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Birth through Eight Strategy for Tulsa (BEST)
The Birth through Eight Strategy for Tulsa (BEST), an initiative of the George Kaiser Family Foundation (GKFF), is dedicated to providing an equal opportunity for young children in Tulsa through investments in early childhood education, community health, social services and civic enhancement.
GKFF-BEST is currently seeking a mission-driven and equity-focused candidate to fill the position of Manager of BEST Financial Systems.
BEST works shoulder-to-shoulder with parents, caregivers, and community leaders to enable families to access programs and services that nurture strong brain development and adult-child experiences, putting children on a path toward lifelong success. BEST envisions a day where all of Tulsa’s children living in economic poverty have equitable access to the opportunities and resources they need and deserve.
Role Overview
BEST currently partners with over 80 public and non-profit agencies of varying sizes that are delivering health, education, criminal justice and social service supports to children and families in Tulsa. As part of the collaborative BEST team currently made up of 14 members, the Manager of BEST Financial Systems plays an important role managing systems, processes, and information related to finance, including: managing payables processes, internal grant processes, regular accounting oversight, and financial analyses. This is a newly created position for BEST and is a full-time, benefits-eligible position that will be based out of the BEST offices in South Tulsa.
Relationships
As a member of the BEST team, the Manager of BEST Financial Systems will report to the BEST Director of Operations and be included as part of the BEST operations team. This role will work closely with the Director of Operations, BEST’s Senior Operations Coordinator, BEST Operations Associates, and key staff internal to GKFF and BEST partner organizations to align and execute financial processes, improve systems, and communicate with a diverse set of stakeholders. Additionally, this person will work with other members of the BEST team on an ongoing basis to ensure alignment internally, providing strategic financial support and consistent information about the financial status of the initiative.
Hours and Location
The BEST team currently works a hybrid schedule. For this position, we anticipate 3 days per week at the GKFF-BEST office (7030 S Yale Ave, Tulsa, OK) and 2 remote work from home days per week (after onboarding is complete). Exact daily schedule to be determined with supervisor.
Anticipated start date is February 2023; flexible timing may be possible for the right candidate
Upon offer of the position, relocation support is available for candidates residing out of state but wishing to work locally in Tulsa
Job Description
The Manager of BEST Financial Systems will lead through influence, relationships, and collaboration to work with multiple diverse groups of stakeholders. This role is responsible for managing the day-to-day execution of financial processes and the overall maintenance and improvement of BEST financial systems. This position does not have any direct reports, but will manage BEST financial processes and will be accountable for the overall accuracy, efficiency, and effectiveness of BEST’s financial transactions, information, communications, and reporting.
Some examples of regular duties, deliverables, and responsibilities are below. This role adds capacity to the existing BEST team by taking on the current duties of other team members. A system of gradual release will be in place to provide the person selected as Manager of BEST Financial Systems the time and opportunity needed to build context and deepen understanding while maintaining current BEST systems. We anticipate this role to be approximately 75% management and execution within existing financial systems and 25% collaboration for systems improvement and/or new process design.
