Volunteer Position Description

Position Details:

Title: Executive Team Leader Finance
Reports to: Primary reporting line to CCR Executive Director
Type: Part-time, possible job share, volunteer
Location: Remote
Hours: 10 hours a week, scheduled at their discretion, plus 3-hour weekly management team meeting

About the Center for Contemplative Research (CCR):

The Center for Contemplative Research in Crestone, Colorado, has been founded by Dr. Alan Wallace with the blessings of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Our purpose is to join contemplative and scientific inquiry to create a new science of consciousness. We provide a conducive environment at our hermitage for deep contemplative study and practice, while collaborating with scientists on studies exploring the potentials of human consciousness and the cultivation of genuine happiness. We believe that this work is essential to advance knowledge, wisdom and well-being - helping to restore balance where it has been lost, in the lives of individuals and in the global community as a whole.

Job overview:

The Finance Team Leader will be part of CCR’s management team. They will drive the organization's financial operations, improve financial performance for both CCR and Miyo Samten Ling (our hermitage) and ensure sustainable and transparent financial practices. This will require developing, implementing and embedding financial management systems, processes (including controls, policies and reports) across CCR in-line with best practice and accounting standards for the not-for-profit sector.

Job Responsibilities:

• Complete setup of accounting system, processes and policies at CCR.
• Train bookkeeper and other positions, as needed for proper implementation and overall workability and sustainability.
• May include some bookkeeping tasks, working in tandem with the bookkeeper, including month-end bank reconciliation, printing reports associated with it and emailing to ED and Treasurer.
• Oversee banking and relationships with other financial services providers (banks and payment providers), managing sourcing of services and associated costs.
• Contribute towards strategic planning and execution, ensuring all financial plans are aligned with overall strategic intent and priorities.
• Drive the annual budgeting process, working collaboratively with broader management team to ensure alignment with overall CCR strategy and business plans across each division.
• Prepare forecasts and comprehensive budgets for CCR and Miyo Samten Ling, including annual budgets as well 3-5 year projections.
• Establish key financial reports (including: Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Cash flow Statement) and regular reporting to Executive Director, Treasurer, Board and broader management team - including monthly or quarterly financial reports and summaries for Treasurer and CCR Board.
• Analyze financial performance and provide proactive input, insights and decision support to the Executive Director and broader management team.
• Perform monthly bookkeeping audits of CCR and Samten Ling Hermitage.
• Proactively identify and mitigate financial risks.
• Ensure adherence to IRS regulations.
• Support fundraising team with goal setting and campaign scheduling, ensuring alignment with CCR’s cash flow needs.
• Monitor and manage restricted and unrestricted donations for accuracy and transparency.
• Design, implement and manage internal finance controls, ensuring compliance at all levels.
• Assist external Accountants and Auditors with year-end tax and audit requirements.
• Longer term - Drive development of double bottom-line reporting, to articulate the broader societal impact of CCR’s work, beyond the financials.
• Attend weekly Executive Team Leaders’ meetings, currently scheduled at 1:30PM MST on Saturdays.

Preferred Job Experience, Skills and Qualifications:

• Strong ethics and accountability.
• Bachelor's Degree and 5 years minimum work experience in finance management as well as a minimum 3 years work experience as a full-charge bookkeeper in the non-profit sector, MBA or CFA preferred.
• Proficiency in QuickBooks.
• Experience in creating, producing and tracking annual budgets.
• Experience in creating and producing comprehensive and transparent finance reports.
• Experience in tracking restricted donations.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Finance auditing experience.

Preferred Personal Attributes:

• Strong ethics and accountability.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently remotely.
• Inspired by the CCR’s purpose, mission, vision.
• Ability to work well within all levels of management as a team, with a kind and caring attitude.
• Experience with Contemplative Inquiry such as a meditation practice.
• Familiarity with the teachings of B. Alan Wallace or other proponents of Contemplative Inquiry.