Finance Director at Eames Institute

About the Eames Institute

The Eames Institute of Infinite Curiosity is a nonprofit public charity dedicated to advancing the dynamic legacy of 20th-century designers Ray and Charles Eames. By sharing the things the Eameses made and loved, along with their joyful and rigorous approach to life and work, we seek to inspire creative problem-solving that positively shapes our world. 

With our vast collections, digital and print offerings, an extensive program of events, and the Eames Ranch, we aim to demonstrate the enduring value of the Eameses’ philosophy and invite people to explore their curiosity, ask questions, and implement creative solutions to the challenges of today.

About the Role

The Finance Director will play a pivotal role in shaping the financial strategy and infrastructure that supports our mission. The Finance Director will oversee all financial activities of the company, including accounting, budgeting, cash flow, reporting, and payroll. This role is both strategic and tactical, ideal for someone who is comfortable rolling up their sleeves and driving process improvements in a small business environment.  As the Finance Director, you will bring your financial expertise and passion for purpose-driven work to a leadership position at a time of exciting organizational expansion.

This role calls for a forward-thinking financial leader with management experience who thrives in a collaborative environment and is eager to build and refine systems and processes that support sustainable growth.

Key Responsibilities:

Accounting & Financial Management

• Financial reporting: Produce and present timely and accurate financial statements, such as monthly, quarterly, and annual reports, for internal and external stakeholders. Meet monthly with department leaders to review budget variances.
• Budgeting and forecasting: Participate in (and eventually lead) the annual budget process by collaborating with other departments and forecast future performance based on historical data and market trends. 
• Cash management: Monitor and manage the company's cash flow, including basic wiring needs, and plan for future needs.
• Maintain and enforce internal controls to ensure the company complies with all federal, state and local tax laws and other financial regulations. 
• Manage accounting staff with day-to-day accounting operations including  A/P, bank reconciliations, and journal entries.
  • Oversee monthly and annual close processes
  • Processing of contributions, grants, and pledges
  • Fiscal sponsorships/grants management and reporting
  • Retail operations including interfaces with Shopify, Stripe & Paypal

Payroll & Benefits Administration

• Support HR with bi-weekly payroll administration to ensure accurate and timely processing of employee pay, benefits, deductions, and taxes.  
• Serve as backup payroll administrator when necessary. 
• Review and submit payroll and 401(k) submissions 
• Maintain payroll records in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Handle year-end payroll activities including W-2s and related filings.

Reporting & Compliance

• Prepare monthly Institute financial statements and budget reports and assist with reporting to leadership and key stakeholders.
• Prepare the audit and Form 990 schedule. Be the main contact with outside independent auditors and tax partners.
• Maintain documents and improve accounting procedures and internal controls.
• Manage accounting systems and supporting technologies.

Operations & Efficiency

• Serve as the main contact with banking and credit/payment card partners.
• Be an advisor and resource to senior leaders and budget managers with regard to budget and other financial matters.
• Prepare tax filings, such as 1099s, sales and use returns, and other required filings.
• Produce financial analysis and special studies.
• Assist the CFO with special projects and financial analysis.

Organization & Culture

• Serve as an advisor and on site resource to senior leaders and budget managers with regard to budget and other financial matters.
• Contribute to building a thriving creative culture of the Eames Institute.
• Participate in and contribute to the Institute's culture of curiosity and learning.
• Build and share knowledge, appreciation, and curiosity of the history, contributions, and legacy of Ray and Charles Eames.

Required education, skills, abilities and competencies:

• Experience in an arts, education, or cultural organization preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting
• Non-Profit Accounting & Financial Management (5–10 years preferred):
  • Strong experience in accounting principles specific to non-profits, including fund accounting, restricted/unrestricted funding and multiple LLC configurations.
  • Familiarity with compliance requirements such as IRS 990 filings and retail tax filings.
• Leadership & Team Management:
  • Demonstrated experience managing or supervising finance staff or cross-functional teams.
  • Experience building and mentoring a finance team, especially during periods of organizational growth.
• Budgeting & Forecasting:
  • Hands-on experience developing and managing complex budgets, often with multiple funding sources (grants, donations, earned income).
  • Experience preparing financial forecasts and scenario planning for leadership and board decision-making.
• Audit and Compliance:
  • Coordinating annual audits and ensuring audit readiness.
  • Working with external auditors and ensuring internal controls are robust and compliant with GAAP and non-profit standards.
• Financial Reporting:
  • Preparing accurate monthly and annual financial statements.
  • Preparing detail project-level financials on a monthly basis
  • Presenting financials to executive leadership in a clear, accessible way.
• Grant & Donor Reporting:
  • Experience managing financial aspects of grants, including budgeting, reporting, and tracking restricted funds.
  • Familiarity with the financial documentation required by foundations, government entities, and private donors.
• Technology & Systems Implementation:
  • Proficiency in smaller accounting software programs, such as Quickbooks. 
  • Experience leading or participating in the implementation or upgrade of financial systems.

Essential Functions:

• This position is expected to be primarily onsite at the Institute’s Richmond location, with occasional travel to the other Institute workplaces in Petaluma and San Francisco, working Monday-Friday 9am-5pm.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Frequent use of hands for typing, writing, and handling office equipment.
• Ability to lift and carry office supplies and equipment weighing up to 20 pounds.
• Occasional standing, walking, bending, or reaching within the office environment.
• Regular use of vision abilities including close vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to communicate effectively with others via phone, video conference, and in person.
• May require occasional travel between office locations or for business meetings.

What We Offer: 

• Salary range for this role is $155,000 - $175,000
• The Eames Institute offers a competitive benefits package, including…
• Medical, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance
• 401k employer match
• Commuting benefits
• Wellness stipend (annual) 
• Professional development stipend (annual) 
• $500 match for charitable giving, for every year of service up to five years
• Unlimited paid time off policy in addition to fourteen paid holidays

This job description is intended to describe the general requirements for the performance of this job.  It is not a complete statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements.  Other duties not listed here may be assigned by your manager or the CEO.

U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Eames Institute values diversity, inclusion & belonging for all, and is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We strive to create a workplace that empowers people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to feel respected, valued, and able to contribute at the highest level. If you’re excited by this role but your professional experience doesn’t perfectly align with the qualifications listed, we still encourage you to apply.