Weekly
Regularly assess BEST financial systems, processes, and interactions through an equity-based lens to identify risks and make suggestions for improvement
Prepare BEST interim grant requests
Document processes and maintain accurate financial records, investigating questions and issues as they arise
Validate BEST financial data and check BEST financial systems and reports for accuracy
Lead continuous improvement projects for more efficient and streamlined processes
Collaborate with members of the BEST team and the cross-functional finance teams to support ongoing projects, internal and external reporting, and financial analysis
Contribute to the BEST operations team to create, guide, and influence work plans and timelines
Engage in embedded professional learning activities to advance BEST’s mission, goals, and values in service of kids and families in Tulsa
Serve as the team’s expert on all financial processes, helping team members determine the best financial processes for their needs
Quarterly
Support BEST internal and external reporting, including the creation of financial reports, analyses, and presentations to diverse audiences and stakeholder groups
Identify trends, patterns, risks, opportunities, and gaps in BEST’s budgets and spending
Help lead and execute quarterly BEST operational processes related to partner reporting, data collection, and special projects
Meet regularly with members of the BEST team to discuss departmental spending, alignment to BEST priority areas, and grants
Collaborate with BEST partner programs, members of the BEST team, and BEST’s cross-functional finance teams to support quarterly grant approval processes, including partner application and program budget development, preparation of grant materials for the GKFF Board of Director meetings, and new grant cycles and new materials as needed
Provide information needed for tax and auditing purposes as requested
Share changes to spending rules, financial processes, or other finance-related info with stakeholders as needed
Support the development of BEST financial platforms, including design and development of Salesforce, accounting software and reporting dashboards
Project-Based or Annual
Support the Director of Operations and members of the BEST leadership team annually as they develop and adjust BEST’s budget
Support a number of annual analyses through the development of financial reviews, equity audits, and presentations (including year-over-year analyses, investment summaries, cost of service delivery analysis, and other analyses related to decision-making)
Education
Completion of a Bachelor’s degree in math, finance, accounting, business or a related field preferred. Candidates without a Bachelor’s degree in these fields, but who have obtained relevant professional certifications or who have aligned professional experience are encouraged to apply.
Requirements
Previous experience working in or with nonprofit organizations or government agencies
At least 3 years of applied professional experience with one or more of the following functional areas: processing payables, accounting, budget development and management, grants administration, or data analysis
Understanding of issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion and ability to apply knowledge to analyze financial and organizational systems, especially those issues related to wealth generation of underrepresented groups and racial equity
Preferred Competencies and Experience
Experience managing line item budgets, conducting financial analyses, and presenting financial information to diverse stakeholders
Experience developing, documenting, and maintaining processes
Demonstrated success conducting continuous improvement initiatives (large or small scale);
Proficient in financial and analytical software/platforms, including Quickbooks, Excel, Power BI
Knowledge of the following technical systems: online payables platforms (e.g. Bill.com, Yooz, or similar); Salesforce or similar customer relationship manager (CRM); grants management platform experience a plus
Ability to work independently with strong attention to detail and accuracy to deliver on goals, with an understanding of when to raise questions, issues, and risks to the attention of supervisors and colleagues
Personal characteristics
Ability to incorporate feedback in real time from a wide range of sources
Ability to think creatively and proactively, and to perform and adapt in a fast-paced, start-up environment with ongoing refinements to processes and scope of work
Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills with an emphasis on:
Collaborating with peers and a wide range of partners using a solutions-oriented, strengths-based approach
Influencing others without formal supervisory authority
Proactive and able to anticipate needs and issues
Salary
Expected range for the starting salary for this position is between $72,000 – $85,000 per year. Salary offering will ultimately depend on prior experience, education, and other qualifications.
HOW TO APPLY
A cover letter and resume are required to apply. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
In your cover letter, please address the following:
Share 1-2 competencies or proficiencies from your professional experience and how they align to this role
Identify an example of how an equity lens or diverse perspectives will contribute to success in this role
Candidates advancing should expect to engage with one or all of the following steps in the selection process: first, invitation to a one-way video interview (asynchronous); then, of moving forward, a job-simulation-related financial analysis and communication (approx. 90 min), and finally a round of interviews with the Director of Operations and other BEST stakeholders.
Please note: Due to the necessary public health precautions put in place as a result of COVID-19 pandemic, to work in person and attend in-person meetings, all team members must follow GKFF BEST LLC COVID safety precautions, which currently includes being fully vaccinated. The vaccine requirement is subject to reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act exceptions.
COMPETENCIES
GKFF-BEST encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds, including those with diverse professional experience, to apply for this role. Based on research, we know that women and people from underrepresented groups often only apply to jobs if they meet 100% of the qualifications. Since no single candidate will ever meet every requirement in the exact ways listed, we encourage applicants to apply if they feel that their professional experience aligns closely to the job description above and their application reflects most of the qualifications below.
