Director of Finance

Job Description

Job Description

About Us:

Greater Spokane Incorporated (GSI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to economic development and community growth in the Spokane region. We foster collaboration among businesses, government, and community leaders to create a vibrant economy. Join our team and help us build a better Spokane.

** This position is based in Spokane, WA and requires in-office attendance.**

**To be considered, applicants MUST SUBMIT BOTH A RESUME AND A COVER LETTER that outlines their interest in the role and demonstrates how their skills and experience align with the stated qualifications. Applications submitted without a cover letter may not be reviewed.**

Job Purpose:

The Director of Finance serves as the organization’s lead financial operator, responsible for the accuracy, integrity, and reliability of GSI’s financial information. This role provides hands-on leadership of day-to-day finance operations while ensuring strong internal controls, consistent financial reporting, and clear financial insights to support organizational decision-making.

This position plays a critical role in maintaining financial discipline, supporting audit readiness, and strengthening financial processes across the organization. The Director of Finance is expected to bring structure, clarity, and accountability to financial operations while also identifying opportunities to improve systems, streamline processes, and enhance the organization’s ability to use financial information effectively.

As a key partner to leadership, this role provides practical, forward-looking financial insight to support planning, performance, and informed decision-making across the organization. The Director of Finance leads the finance function and ensures alignment across all accounting and financial activities.

Essential Responsibilities:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each of the responsibilities listed below. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

Financial Leadership and Accountability:

• Ensure the accuracy and completeness of financial statements across all entities
• Lead the monthly close process, including reconciliations, journal entries, and variance analysis

• Maintain compliance with GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards
• Monitor cash flow and support short-term financial forecasting
• Identify and resolve discrepancies or inconsistencies in financial reporting

Audit, Compliance, and Internal Controls:

• Serve as the primary liaison to external auditors, tax preparers, and financial advisors
• Lead audit preparation and ensure all supporting documentation is accurate and complete
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and regulatory requirements

• Establish, maintain, and strengthen internal controls and financial policies
• Evaluate and improve financial workflows, systems, and reporting processes to increase efficiency, accuracy, and clarity
• Identify opportunities to streamline processes and reduce manual effort or duplication
• Ensure financial systems and tools are effectively utilized and aligned with organizational needs
• Lead documentation and standardization of key financial processes to support consistency and scalability

Financial Planning and Strategic Support:

• Provide forward-looking financial insights to support organizational planning and decision-making
• Support development and refinement of budgets, forecasts, and scenario planning

• Identify financial trends, risks, and opportunities, and communicate implications clearly to leadership
• Serve as a thought partner to the CEO and Chief of Staff in evaluating financial impacts of strategic and operational decisions

Board and Leadership Reporting:

• Prepare clear, concise, and board-ready financial reports and supporting materials
• Translate financial data into meaningful insights for leadership and board members

• Support the Finance & Administration Committee and Executive Board with timely and accurate reporting

Financial Oversight and Systems:

• Serve as the primary owner of the organization’s financial accuracy, reporting, and audit readiness
• Provide final review and approval of financial statements, reconciliations, and key reporting outputs
• Establish priorities, workflows, and deadlines for finance operations

• Ensure alignment and consistency across all financial activities and deliverables
• Act as the central point of accountability for financial information provided to leadership, auditors, and the Board

• Oversee accounting systems, payroll coordination, and financial reporting tools
• Ensure the integrity and effective use of financial systems and data
• Recommend and implement improvements to financial systems and reporting tools

• Maintain relationships with banks, vendors, and external service providers

Team Leadership:

• Provide day-to-day leadership and direction for finance operations, including direct supervision of the Senior Accountant and coordination of accounting and reporting activities
• Establish clear expectations, workflows, and accountability across finance functions
• Support the development and growth of the Senior Accountant through coaching, feedback, and clear direction
• Ensure work produced across the finance functions meets organizational standards for accuracy, timeliness, and clarity

Organizational Contribution

• Collaborate across departments to ensure financial considerations support organizational priorities
• Contribute to a culture of accountability, clarity, and continuous improvement
• Provide practical, solution-oriented input on organizational and operational decisions
• Ensure financial considerations are integrated into strategic and operational discussions

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, & Experience:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must meet the qualifications listed below. These requirements are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field required
• Minimum of six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in financial management or accounting
• Strong understanding of GAAP and nonprofit/fund accounting preferred
• Demonstrated experience managing financial reporting, audits, and internal controls
• Experience leading or directing finance operations

Certifications & Licenses

• CPA or CMA preferred
• Valid driver’s license required

Skills and Abilities

• Strong proficiency with accounting, payroll, and financial reporting systems
• Experience working with fund accounting platforms and payroll/HR systems preferred
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and CRM systems
• Preferred experience with Sage Intacct Fund Accounting and PayNorthwest payroll/HR platforms
• Ability to translate financial information clearly for non-financial audiences
• High level of accuracy, attention to detail, and accountability
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and resolve issues proactively
• Ability to operate independently while collaborating effectively with leadership

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job:

• Exposed to a typical office environment with moderate noise levels
• Regularly local travel to meetings may be required
• Full-time position
• Regularly scheduled to work 40 hours per week; may be required to work more than 40 hours per week to meet deadlines, finish assignments, or attend events and meetings

Physical Requirements:

• Work is performed primarily in an office setting
• Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to stand and/or sit for prolonged periods and operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine motor coordination including use of a computer keyboard
• Occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, twist. Occasionally lift, carry, push, and/or pull up to 25 lbs.
• Regularly utilize verbal and written communication to exchange information
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception

Benefits

• Competitive salary of $110,000 - $130,000
• Hybrid work model available with up to 2 days per week working from home
• Employer-paid health insurance premiums for employees; spouse and children coverage available at an additional cost
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and employer-observed holidays (subject to annual approval by the CEO)
• Participation in GSI’s 401(k) retirement plan with employer contribution
• Opportunities for professional development and career growth