careers Archives - The Alford Group

Full time position | Greater Chicago Region | Currently virtual environment

The Alford Group is an equity-forward national full-service consulting firm that serves nonprofit organizations and institutions in all sectors, including health and human services, education, arts, community foundations, associations and the environment. The firm is headquartered in Chicago with a strong market presence in Seattle, New York, Portland and Charleston, SC. It was founded over 40 years ago on the principle that our human differences make the nonprofit sector stronger. To make the world a better place for ALL people, The Alford Group brings insight, rigor, and innovation to strengthen the social sector and deepen its impact. Our dedicated and experienced professional team delivers customized strategies and guidance to empower organizations to make a difference and change the world.

As a woman and minority-owned and led firm, The Alford Group strengthens the social sector through equity-centered services and practices and values the diversity of the people it hires and serves. Equity, diversity, inclusion, and access at our firm means fostering a workplace in which individual differences are recognized, appreciated, respected, and responded to in ways that fully develop and utilize each person’s talents and strengths.

Job Description

The Alford Group seeks to hire a resourceful and solutions-oriented Controller to directly assist management to achieve our financial and organizational goals. The Controller will be responsible for the creation and execution of reliable accounting and business practices and procedures. This position supervises the delivery of accurate financial analysis and timely reporting of the firm’s financials. The Controller is responsible for the execution of most Human Resource functions for the firm and directs the work of an outside human resource service, and manages work with legal, accounting and bank advisors. The Controller is a member of and collaborates closely with the management team to make informed and analytic decisions which are key to achieving revenue growth for our firm and to support the missions of our clients. The individual will be based in the Chicago metropolitan region.

Finance and Accounting

Manage all financial aspects of the firm and provide regular analysis and financial forecasting reports to the Executive team.
Manage the accounting and project management software system (BQE CORE) and assist others in firm-wide integration and utilization.
Advise on long-term business and financial planning.
Supervise the Finance and Business Operations Manager and oversee all daily accounting operations, including accounts payable, invoicing and cash flow.
Maintain the general ledger, conduct account reconciliations, perform monthly and year-end closing procedures, and prepare monthly and annual financial statements.
Administer and review payroll, and compute allocation of division and wage categories for financial reporting and analysis.
Manage banking relationships and recommend strategies to enhance cash positions.
Oversee contractor services for contract billing and year-end tax filings.
Coordinate monthly time and billing deadlines and procedures for compilation of timely project management information for staff and for accurate revenue reporting.
Work with management team in compiling annual budgets and finalizing budget reporting.
Submit year-end financials and information to outside accounting firm for annual compilation and corporate tax returns.
File miscellaneous state taxes and licenses.

Human Resources

Serve as administrator and liaison with Insperity HR and PEO Services to oversee human resource functions including:
- Create employment and contractor letters of agreement.
- Coordinate all payroll and benefit information.
- Manage all aspects of employee health insurance coverage, including cost analysis and implementation of benefit changes.
Implement wage and employment status changes for payroll and personnel records.
Establish wage structure for consultant compensation.
Calculate and distribute annual employee compensation reports.
Maintain employee resource tools, including policy handbooks, paid time off schedules, and explanation of benefits.
Manage the 401k plan, serving as liaison with third party administrator and investment advisor. Ensure accurate and timely submissions of payroll contributions, withdrawals, and loans. Compile year-end census and information for 5500 filing.

Technology

Collaborate with the firm’s Technology Contractor regarding the firm’s technology needs.
Ensure that employees have the proper technology resources, including hardware, software and training.

Position Specifications

Full time, exempt salaried position
Reports to Chief Business Enterprise Officer
Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or a degree in Business Administration with related accounting work experience.

Required attributes

Ten or more years of progressive and relevant work experience, preferably with a professional consulting or project management firm, including several years in supervisory capacity.
Ability to provide analytical oversight, direction and forecasting of finances and budget.
Professional rapport and collaboration with all staff and outside professional advisors to support the firm’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Ability to organize a large quantity of detail daily to coordinate information into meaningful strategic thinking for ongoing growth and decision making.
Strong financial and project management skills to meet monthly and annual accounting deadlines with systematic organization.
Proficiency and self-sufficiency with accounting software packages. Experience with BQE CORE desirable.
Proficiency and self-sufficiency with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook.
Ability to work and think independently, evaluating and offering fresh thinking and breakthrough ideas where appropriate; ability to be flexible in priority of task fulfillment and delegation.
Demonstrate creativity in developing graphs and financial reports from accounting software modules.
Ability to exemplify Alford Group values – Equity, Creativity, Diversity, Excellence, Integrity, Joyfulness, Leadership and Respect.

Desired attributes

CPA license is preferred, but not required.
Experience with Client Relationship Management (CRM) software.
Experience in implementing time and billing project management software.
Flexible to work occasional early mornings, evenings and weekends as required by firm engagements and accounting deadlines.

To apply: Please submit a cover letter and resume using the form below.

Apply Here

Full time position | Seattle/Puget Sound Region | Currently virtual environment

The Alford Group is an equity-centered national full-service consulting firm founded over 40 years ago on the principle that our human differences make the nonprofit sector stronger. To make the world a better place for ALL people, The Alford Group brings insight, rigor and innovation to strengthen the social sector and deepen its impact. Our dedicated and experienced professional team delivers customized strategies and guidance to empower organizations to make a difference and change the world.

