Practical Farmers of Iowa is Hiring a Finance Manager

About PFI

Practical Farmers of Iowa is a nonprofit organization that has worked to equip farmers to build resilient farms and communities since 1985. We create learning opportunities via farmer-led events, on-farm research and educational content through our robust network of farmers. We also provide funding and technical assistance to help farmers adopt regenerative farming practices and grow farm businesses. Our vision is an Iowa with healthy soil, healthy food, clean air, clean water, resilient farms and vibrant communities.

This work has always been rooted in our value of welcoming everyone and creating a culture of mutual respect. We believe that a diversity of people, ideas and perspectives strengthens our ability to find creative solutions, enriches our understanding and broadens our impact. At Practical Farmers, we celebrate this diversity and are committed to ensuring that our policies and practices create an equitable and inclusive workplace. We take equal opportunity seriously and seek to empower and support all applicants and teammates. 

Practical Farmers offers a flexible, supportive and fast-paced work environment. Professional development is a core part of our culture and team members are encouraged to take independent initiative to help fulfill our mission. 

About the Position

The finance department provides critical organizational support to process, track and manage all organizational income and expenses, and to ensure PFI’s financial sustainability and health to carry out its mission. Practical Farmers of Iowa is in an exciting phase of growth, which brings with it a need for increased efficiency of financial processes to control costs, mitigate risk and streamline internal processes for clarity and expediency. 

The finance manager will oversee internal processes that ensure accuracy for the department of all accounts payable and accounts receivable processes.

The finance manager will support the finance department’s day-to-day activities by:  

• Designing and implementing monthly, quarterly and year-end book-closing projects and processes, including:

1. Reconciling all bank and investment activity 
2. Updating payroll allocations (Paylocity)
3. Exporting payroll general ledger detail from payroll (Paylocity) to our accounting software (Sylogist)
4. Performing various allocations on a monthly and quarterly basis
5. Performing depreciated expense recognition
6. Adjusting for prepaid expenses (annually)

• Analyzing finance data and reporting results, including:

1. Analyzing grant budget and contract information to prepare monthly salary allocations, and to prepare allocation rules for large non-salary expenses shared by multiple grants (meetings, printing, postage, etc.)
2. Analyzing variance reports to determine whether entries needed to be adjusted to achieve optimal grant spending
3. Preparing other finance reports and analysis as requested by finance director 

• Overseeing PFI staff coding of expenses for grant compliance and optimal spend-down by:

1. Reviewing and approving all expense coding by non-finance staff members 
2. Performing all adjusting and reclassifying of entries needed (monthly) 

• Facilitating collaboration between departments and teams to achieve smooth finance operations, including:

1. Answering questions regarding where to code expenses
2. Troubleshooting with staff members on any accounting software-related issues

Required Qualifications and Characteristics

• Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and restrictions
• Knowledge of nonprofit fund accounting
• Strong grant accounting skills, including budgeting, invoicing and financial reporting
• Strong analysis and interpretation skills for complex finance reports and financial data
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Proficient in use of accounting software
• Ability to take and give feedback to improve work
• Ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced work environment
• Ability to maintain high quality of work through attention to detail 

Desired Qualifications and Characteristics

• Knowledge of best practices in internal controls
• Knowledge of grant compliance and contract structure
• Strong financial reporting skills, including the ability to create dashboards and financial reports and report financial status to relevant parties
• Proficient in use of Sylogist or other equivalent grant accounting software
• Experience with or skilled at coaching, teaching or mentoring others
• Knowledge of cost allocation methods

This is a full-time position based in our Ames, Iowa, office with potential for a hybrid schedule. This position requires a minimum of two days in the office per week. The salary range for this position is $55,500 to $60,000 with annual opportunity for merit salary increases and position advancement. 

PFI values its employees and is a flexible and supportive work environment. We offer employees a competitive benefits package that includes employee health insurance with 100% employer-paid premium, generous paid time off, flexible hours, six weeks of fully paid parental leave and 4% automatic 401k contribution after one year of employment. 

We also encourage employee professional development and offer a range of specialty benefits employees can use to support their wellness, sustainability and financial goals. Examples of our specialty benefits include contributions towards spouse or dependent health insurance, stipends for remote workers and reimbursements for fitness costs, CSA subscriptions, student loans or eco-friendly purchases. Practical Farmers is a family-friendly employer. 

Please apply by completing the application form (including contact information, cover letter, resume and references) at the bottom of this page. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.