COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTAL COUNCIL - Fractional Chief Financial Officer at COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTAL COUNCIL

Position Summary:  The Community Environmental Council (CEC) is a fast-paced nonprofit based in Santa Barbara and serving California’s Central Coast, with a reputation for positive social change and community engagement. Since 1970, CEC has pioneered practical environmental solutions. Recently recognized as a California Nonprofit of the Year, CEC is led by CEO Sigrid Wright, a 2022 Congressional Woman of the Year. 

We are seeking a seasoned financial professional who shares our values and is eager to contribute to CEC’s mission and dynamic culture. Your expertise as a fractional CFO will support the organization as we stabilize after a recent high-growth phase.

Primary Responsibilities: 

• Month-end close:  Meet weekly with full-time Accounting Manager to provide oversight and support; review monthly journal entries, trial balances, revenue coding, bank reconciliations; run monthly variance reports 
• Board reporting: Partner with the Treasurer to set meeting agendas; prepare for and present to Board Finance Committee (monthly by Zoom) and evening Board meetings (quarterly by Zoom)
• Trend analysis: Develop forward-looking models to guide the organization’s operations and business plans, including robust cash management, debt coverage, income performance and budget comparisons; meet twice monthly with CEO to review trends and set strategy
• Annual fiscal projects: Oversee year end close (Dec/Jan), oversee audit and engage with auditors (Jan/Feb/March) and 990 (April/May), conduct midyear budget forecast (June/July), update long term financial plan (Aug/Sep), oversee budget development (Oct/Nov)
• Business systems:  provide guidance to improve program budgeting and reporting practices; maintain sound internal controls and ensure accuracy of accounting records in accordance with GAAP; engage in business problem solving as needed

 Compensation and Work Environment: 

• $5,000/month retainer based on an expectation of approximately 30 hours/month 
• This is a remote position expected to accommodate our team’s hours on Pacific Standard Time. We will prioritize candidates who are able to occasionally meet in person in Santa Barbara, California.

To Apply

Prospective candidates are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter by Monday, October 20. Applications will be considered until the position is filled. Questions related to this position can be submitted by emailing [email protected].  

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer 

CEC does not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. We strongly encourage all qualified candidates to apply. 

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commitment

To achieve our mission for rapid and equitable climate action, CEC seeks to activate people of every age, race, gender, ethnicity, background, and economic status in community planning, political action, personal behavior change, and climate leadership. Our nonprofit is engaged in ongoing learning and action to advance diversity and inclusion at all levels of the organization. We are committed to building diverse teams and an inclusive workplace with outstanding people so we can achieve our mission together. Visit www.CECSB.org and www.facebook.com/cecsb to learn more about our work and history.    

 What You Will Bring:

• A minimum of a bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, business, or related field
• At least 15 years of experience with 5 years in a senior financial-management and leadership role (CFO preferred), partnering with nonprofit executive staff, providing leadership and oversight, resulting in the development and implementation of creative financial management strategies or ownership of a P&L in a multi-faceted organization
• Significant experience in or knowledge of GAAP accounting with solid nonprofit experience, including sophisticated fund and grant accounting, compliance, and reporting. Knowledge of nonprofit tax issues and experience in preparing and/or reviewing Form 990.
• High comfort level working with QuickBooks Online, Paylocity, Excel and other Microsoft programs, GoogleDrive, and other cloud-based software 
• Commitment to CEC's mission and programs, including community-centered climate action that reduces carbon emissions and advances equity
• As a consultant, you must carry appropriate insurance (E&O, Workers’ Compensation, and preferably Business Owner’s Insurance) and be responsible for your own income and self-employment taxes. 

Skills You'll Have:

• Strong leadership and ability to influence without direct authority
• Excellent communication skills — verbal, written, and interpersonal
• High-level analytical and problem-solving skills, with sound judgment and decision-making ability 
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Collaborative style with the ability to work effectively across teams and with diverse stakeholders
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in a fast-paced, multi-project environment
• Customer service mindset when engaging with staff, partners, and external clients