WE’RE HIRING!

FINANCE & OPERATIONS COORDINATOR

Position Summary

Cottonwood Center for the Arts is seeking a detail-oriented, organized, and collaborative Finance & Operations Coordinator to oversee the day-to-day financial operations and administrative compliance of our growing nonprofit arts organization.

This position is second only to the Executive Director in overseeing the organization's financial operations and serves as a key member of the leadership team. The Finance & Operations Coordinator serves as the operational backbone of Cottonwood, ensuring financial accuracy, regulatory compliance, and efficient administrative systems that support our artists, staff, board members, and community.

Working closely with the Executive Director, outside CPA, payroll providers, and department managers, the Finance & Operations Coordinator manages accounting, financial reporting, payroll, grant compliance, human resources administration, and organizational operations. The ideal candidate is a proactive problem solver who enjoys creating organized systems, values accuracy, and thrives in a collaborative, mission-driven environment.

Essential Responsibilities

Financial Management

• Maintain the organization's financial records using QuickBooks Online.

• Reconcile all bank, credit card, investment, and loan accounts.

• Process accounts payable and accounts receivable.

• Prepare electronic payments and check runs.

• Record and reconcile revenue from studio rentals, classes, gallery sales, events, grants, donations, and other earned income.

• Prepare monthly financial statements, cash flow reports, and budget-to-actual reports for the Executive Director and Board of Directors.

• Assist the Executive Director in preparing the annual operating budget and financial forecasts.

• Monitor organizational cash flow and recommend financial improvements.

• Maintain fixed asset schedules, depreciation records, and security deposit accounts.

• Coordinate the annual audit, financial review, and IRS Form 990 preparation with the organization's CPA.

• Maintain accurate financial documentation and accounting records in accordance with nonprofit accounting standards.

Operations & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local nonprofit regulations.

• Track grant expenditures and prepare financial reports required by funders.

• Maintain organizational insurance policies, business licenses, contracts, and annual filings.

• Monitor internal financial controls and recommend improvements to organizational policies and procedures.

• Coordinate sales tax reporting and other required tax filings.

• Maintain organized financial, legal, and personnel records.

• Prepare reports and supporting materials for the Finance Committee and Board of Directors.

• Assist with organizational planning, capital projects, and strategic initiatives.

• Serve as a resource to staff regarding financial procedures and purchasing policies.

Payroll & Human Resources Administration

• Process payroll accurately and on schedule.

• Maintain employee personnel files and confidential records.

• Coordinate employee onboarding and offboarding.

• Administer retirement plan contributions, life insurance, long-term disability insurance, and other employee benefits.

• Coordinate workers' compensation, unemployment reporting, and payroll tax filings.

• Maintain employee handbook acknowledgements and HR compliance documentation.

• Assist the Executive Director with HR administration and personnel documentation.

Administrative Support

• Assist with grant budgets and financial reporting.

• Track restricted funds and grant compliance requirements.

• Support donor acknowledgement processes as needed.

• Respond to financial questions from staff, instructors, artists, and department managers.

• Participate in special projects and organizational initiatives that strengthen Cottonwood's long-term sustainability.

Qualifications

Required

• Associate's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or equivalent professional experience.

• Minimum of three years of bookkeeping, accounting, or financial management experience.

• Strong proficiency with QuickBooks Online.

• Advanced working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Microsoft 365.

• Excellent organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting deadlines.

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration.

• Experience with nonprofit accounting.

• Experience with grant financial reporting.

• Payroll and human resources administration experience.

• Experience preparing financial reports for boards of directors.

• Knowledge of nonprofit internal controls and compliance.

• Experience working with cloud-based accounting systems and donor management platforms.

Personal Characteristics

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• The highest standards of integrity, discretion, and stewardship in handling confidential financial and personnel information.

• Strong organizational and time management skills.

• Dependability and personal accountability.

• Initiative and the ability to work independently.

• Excellent problem-solving abilities.

• A collaborative approach to working with staff, artists, volunteers, and board members.

• Adaptability in a fast-paced nonprofit environment.

• A commitment to supporting the mission of Cottonwood Center for the Arts.

Physical Requirements

This position primarily works in an office environment and requires prolonged computer use, occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds, and the ability to move throughout the Cottonwood campus as needed.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.

• Paid holidays.

• Paid Time Off (PTO).

• Employer-sponsored IRA retirement match.

• Employer-paid life insurance.

• Employer-paid long-term disability insurance.

• Professional development opportunities.

• A collaborative, creative, and mission-driven work environment at one of Colorado's premier nonprofit arts organizations.

About Cottonwood Center for the Arts

Cottonwood Center for the Arts is one of the largest nonprofit arts centers in the Rocky Mountain region. Home to more than 150 working artists, multiple galleries, a robust education program, and hundreds of community events each year, Cottonwood exists to connect artists and community through creativity, education, and opportunity.

Our team values integrity, collaboration, innovation, and exceptional service while fostering an inclusive environment where artists and creativity flourish.

Cottonwood Center for the Arts is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all employees.

Hourly Salary Range $25-$32 per hour

Likely 20 or so hours per week.