Compensation: $35-$40/hour, commensurate with experience
About The Bulb
The Bulb is a Charlotte nonprofit working to strengthen community health and wellness by increasing access to fresh, nutritious produce across Mecklenburg County. Through mobile farmers markets, food rescue, local farm partnerships and nutrition education, we bring produce directly into neighborhoods with no payment, ID, referral or application required. Our work is barrier-free, community-led and rooted in dignity, trust and reliability.
The Role
The Finance Director leads The Bulb’s financial management, planning and oversight. Working with the Executive Director, program managers, Board Treasurer and outside accounting partner, this position ensures accurate financial reporting, responsible stewardship and clear information to guide organizational decisions.
This hands-on role requires an experienced nonprofit finance professional who can manage recurring responsibilities independently, strengthen financial systems and communicate clearly with non-finance colleagues. Through hands-on onboarding, ongoing collaboration with program managers and periodic participation in program activities, the Finance Director develops the operational understanding needed to connect financial recommendations to the realities of The Bulb’s work.
The position focuses on finance, with opportunities to apply additional strengths as organizational needs and available capacity allow.
Financial Planning and Analysis
Lead annual organizational and program budgeting in collaboration with the Executive Director and program leaders.
Monitor financial performance, prepare budget-to-actual analysis and identify cost-saving opportunities across vendors, operations and programs; provide timely recommendations to leadership and the Board.
Manage cash forecasting, monitor reserves and assess the financial implications of staffing, program growth and funding commitments.
Maintain practical cost models and financial projections, and review the financial implications of proposed grants, contracts and partnership commitments.
Grants and Revenue Management
Develop grant budgets, track donor-restricted funding and document releases as restrictions are satisfied; prepare financial reports for funders.
Coordinate accurate recording and reconciliation of contributions, pledges and other revenue with the outside accounting partner.
Oversee financial records and valuation practices for donated food and other in-kind contributions in collaboration with program staff and accounting advisers.
Financial Operations and Controls
Manage the relationship with the outside accounting partner, coordinate the monthly close and ensure timely financial reporting and resolution of accounting issues.
Manage internal accounts payable, receivables, receipt collection and payroll coordination within established approval processes.
Review financial statements, reconciliations and supporting records for accuracy and completeness.
Maintain effective financial controls, manage authorized banking access and monitor account activity; maintain coding structures, fixed-asset records and financial documentation, including record-retention procedures.
Compliance and Leadership Support
Coordinate audit and review preparation, Form 990 preparation, annual tax reporting and charitable solicitation renewals with external professionals.
Present financial results and analysis to the Executive Director, Treasurer and Board or finance committee.
Develop financial policies and recommend improvements that strengthen accountability, efficiency and organizational sustainability.
Required Qualifications
At least five years of relevant accounting or financial management experience, including nonprofit financial responsibilities.
Advanced QuickBooks Online proficiency, including reporting, budget management, account structures and program or class tracking.
Strong nonprofit accounting knowledge, including donor restrictions, grant financial management, functional expense allocations and in-kind contributions.
Demonstrated experience with budgeting, cash forecasting, financial statement review and internal controls.
Advanced spreadsheet skills and the ability to translate financial data into clear analysis and recommendations.
Experience coordinating with outside accountants and supporting audit or tax preparation.
Ability to work independently, manage competing deadlines and communicate effectively with staff and Board members.
Sound judgment, discretion and strong attention to accuracy.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
Experience with Gusto, donor management systems, Airtable and Google Workspace.
Experience supporting a small or growing nonprofit organization. CPA certification is welcome but not required.
Compensation and Benefits
$35–$40 per hour, commensurate with experience, for approximately 20 hours per week
10 days of accrued paid time off annually
$125 monthly taxable health stipend
$150 annually for professional development
To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter to JOBS@thebulbgallery.org
