Finance Assistant

Who We Are: Mass Farmers Markets (MFM) partners with farmers, consumers, and communities to improve the health of individuals, strengthen community vitality, and enhance local farm viability through farmers markets. We are a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

As part of our work, MFM manages five farmers markets, 6 days per week, in the cities of Boston, Cambridge and Somerville from May to November. The Central Square Farmers Market runs every Monday (12-6 PM); the Copley Square Farmers Market runs every Tuesday and Friday (11AM-6 PM); the Davis Square Farmers Market runs every Wednesday (12-6 PM); the Kendall Square Farmers Market runs every Thursday (12-6 PM); and, the Fish & Farm Market at the Boston Fish Pier (Seaport) runs every Saturday (9:30 AM to 1:30 PM).

Candidate Profile: The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented professional with a background in bookkeeping, accounting, or a related field. This individual will demonstrate the flexibility and organizational skills necessary to manage multiple workflows while consistently meeting established deadlines.

Position Overview: The Finance Assistant reports directly to the Director of Finance and serves as MFM’s primary staff resource for finance and accounting support. The position encompasses a broad range of responsibilities, including financial data entry and reporting, invoicing, check deposits and issuance, bank reconciliations, board and audit reporting, and periodic filings required for compliance with municipal, state, and federal regulations. The Finance Assistant will communicate regularly with employees, customers, farmers, vendors, government officials, consultants, auditors, and MFM’s Board of Directors. This position requires regular in-office work, although certain duties may be performed remotely when appropriate. Because MFM’s operational needs vary seasonally, the work schedule and weekly hours may fluctuate throughout the year.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Provide comprehensive accounting and finance support to the Director of Finance. Initial responsibilities are expected to include:
  • General finance and accounting support, including accounts receivable and accounts payable, invoice preparation, and check printing and deposits;
  • Daily monitoring of operating cash-flow accounts and electronic payment accounts;
• Support fundraising and donation activities, including the annual appeal, donor acknowledgments, direct participation, and coordination of vendors for the annual Big E;
• Partner with the Directors of Member Services and Market Development to prepare required invoices and manage accounts receivable; administer the member liability insurance program; and support all fiscal sponsorship clients;
• Administer coupon-matching and pass-through reimbursement programs for member farms and markets; review and reconcile coupon-matching activities completed by the Food Access team; and ensure accurate entry of coupon and reimbursement payments in QuickBooks;
• Provide audit and compliance support to the Director of Finance and external auditors for annual audits, Form PC and IRS Form 990 filings, and other required municipal, state, and federal submissions.

Required Qualifications:

• Demonstrated knowledge of and commitment to farmers markets and the development of local food systems.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the confidence to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
• A strong work ethic and a demonstrated record of punctuality, reliability, enthusiasm, customer service, and collaboration.
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Access to reliable transportation.
• Availability to work occasional nonstandard hours, as business needs require.
• Proficiency with cloud-based office productivity platforms, such as Google Workspace, and the ability to learn new tools and technologies as required.
• Working knowledge of QuickBooks and the ability to accurately enter, maintain, and reconcile financial data.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field preferred but not required.
• Prior experience in bookkeeping, finance, and/or accounting preferred.

Employment Details:

Hours and Work Schedule: This is a part-time position generally scheduled Monday through Friday for 12–20 hours per week. The specific schedule may vary throughout the year based on seasonal business needs. Weekly hours are typically higher during the fall season, particularly in October and November.