Finance Director

Job Title: Finance Director 

Department: Accounting / Leadership

Reports to: CEO

FLSA Status: Exempt

Location: 405 E Holly St Bellingham, WA

What We’re Looking For: We’re seeking a collaborative, values-driven financial leader who thrives in a mission-oriented environment. The ideal candidate will bring both strategic insight and a hands-on approach to financial management, helping guide the Co-op through its next phase of growth and impact. If you’re passionate about local food systems, community engagement, and cooperative business models—and you want your work to align with your values—we’d love to hear from you.

Why Join Us: At Community Food Co-op, you’ll join a vibrant, community-owned business that’s been a cornerstone of Bellingham since 1970. We are dedicated to sustainability, equity, and empowering our staff to do meaningful work. You’ll be part of a supportive team that values transparency, collaboration, and a people-first approach to business. This is more than a job—it’s an opportunity to shape the future of a thriving local institution.

Position Summary: The Finance Director provides strategic leadership and hands-on oversight of the Co-op’s financial functions, including accounting, financial reporting, forecasting, budgeting, compliance, and internal controls. This role supports organizational sustainability and transparency through collaboration with the CEO, leadership team, Board Finance Committee, and department managers. The CFO directly supervises the accounting department, including AP, payroll, and bookkeeping functions, and plays a key role in shaping long-term financial planning.

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Key Responsibilities:

Financial Management

• Ensure timely, accurate preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Serve as liaison for the Board-appointed CPA/auditor in preparation of annual financial statements.
• Maintain compliance with GAAP and applicable regulatory filings (taxes, licenses, etc.).
• Develop and oversee internal financial controls in collaboration with the CEO and CPA.
• Provide financial and performance reports for the CEO, operations, and Board Finance Committee.
• Collaborate with department managers to support analytical reporting needs.
• Assist with financial sections of Board policy monitoring reports and annual Board reports.
• Contribute to internal communications, including quarterly articles, to enhance financial literacy among staff.

Projections & Financial Planning

• Oversee the Co-op’s annual budgeting process and ensure compliance with Board policies.
• Support department managers in developing budget projections and capital planning.
• Develop income and cash flow projections, including key assumptions.
• Maintain a rolling three-year capital budget and produce annual business plans.
• Prepare financial planning information for stakeholders, including the Board and staff.

Leadership Team Collaboration

• Maintain understanding of Board policies and support compliance through internal systems.
• Foster transparent, inclusive dialogue within the leadership team on financial issues.
• Model cooperative values in decision-making and staff engagement.
• Attend at least one Board meeting per year.

Accounting Department Oversight

• Supervise the accounting team.
• Set departmental goals and ensure proper staffing levels to meet needs.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and training to department personnel.
• Support a collaborative, performance-driven, and respectful team culture.

Other Duties

• Meet regularly with the CEO and provide timely updates and recommendations.
• Support the Co-op's mission, values, and operational excellence through teamwork.
• Take part in other projects and responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements

Required Qualifications:

• Proven experience in senior financial leadership roles, ideally in cooperative, grocery retail, or nonprofit settings.
• Strong working knowledge of GAAP and financial planning principles.
• Demonstrated ability to lead accounting operations and manage teams.
• Experience with financial software and advanced Excel skills.
• Exceptional communication skills and the ability to translate complex financial information clearly.
• Ability to work independently, manage deadlines, and respond to organizational needs with flexibility and professionalism.
• High degree of confidentiality, integrity, and collaborative spirit.
• Willingness to occasionally work outside regular hours to meet business needs.

Preferred Qualifications:

• CPA designation or MBA in finance/accounting.
• Experience in the grocery retail or mission-driven sector.
• Familiarity with cooperative governance and Board policy frameworks.
• Interest in sustainable business practices and cooperative values.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit or stand at a desk and use a computer for extended periods of time (up to 6–8 hours per day).
• Occasional bending, lifting, or carrying up to 20 lbs (e.g., boxes of records or reports).
• Visual acuity to view computer screens, read reports, and review spreadsheets.
• Manual dexterity for data entry and use of standard office equipment (keyboard, mouse, phone, copier).
• Occasional travel between store locations or to off-site meetings may be required.

Benefits at the Co-op

• Up to 25% staff discount & access to wholesale orders 
• Great medical/dental/vision and supplemental insurance options for employees and children.
• 401(k) w/match
• Paid sick and vacation time 
• Potential year-end bonus 
• Access to employee assistance program