Director of Finance and Operations

BEAM Circular is unlocking the power of communities to transform waste into opportunity by building a vibrant regional ecosystem for the circular bioeconomy in California’s agricultural heartland. Anchored in the North San Joaquin Valley, we are facilitating collaboration through the BioEconomy, Agriculture, & Manufacturing (BEAM) Initiative to scale the most promising innovations in bioindustrial manufacturing. Our work includes public-private projects and programs in the areas of innovation, access to capital, infrastructure, talent development, and cross-cutting partnerships to advance economic and environmental value for local communities.

BEAM Circular was launched in January 2023, catalyzed by the Stanislaus 2030 inclusive economic development planning process, and has raised over $15.4 million to date to seed the BEAM Initiative. Together with local communities and a growing network of state and national collaborators, we are aligning resources and partnerships to make the North San Joaquin Valley a global hub for solutions at the intersections of food and agriculture, climate, biotechnology, and economic inclusion.

We have a dynamic, mission-driven team and are looking for partners to join us who believe in rolling up their sleeves to contribute to a bold vision; who have a results-oriented, “get things done” mentality; who lead with curiosity, collaboration, and kindness; and who are dedicated to positive impact for people and the planet.

BEAM Circular is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and encourages individuals identifying with any race, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, national origin, and abilities to apply.

Requirements

BEAM Circular is looking for a Finance and Operations Director to lead the financial and operational processes for BEAM Circular. As an integral member of the BEAM Circular leadership team, the Director of Finance and Operations will build and implement BEAM CIrcular’s accounting and budgeting systems, grants management and reporting, vendor management, as well as support the human resource, legal, facilities and IT operations. The Director’s responsibilities will require strong experience in compliance for public grants and interest in launching relevant systems in a fast-moving start-up environment. The Director will report to the Chief Operating and Financial Officer of BEAM Circular and coordinate closely with the Chief Financial Officer of Opportunity Stanislaus, the incubating fiscal sponsor of BEAM Circular.

Essential Functions: 

Accounting

• Maintain fund accounting policies and procedures
• Execute on end-to-end accounting processes for:
• Vendor management: sourcing, contracting, onboarding, bill processing, and bill payment
• Grant management: grant invoice preparation and submission
• Payroll: coordination of employee time cards and time studies and entering payroll information into accounting system
• Period end close: perform necessary month, quarter, and annual year end close activities such as account reconciliations, accruals, etc.
• Reporting: design and produce necessary internal management reports and grant reports
• Audit and Tax: support the annual audit and tax filings by maintaining appropriate processes, maintaining appropriate documentation, and working with our audit and tax partners to produce the annual audit  and tax reports

• Select and implement accounting software to support fund accounting

Financial Planning & Analysis

• Maintain three year rolling budget: update actuals after every month end close and produce updated forecast based on spending needs and projected income

Grant Management

• Support CEO & CFO in grant application process
• Prepare and send grant invoices per the grant specifications
• Prepare grant reporting per grant requirements
• Implement a database of compliance requirements, and design and implement necessary processes to ensure compliance with the requirements
• Design and implement re-granting systems and processes

Risk Management

• Work with the CFO to implement and maintain adequate risk management practices, including adequate insurance

Other Operational Processes

• Oversee the end-to-end human resources processes such as recruiting, onboarding, performance management, and offboarding of employees
• Create vendor contracts and work with CFO and the organization attorneys on any legal related matters
• Oversee the facilities and office management activities, such as procuring any office related furniture, equipment, supplies, and services.  Oversee the Administrative Associate staff.
• Manage the outsourced IT support provider and oversee any IT related matters

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• At least 10 years of experience in program management and administration, financial management, award contractual compliance, sub-award management, and tracking project performance and costs via specific funding streams
• Experience with grants management, especially with state and federal funding and their rules and regulations
• Demonstrated ability to launch financial systems in a lean, start-up environment
• Demonstrated ability to develop new policies and procedures, protocols, agreements in line with team, program, and organizational goals
• Demonstrated ability to summarize and communicate complicated technical content to internal colleagues, funders, board members, and other key stakeholders
• Excellent tracking and managing of details in budgets, grants, and contracts
• Strong command of accounting concepts including the role of the general ledger and chart of accounts, differences between accrual and cash methods, creating an audit trail, and operating internal controls
• Strong understanding of award accounting principles and an ability to understand complex contracts and sub-agreements
• High proficiency in Microsoft Excel/Google Sheets and QuickBooks and/or MiP Accounting
• Ability to deploy excellent communication and coordination abilities to meet project targets and funder requirements
• Degree in finance, business, nonprofit management or related relevant education preferred

Physical Demands:

• Position requires sitting and viewing a computer monitor for extended periods of time; dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard; reaching, bending, and stooping; exert 10 to 20 pounds of force to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects; hearing and speaking English to communicate and provide information to others; vision to read printed material and computer monitor. 

Benefits

Compensation:

• Pay based on experience. Salary range is $100,000 to $110,000 with a competitive benefits package.
• Position based in Modesto, CA. Hybrid work arrangements permitted.

ADA/FEHA: The Company will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act.

EEO: The Company is an equal employment opportunity employer.