Finance and Operations Manager

Groundwork USA; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Groundwork USA seeks a Finance and Operations Manager to support Affiliate finance and HR staff and promote financial integrity across the network.

The role focuses on core accounting, grants, and operational HR improvements, with remote work optional for applicants in affiliate cities and occasional travel. The ideal candidate has nonprofit finance experience and strong collaboration across teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or 5+ years in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field.
• Strong knowledge of nonprofit accounting principles (GAAP) and month-end close processes.
• 3–5 years of nonprofit finance and operations experience including grant management and compliance.
• Familiarity with federal, state, and private grant reporting and invoicing requirements.
• Proficiency with accounting and payroll software including QuickBooks Online and Bill.com.
• Payroll coordination and HR policy familiarity including PTO and leave policies.

Responsibilities

• Lead month-end and year-end close processes including reconciliations and journal entries.
• Prepare accurate financial reports for Executive Director, board, funders, and stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with nonprofit accounting standards (GAAP) and funder requirements.
• Strengthen internal controls and financial practices across Groundwork Affiliates.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Nonprofit finance

Month-end close

Grant management

Invoicing

Payroll coordination

HR policies

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree or 5+ years experience

Tools

QuickBooks Online

Bill.com

Paylocity

Gusto

Job description

Groundwork USA seeks a Finance and Operations Manager to work side by side with the Director of Network Organizational Health in supporting Groundwork Affiliates with bookkeeping and operations. This role will serve as a point of contact for Affiliate finance and HR staff.

The Groundwork Network is a national network of people-centered, place-based organizations - Groundwork Affiliates - working to create green, thriving, and resilient neighborhoods. Collectively, we transform underutilized, contaminated land and waterways into community assets, like parks, trails, and community gardens; build community power through leadership development, organizing and collective action, and create pathways to economic opportunities through education, training, and skill-building programs that prepare community members for good jobs while simultaneously strengthening the local economy. Groundwork USA supports the success of our Network through funding, shared services and collaborative programming, and amplifies our impact by running technical assistance and peer learning communities for grassroots leaders within and beyond our Network.

The Position: The Finance and Operations Manager plays a critical role in promoting financial integrity, operational efficiency, and organizational sustainability across Groundwork Affiliates. This position is responsible for core accounting functions, grant and subaward management, financial reporting, and strengthening operational and human resources practices in collaboration with the Director of Network Organizational Health and the Network Support and Learning team. The ideal candidate brings strong nonprofit finance expertise, a collaborative mindset, and a commitment to supporting a network of mission-driven organizations.

This is a fully remote position; candidates residing in our Affiliate cities are especially encouraged to apply. Occasional travel is required including, but not limited to, an annual staff retreat and potentially Groundwork Network gatherings.

Key Responsibilities:

Finance & Accounting

• Manage month-end and year-end close processes, including bank reconciliations, journal entries, and account analysis
• Prepare accurate and timely financial reports for the Executive Director, board of directors, funders, and other stakeholders
• Ensure compliance with nonprofit accounting standards (GAAP) and funder requirements
• Maintain and strengthen internal controls and financial best practices across Affiliates

Grants & Subawards

• Manage invoicing and reporting for subawards and other grants
• Monitor grant expenditures to ensure compliance with federal, state, and private funder requirements

Operations & Human Resources Support

• Work in conjunction with the Director of Network Organizational Health to enhance HR functions for Affiliates
• Review and support updates to employee handbooks, PTO and sick leave policies, and internal procedures
• Assist with payroll coordination including time tracking and timesheet management
• Collaborate with Director of Network Organizational Health to develop and deliver training and resources for Affiliate staff on financial, operational, and HR best practices

Training & Affiliate Support

• Collaborate with the Network Support and Learning team to provide guidance, tools, and training to build long-term capacity across the Network
• Work in conjunction with the NSL team to serve as a trusted resource to affiliate staff with varying levels of financial and operational expertise

Required Qualifications: The Finance and Operations Manager should exhibit the following core competencies and experience.

• Commitment to Groundwork’s mission and values
• Bachelor’s degree OR a minimum of 5 years experience in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field
• Strong knowledge of nonprofit accounting principles (GAAP) and experience with month-end and year-end close processes
• Familiarity with federal, state, and private grant requirements, including invoicing, subaward management, and reporting
• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in nonprofit finance and operations, including grant management and compliance
• Proficiency in accounting and payroll software - QuickBooks online and bill.com preferred
• Proficiency in payroll software - Paylocity, Gusto, Quickbooks payroll, etc
• Excellent attention to detail
• Working knowledge of human resources functions, including employee handbooks, PTO and sick leave policies, payroll coordination, and compliance with employment laws
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively across teams and with affiliate organizations in a virtual environment

Desired Qualifications: These additional qualifications would be valuable in this role.

• 5+ years of nonprofit finance and operations experience, preferably in a network or affiliate-based organization
• Experience training and supporting staff across multiple organizations
• Experience with federal grant and subaward compliance
• Strong relationship-building skills and a collaborative, solutions-oriented approach

Compensation and Benefits: The expected salary range for this full-time position is $65,000-$75,000 depending on experience; benefits include:

• Health Insurance - medical, dental, and vision
• Life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan and match
• Sustainable vacation time
• Paid holidays
• Paid wellness/sick days
• Paid parental leave
• Monthly work from home stipend
• Eligible Public Service Loan Forgiveness employer
• Professional development opportunities

Applications received by October 28, 2026.

Groundwork USA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to maintaining a growing staff with a diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and expertise.