at a computer in an office environment, but requires event-related work outdoors and the ability to stand, walk, and lift up to 25 lbs. Some remote work is available to be coordinated with the Executive Director, but this is considered an on-site position which benefits from regular collaboration, communication, and connection with coworkers.

Details, Compensation, & Benefits

The position is full-time, year-round, and salaried (exempt status) with a regularly scheduled 40-hour-per-week expectation. The schedule is typically the standard 8 hours, five days per week, adjusting as needed to accommodate employee needs. Events and meetings take place during evenings and weekends periodically, and are scheduled in advance.

Compensation: $55,000–60,000 commensurate with experience, plus benefits: generous paid vacation and sick time, health insurance (paid in full by employer), Simple IRA and 2% retirement match, optional FSA, as well as studio access and a materials and kiln firing allowance.

Apply via the Watershed website:

https://www.watershedceramics.org/about/employment/yr-employment/