Finance Associate

General Purpose

Supports daily financial operations by performing a range of paraprofessional accounting duties. Handles the processing, posting, and reporting of financial transactions; performs revenue and bank reconciliations; manages accounts receivable and payable; and maintains accurate donor and grant records.

Plays a key role in strengthening operational processes and enhancing overall financial efficiency. Performs a variety of working level para-professional accounting duties as needed to expedite efficient and effective day-to-day finance operations related to processing, posting, and reporting of accounting activities, including revenue reconciliation, bank reconciliation, accounts receivable, accounts payable, donor/grant recordkeeping. Engage in functions to help build operational support.

Summary

The Finance Associate is a detail-oriented professional with strong financial literacy and project management skills. Reporting to the Finance Coordinator, this role is responsible for ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial data, supporting budget development, and producing timely financial reports for the Foundation.

This position performs a variety of paraprofessional accounting duties to support efficient day-to-day financial operations. Key responsibilities include processing, posting, and reporting financial transactions; conducting revenue and bank reconciliations; managing accounts receivable and payable; and maintaining accurate donor and grant records. The Finance Associate also contributes to strengthening operational processes and building effective financial support systems.

Under general supervision, the Finance Associate coordinates, oversees, and performs a broad range of financial support activities for CFSNM. This role supports the organization’s mission through adaptable contributions across functions and may handle assignments of a confidential nature. The Finance Associate needs to be financially literate, detail-oriented, and skilled at project management. The Finance Associate reports to the Finance Coordinator and is charged with ensuring the accuracy of all financial data, assisting with budgets, and producing timely financial reporting for the Foundation. Performs a variety of working level para-professional accounting duties as needed to expedite efficient and effective day-to-day finance operations related to processing, posting, and reporting of accounting activities, including revenue reconciliation, bank reconciliation, accounts receivable, accounts payable, donor/grant recordkeeping. Engage in functions to help build operational support.

Under general supervision: coordinates, oversees, and/or performs a wide variety of finance support activities supporting CFSNM. May serve in a variety of ways to support the overall mission of the organization. Assignments may be confidential in nature.

Work Culture and Environment

At the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico, we foster a supportive and caring work culture grounded in open communication, teamwork, and mutual trust. We value collaborative conversations that align our team around shared, strategic goals. We rely on one another, working in unity to best serve the communities across our region that rely on our mission-based work. We find joy and fulfillment in the work we do and believe that having fun together strengthens our connection as a team. As a team, we recognize the importance of balance, sustaining our energy and well-being so we can continue to show up fully for each other and our community. We are deeply committed to listening to and valuing the voice of our community, ensuring our work reflects the strengths, needs, perspectives, and hopes of those we serve. Our team includes not only internal staff but also the collaborative support of our Board of Directors, Committee Members, Volunteers, and Interns. Together, we are dedicated to creating a lasting, community-driven impact across Southern New Mexico, now and for generations to come.

Incumbent of the position performs in a typical office setting with appropriate climate controls. Tasks require variety of physical activities, not generally involving muscular strain, such as walking, standing, stooping, sitting, reaching, talking, hearing and seeing. Common eye, hand, and finger dexterity required. Mental application utilizes memory for details, verbal instructions, emotional stability, critical thinking and guided problem solving. There will be times in which the team supports special events and easy lifting and moving of tables, chairs and special event items will be needed to assist the team.

Major Responsibilities/Duties:

Finance

• Maintain accurate and complete accounting records in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Assist in preparing the annual budget for the Foundation in partnership with the Finance Coordinator and President and CEO.
• Assist fiscal partners, programmatic, incubator, and grant partners with budget tracking within each department.
• Contribute to the review, development, and documentation of financial policies and procedures.

Accounts Payable(s) include:

• Ensure that expenses are properly accounted for and that the Foundation meets its financial obligations
• Perform data entry tasks and assure maintenance of vendor/invoice/grant records
• Communicates as needed with vendors to ensure smooth operations and account management
• Assist with reconciliation and post monthly credit card transactions and all bank statements and send to Finance Coordinator
• Process monthly recurring invoices
• Provide monthly review of outstanding checks and follow up with recipients

Accounts Receivable(s) include:

• Performs general accounts receivable functions, including tracking and recording incoming payments.
• Prepare billings, invoices and claims for services rendered and reimbursements.
• Identifies and ensures administrative fees from fiscal parters, grant partners, and onetime fee payors are collected, posted and charged correctly
• Coordinate with project managers on fiscal sponsorship projects and internal CFSNM fundraising campaigns to facilitate and ensure payments received are correct, logged into the correct funds and distributed timely and accurately

Donor CRM Assistance

• Assist Finance Coordinator with entries into financial software and financial reporting
• Manage receipt and inventory of donated artwork
• Assist with disposition of artwork

General Accounting and Team Support

• Assist with the financial operations of the Foundation including assistance with annual audit as needed
• Assist with financial results for the impact report and quarterly fundholder updates
• Support and assist with financial reporting for fiscal sponsorship funds monthly, all fund holders quarterly and assist with end of year fund statements annually for the Foundation and of each fiscal partner
• Assist with financial reporting for operations monthly and all other funds quarterly.
• Assist with all financial reporting for entire organization to the board and executive committee monthly.
• Special Events: Assists in coordination, organization, reporting, and implementation of special events, including any finance needs related to the event and managing donor systems (e.g.; CommunitySuite, GiveGab and Text2Give).
• Engage with CFSNM donors, community and volunteers as needed.

Operations

• Assist with payroll, including inputting all insurance, payroll, and benefits into the finance system.
• Special event attendance which includes all major events and supporting the team in balancing community events.
• Assist with internal and external use of the CFSNM office rental on occasion.
• Facilitate record retention and destruction per Foundation policies, state and federal laws.
• Complete and submit all required financial reports per state and federal grant requirements.
• Complete required training for grant acquisition and reporting.

Performs related duties as required.

Educational Background

• A degree in accounting or finance is preferred.
• 3 years of experience in finance or accounting.
• Preferred knowledge of accounts payable, accounts receivable, and general accounting.
• Excellent organizational management skills – assists with overall financial activities of the Foundation.
• Analytical skills – investigates and problem solves a broad range of issues.
• Flexibility – manages several tasks simultaneously, with attention to time management and prioritization of tasks.

Additional Skills Required:

• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel, Outlook, and Teams.
• Preferred knowledge of CSuite Foundant and/or other accounting software systems.

Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of finance and basic bookkeeping principles and practices.
• Knowledge of planning and scheduling techniques.
• Knowledge of computer systems, data entry management, and programs to assist with overall office support.
• Knowledge and passion for the CFSNM mission and the geographic region. Express a genuine interest in the community, congruent values with the CFSNM’s vision, and a strong commitment to the fundraising goals of the CFSNM.
• Possess the ability to work well independently on several projects concurrently under specific deadlines.
• Possess outstanding communication skills both written and oral with a wide range of community members.
• Must be a creative thinker and problem solver.
• Must engage with a small team that works within community daily.
• Ability to create, compose and edit written materials, emails and correspondence within and outside of the office.
• Ability to coordinate and organize meetings and/or events.

Salary Range: $45,000 to $48,000 Includes full health, dental and vision coverage including short-term, long-term and ADA insurance paid for by CFSNM. Opportunities for a 4% match on retirement accounts and potential coverage of tuition reimbursement for continuing education.

Disclaimer:

Reasonable ADA accommodations may be considered upon request if they do not create undue hardship. This description outlines general job duties and may be modified at any time.