Administrative

Director of Finance

East Boothbay, ME
Work Type: Full Time
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POSITION PURPOSE:

Bigelow Laboratory, a world-class facility for Ocean Research, is seeking a Director of Finance.

The Director of Finance is a senior leadership role responsible for managing the financial operations and strategy of Bigelow Laboratory. This position ensures that the organization’s financial systems, policies, and processes are effectively supporting its mission. The Director of Finance oversees budgeting, financial reporting, compliance, and grants management while providing strategic financial guidance to the leadership team. This role requires a balance of strategic thinking, operational expertise, and team management skills.


DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (listed in order importance to the position with % of effort/importance for the position):

Financial Strategy & Leadership 30%

  • Partner with the CEO to develop and execute the organization’s financial and business strategy.
  • Serve as a key advisor to senior leadership, providing financial insights to support strategic decision-making.
  • Ensure that the organization’s financial practices align with its mission and goals.
  • Provide regular updates and financial analysis to the Board of Directors and finance committees.

 

Budgeting & Planning 30%

  • Lead preparation of the annual budget in collaboration with leadership team and budget holders.
  • Monitor and manage the organization’s budget performance, identifying and addressing variances in partnership with the budget holder.
  • Develop financial operating forecasts and long-term planning scenarios to support sustainability in partnership with the budget holder.


Financial Operations 15%

  • Oversee day-to-day financial operations, including accounts payable, receivable, payroll, and general ledger management.
  • Documents and keeps financial policies, procedures, processes update-to-date; continually strives for improved efficiency, enhanced controls, financial sustainability.
  • Ensure accurate and timely preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
  • Drafts GAAP and Compliance financial statements and assists auditors in preparing annual 990 filing, including any supporting schedules.
  • Monitor cash flow and ensure proper liquidity to meet operational needs.

 

Grants & Restricted Funds Management 15%

  • Oversee the financial aspects of grants, including budgeting, reporting, and compliance with funder reporting requirements.
  • Track restricted and unrestricted funds, ensuring proper allocation and reporting.
  • Collaborate with program staff to ensure accurate and compliant use of grant funding.

 

Compliance & Risk Management 5%

  • Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations (including OMB Uniform Guidance), and non-profit accounting standards (GAAP).
  • Prepare for and coordinate annual audits, addressing any findings or recommendations.
  • Develop, implement, and monitor internal controls to safeguard the organization’s assets including cybersecurity and fraud training.


Team Management & Collaboration 5%

  • Manage and mentor the finance team, fostering professional growth and accountability.
  • Collaborate with program and operations teams to align financial resources with organizational priorities.
  • Work closely with external stakeholders, investment advisor, insurance brokers, auditors, grantors, and regulatory agencies.


SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Manage and mentor the finance team, fostering professional growth and accountability.


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS [education, knowledge, skills, abilities, experience): 

Education & Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field (Master’s degree or CPA preferred).
  • Minimum of 7 years of experience in finance or accounting, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
  • Experience in non-profit financial management, including grants accounting and compliance.

 

Skills & Competencies

  • Deep knowledge of non-profit accounting principles, including fund accounting and restricted funds management.
  • Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., Oracle NetSuite) and financial reporting systems.
  • Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders.
  • Demonstrated leadership and team management abilities.
  • Comfortable working in a continually changing environment with incomplete information; excellent team player.
  • Excellent organizational, problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills.


The salary range for this position is $123,043-$184,565, with a generous benefits package including health care, retirement contribution, and paid time off.


Apply
Please submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references using our online application portal. For full consideration please respond by June 11, 2025.

Individuals seeking more information about this position or needing to request an accommodation, please contact [email protected] or (207) 315-2567, ext. 107.

About Midcoast Maine
Bigelow Laboratory’s state-of-the-art oceanfront campus in East Boothbay is located in scenic Midcoast Maine, perfectly situated to provide access to the very best Maine has to offer. Within a reasonable commuting distance of most major Maine cities, this mid-coast peninsula offers the perfect balance between small town coastal charm and urban accessibility. Our peninsula is home to fishermen and sea captains, marine biologists, nature lovers, botanists and gardeners, artists, merchants, and entrepreneurs. Many non-profit organizations call this region home and work hard to further their missions in support of the arts, seamanship and marine education, conservation, historic preservation, and more.

Working at Bigelow Laboratory
Bigelow Laboratory is an inclusive community of scientists and science supporters from around the world that welcomes and supports diverse opinions and cultures. Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences strives to maintain an environment that allows our employees to flourish through respectful, inclusive, and equitable treatment of others. We are committed to supporting each other as individuals worthy of respect. Bigelow Laboratory is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

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