Finance Manager

About Accelerating Appalachia

Established in 2013 by SaraDay Evans, Accelerating Appalachia (ACAP) focuses on reinforcing regenerative agriculture and resilient supply chains throughout an eight-state southeastern region. Primarily working with producers labeled as historically underserved by the USDA, ACAP offers connections to technical support, financial assistance, and market opportunities. Beyond farmers, the organization nurtures growth-stage regenerative enterprises specializing in food, fiber, and forest products, promoting a regional regenerative economy. In 2023, ACAP initiated the Building Appalachian Agricultural Resilience (BAAR) program funded by the USDA with $18 million, providing $12 million in direct incentives and $6 million in training and marketing assistance.

Position Overview

The Finance Manager maintains the organization’s financial stability by managing bookkeeping, ensuring adherence to federal and state grant mandates, forecasting income, advising on financial policies, and overseeing budgets that include the business accelerator and the Farmer Funding Program such as BAAR. Background knowledge in social enterprise, business accelerators, or impact investing methods is advantageous though not mandatory.

Reporting and Collaboration

Reporting to the CEO, the Finance Manager guarantees financial autonomy to facilitate audits, grant compliance, and board reporting. Daily coordination with the COO, Executive Assistant, and program teams ensures precise budget management, payment processing, and operational financial alignment. All financial documents are prepared subject to CEO approval and appropriate Board submission.

Primary Responsibilities

• Supervise bookkeeping duties including payroll, invoicing, contract payments, and reimbursements.
• Maintain accurate and current financial records within QuickBooks.
• Manage accounts payable and receivable ensuring audit readiness.
• Oversee organizational budgets and monitor cash flow on a daily basis.
• Partner with the COO to ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) in project expenses and financial reporting.
• Formalize internal procedures for accounts payable, expense reconciliation, bank and credit card statement reconciliations in conjunction with the COO.
• Support long-term financial planning collaborating with the fundraising team.
• Reconcile financial records with program databases alongside the Chief Data Officer.

• Ensure strict adherence to federal and state grant rules, including USDA and Appalachian Regional Commission requirements.
• Comply with OMB Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200) regarding cost allowability, allocation, and reasonableness.
• Coordinate grant financial administration during transition from contract accounting, preparing compliance reports for CEO review.
• Implement internal controls aligned with local, state, and federal regulations safeguarding against audit risks.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation to support federal audits and monitoring.

• Prepare and present accurate financial statements, business activity reports, and forecasts for executive meetings.
• Assist with semi-annual and quarterly grant expenditure reports and cost-share documentation with COO collaboration; CEO reviews all submissions.
• Provide financial data and documentation for external annual audits.
• Contribute to annual budget development and five-year financial projections for Board approval with CEO authorization.
• Prepare financial updates for CEO presentations to the Board outlining fiscal status and alignment with program objectives.
• Offer financial insights to the executive team regarding organizational health and liquidity management.

Bonus Qualifications (Not Required)

• Collaborate with the CEO on capital investment strategies for regenerative enterprises, including program-related investments and revenue-based financing models.
• Contribute to financial modeling and structuring related to impact investing and accelerator investment products.
• Apply familiarity with impact measurement frameworks and investor reporting standards.
• Help identify new funding avenues and capital partners aligned with ACAP’s mission.

Candidate Requirements

• A minimum of five years’ experience managing accounting systems, nonprofit finances, and federal grant administration.
• Proven expertise in handling budgets and fiscal systems involving federal and state grants with auditing and periodic reporting.
• Familiarity with federal grants compliance, particularly USDA or Appalachian Regional Commission grants preferred.
• Proficiency in QuickBooks and comprehensive knowledge of corporate tax regulations at federal, state, and local levels.
• Capability to utilize Google Suite, Adobe Suite, Microsoft Office; experience with Airtable is a plus.
• Demonstrated responsibility and accountability suitable for remote or flexible work environments.
• Experience designing and implementing internal financial policies and procedures.
• Preferred attributes include strategic thinking, analytical prowess, and process optimization skills.
• Knowledge of Central and Southern Appalachian culture and regulatory landscape is advantageous.
• Committed to inclusive, transparent, and non-hierarchical workplace values.
• Strong skills in fostering partnerships and collaborating with diverse stakeholders.
• Bonus: background in social enterprises, business accelerators, or impact investing.

Compensation and Benefits

• Starting salary at $65,000 annually, adjusted based on experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package including flexible paid time off encompassing vacation, sick, mental health, and family leave.
• Health insurance and retirement plan options.
• Supportive and collaborative workplace culture with passionate colleagues and partners.
• Opportunity to significantly impact farmers, rural communities, and ecosystems of Central Appalachia and the Southeast.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Accelerating Appalachia is committed to equal employment opportunities without regard to age, ethnicity, citizenship status, disability, race, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, or other protected categories, fostering a diverse and culturally inclusive environment.