Job Description

Key to The Alford Group’s and our client’s success, the Vice President works across service lines and leads consulting teams in the full spectrum of client engagements and equity centered strategies, through feasibility studies, campaign design and implementation, development assessments, strategic planning, and data analytics. We are seeking a professional with training and experience in guiding organizations and elevating their work to establish and achieve diversity, equity and inclusion goals.

The Vice President is responsible for developing new business, growing client relationships through impactful partnerships, and playing a major role in managing and mentoring staff as it relates to client engagements. The individual will ideally be based in the Seattle/Puget Sound region.

The Alford Group provides solutions to complex problems and opportunities related to strategy, philanthropy, impact measurement, and organizational development. The Alford Group seeks talented professionals with nonprofit and fundraising experience, as well as those with transferable consulting, communications, marketing, and/or strategic planning experience, to join our dynamic team.

Performance Objectives

Client Relationship and Service Management

Cultivate and maintain close relationships with clients, prospective clients, and the broader philanthropic, civic, and corporate community.
Work closely with collegial and highly professional consulting teams to fulfill a wide variety of client assignments, serving as the project lead and delivering service through a multi-level team approach and contribute to service innovation.
Work with other professionals in the firm to ensure that The Alford Group’s vision, mission, and values are at the forefront of everything it does. Work together to improve equity, diversity and inclusion across the sector.

Sales, Marketing and Business Development

Serve as a representative of The Alford Group and market the firm’s expertise in all service lines and sectors.
Maximize relationships, networking and speaking opportunities to identify, generate, and pursue leads for new business/revenue expansion. Each position in the firm has specific revenue and sales goals.
Develop and manage a portfolio of sales opportunities; create a sales pipeline; take the lead in discovery and proposal conceptualization; assist in developing presentation materials; present to potential clients; and negotiate contract terms.
Speak and conduct presentations in client, sales, and business development venues.

External Relations and Professional Visibility

Be a recognized leader and respected contributor to the nonprofit sector and offer the firm expertise in an area of specialty that can be well positioned in the field.
Participate in professional associations and workshops as a member of The Alford Group team.

Position Specifications

Full time position
Reports to Chief Client Experience Officer

Qualifications

Ten to fifteen years of progressive, relevant, professional work experience(s) in the nonprofit sector or as a consultant to the sector, with at least seven years of management experience.
Experience working with boards to increase their effectiveness as leaders, connectors, fundraisers and strategic partners and volunteer experience with other nonprofit volunteer organizations.
Self-disciplined, self-starter with a strong work ethic; ability to work and think independently, evaluating and offering fresh thinking and breakthrough ideas where appropriate; ability to self-motivate and work without close supervision.
Demonstrated ability to develop new programs/initiatives and expand revenue streams, preferably in a professional services firm.
Ability to both think strategically and critically as well as synthesize complex information in order to provide client solutions.
Strong project management skills, with the ability to engage productive participation from other project team members as well ability to be flexible and delegate appropriately when working under pressure with competing deadlines.
Consultative, strategic, and successful selling approach; ability to develop and grow professional relationships, and ability to think entrepreneurially about building a sales network.
Exceptional communications skills: ability to establish professional rapport with all people and support the firm’s commitment to commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Outstanding listening skills: ability to listen carefully and to be able to actively advance understanding and communication.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills; the ability to write relevant reports and recommendations, tailored to each client’s unique challenges and opportunities.
A history of success in achieving or exceeding financial goals including managing projects within budget.
Ability to exemplify Alford Group values – Equity, Creativity, Diversity, Excellence, Integrity, Joyfulness, Leadership and Respect.
Strong and confident public speaker and facilitator.
Proficiency and self-sufficiency with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook.
Proficiency and self-sufficiency with project management and customer relationship management (CRM) software.
Flexible to work occasional early mornings, evenings and weekends as required by client and firm engagements.
Must be able to travel frequently and independently both locally and nationally.

Desired attributes

Significant experience in raising funds to benefit nonprofit organizations in the Pacific Northwest/Puget Sound region.
Specialized experience and/or advocacy in developing tools and resources to guide organizations and elevate their work to establish and achieve diversity, equity and inclusion goals.
An advanced degree or equivalent, and/or CFRE or equivalent relevant certification.
A history of community service, with experience serving on a nonprofit board strongly preferred.

Position details

Compensation – Base and variable pay between $100,000 and $135,000 plus bonus

Confidential Data- Our team members have access to sensitive, confidential information and are trusted to maintain these files and documents properly.

Physical Demands – The position requires sitting and working on a computer for long periods of time as well as occasional lifting and carrying of presentation materials and supplies. Consultants must be able to interact seamlessly with clients through visual, aural, physical and written communications.

Work Environment – Inside average office environment. Average office noise levels. No personal protective equipment required. Currently, working in a virtual environment due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

To apply: Please submit a cover letter indicating salary expectations, resume and two relevant writing samples (e.g. reports, plans or proposals that demonstrate fundraising expertise and DEI organizational work, etc.) and three to five references.