Start Date: November 2024

FLSA status: Regular full time, non-exempt

Salary: $100-000 - $110,000

Reports to: General Manager

Cooperative Energy Futures (CEF) is a member-owned cooperative business focused on advancing energy democracy through community controlled renewable energy and energy efficiency. CEF is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer and sees unique and diverse perspectives as essential to be able to achieve our mission and live our values. Cooperative Energy Futures develops and operates community solar gardens, currently with 10 projects across Minnesota offsetting the electricity needs of more than 800 member households at an immediate net savings to our members. CEF has a particular focus on economic and racial justice, working to ensure that all projects are developed using an economic model that is deeply accessible to members regardless of income or credit and including options available at no upfront cost and net monthly savings, as well as prioritizing workforce equity in the solar industry. CEF uses member participation in these projects to build community wealth and unite and activate members from many different communities around a vision for our energy future that is rooted in community-controlled clean energy.

Primary Purpose

This person is primarily responsible for the management of our cooperative’s financial strategy, planning, and operations. This role will include management of all budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting. When hired, this position will be tasked with bringing our accounting services in-house, managing our payments to vendors, planning our annual and quarterly budget, and dealing with financing and banking issues on an ad hoc basis. This position will oversee staff working in and around billing and financial management at the organization.

Job Responsibilities

Manage day-to-day accounting operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger entries, and bank reconciliations.
Assemble and manage organizational budgets and cash flow projections on an annual and quarterly basis.
Ensure accuracy and completeness of financial records by reconciling transactions and resolving discrepancies in a timely manner.
Develop and manage a cost-center approach to organizational financial management, including appropriate expense categorization across multiple project companies and operational activities.
Prepare and analyze financial reports such as balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements on a regular basis.
Assist with budgeting and forecasting processes, providing insights and recommendations to support strategic decision-making.
Manage preparation and delivery of funder and investor reporting in coordination with various staff and departments.
Correspond with prospective investors around interest and questions in defined investment offerings
Collaborate with other departments to streamline financial processes and improve efficiency.
Stay current with accounting principles, regulations, and industry trends to ensure compliance and best practices.
Support external audits by providing documentation, explanations, and assistance as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Certified public accountant or Certified management accountant.
Multiple years of experience with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
Multiple years of experience with Quickbooks.
Multiple years of experience with financial management around project development.
A team player with strong ability to work in a collaborative environment.
Ability to maintain confidential information.
Must be a reliable, self-motivated individual who can take direction and be trusted to work independently with minimal supervision.
Demonstrated ability to work well under pressure, including to meet funder and investor deadlines and reporting requirements and juggle multiple time-sensitive tasks on deadline.
Demonstrate strong computer skills, including PDF editing and use of Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with renewable energy project development and financing.
Experience with grant or funder reporting.
Excellent communication skills, able to represent the organization well among our employees and with external financial partners.
Commitment to the environment and to working with community-based organizations and culturally diverse communities.

Working Conditions

Working conditions include substantial office work, including looking at a computer screen for extended time and frequent phone calls to third parties.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy Statement

CEF will not discriminate against or harass any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, familial status, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, or status with regard to public assistance. While not yet mandated by federal or state law, CEF is committed to providing the same protection against discrimination for any employee or applicant because of gender identity. We will take affirmative steps to ensure that all of our company’s employment practices are free of discrimination. Such employment practices include, but are not limited to, the following: hiring, promotion, demotion, transfer, recruitment or recruitment advertising, selection, layoff, disciplinary action, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation, and selection for training, including apprenticeship. We will provide reasonable accommodation to applicants and employees with disabilities whenever possible.

To Apply

By September 30th, submit a Resume and a one page written statement explaining why you are interested in this position to hiring@cooperativeenergyfutures.com. We will send additional follow up questions and interview scheduling to candidates we wish to interview. This position will remain open until filled.

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