Senior Director of Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A)

Job Title: Senior Director of Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A)

Department: Finance

Location: Flexible, Remote, Oakland, CA or Washington DC

Reports To: Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Supervises: (3 Directors) Director of Grants Management, Director of Financial Analysis and Budget Systems, and Director of Finance - Strategy and Field

Context: At the Sierra Club, we believe in the power of interdependence. Together, we remain committed to the fight for a healthy climate built on a foundation of environmental, racial, economic, and gender justice – a future where all people benefit from a healthy, thriving planet and a direct connection to nature. As the climate crisis and deeply entrenched systemic racism all fuel injustice, we will continue to fight for a bold, transformational agenda that recognizes the interconnectedness between our planet, our humanity, and our future. By recognizing that our destinies are tied, we continue to name that all things are fundamentally connected, and the overlap between ecology, race, gender, and representative government will move to either advance our collective humanity or to oppress it. Sierra Club has close to 800 staff across the country and a network of 64 local chapters that are led and fueled by thousands of volunteers. We are also proud to be a unionized employer, with three labor unions representing more than half of our employees.

Scope: Reporting to the CFO, the Senior Director of FP&A is responsible for overseeing the financial planning and analysis function at Sierra Club, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis. With three Director-level reports, they will ensure a cohesive approach to the financial planning and analysis unit, collaborating across teams, ensuring established policies and practices for appropriate planning, fiscal monitoring and control processes and efficient financial resource management in furtherance of the organizational goals and objectives. The Senior Director of FP&A will also be responsible for internal reporting to leadership, the Finance Committee and the Board of Directors.

Job activities include but are not limited to:

Finance Team Management

• Mentor and oversee a team of three (3) Directors, managing work allocation, systems training, performance evaluations, and the building of an effective and efficient team dynamic.
• Guide larger, cross-divisional teams outside of direct span of control within the Finance department and organization overall.
• Assist with preparing and conducting performance reviews; making salary, hiring and termination recommendations; assigning work and establish priorities; ensuring development and training of staff.

The successful candidate must demonstrate the following skills, experience and competencies:

• Financial Expertise: Deeply understand financial management, accounting principles, and financial reporting and a minimum of eight (8) years of experience in financial analysis, planning, and budgeting. Knowledge of non-profit accounting regulations, compliance, and best practices is required. Bachelor's degree in Finance or Accounting is required, while CPA, CMA and/or MBA is strongly preferred.
• Strategic Thinking: Thinks strategically and provides financial guidance aligned with the organization's mission and strategic goals. This includes forecasting financial needs, identifying growth opportunities, and mitigating financial risks.
• Team Management and Strong Leadership: Given this leadership post is responsible for managing multiple Director-level personnel, candidates must have at least three (3) years of management experience. Must possess excellent leadership skills and capable of managing and mentoring a finance team, particularly at a non-profit organization, including ability to inspire and motivate their team members, and fostering a collaborative and results-oriented work environment.
• Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills: Strong analytical skills are crucial to assess financial data, identify trends, and make informed decisions. They should also possess exceptional problem-solving abilities to address complex financial issues and develop effective solutions.
• Compliance and Risk Management: With substantial funds at stake, the Senior Director of FP&A should thoroughly understand compliance requirements for non-profit organizations, including IRS regulations and legal obligations. They should also be adept at risk assessment and mitigation strategies to safeguard the organization's financial health.
• Communication and Relationship Building: Effective communication skills are essential for the Senior Director of FP&A to present financial information clearly and concisely to non-financial stakeholders. They should also be able to build strong relationships with external partners, auditors, and donors.
• Technology Proficiency: Familiarity with financial management software, reporting tools, and data analysis systems is necessary. Candidates should be able to leverage technology to streamline financial processes, enhance reporting accuracy, and improve efficiency.
• Ethical Conduct: Given the fiduciary responsibilities of managing substantial funds, the Senior Director of FP&A must uphold the highest ethical standards and demonstrate integrity in financial decision-making and reporting.
• Adaptability and Change Management: A strong Senior Director of FP&A should be adaptable to changing financial environments, including shifts in funding, regulatory changes, and emerging financial trends. They should be capable of effectively managing change within the Finance department and guiding the organization through transitions.
• Continuous Learning: The Senior Director of FP&A should have a commitment to ongoing professional development and stay up to date with evolving financial regulations, best practices, and industry trends. This includes pursuing relevant certifications and participating in professional networks or associations.

The strongest candidates will also demonstrate the following skills, experience and competencies:

• Certified Public Accountant designation and/or Masters of Business Administration degree is preferred.
• Adaptive Planning knowledge and past experience if preferred.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $200,000 - $230,000.

The Sierra Club offers a competitive salary package commensurate with skills and experience plus excellent benefits that include medical, dental, and vision coverage, and a retirement savings 401(k) plan.

This is a category 2 exempt, non-represented, confidential, supervisory position.

Sierra Club values the expertise and talents of foreign nationals. Sierra Club sponsors both nonimmigrant and immigrant visas when certain criteria are met, based on immigration laws and organizational needs. Such sponsorship is at the discretion of the Department Head and Sierra Club People Department in consultation with the employee’s manager. The Sierra Club cannot guarantee the approval of a visa petition. The Sierra Club is an equal opportunity employer committed to workforce belonging.

To Apply

Please submit your resume here.

The Sierra Club provides equal employment and advancement opportunities to all staff members. Employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, lived experience and skills. The Sierra Club does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, immigration status, socioeconomic status, ancestry, age, size, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, familial status, veteran status, disability, AIDS/HIV status, medical condition, prior conviction, arrest history, traits historically associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The Sierra Club values applicants who are people that identify as Black, Indigenous, and other minoritized groups; women; queer, transgender, gender non-conforming, and gender fluid people.

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