We Are Hiring
February 3, 2020
Director Of Finance And Administration
ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION
Founded in 1994, and through the generosity of over 90 private landowners, the Kingdom Trail Association (KTA) provides and maintains education and recreation opportunities for residents and visitors through 100 miles of world renowned non-motorized trails spanning four Northeast Kingdom Vermont towns. Based in Burke, VT, KTA is seeking a Director of Finance and Administration to join its management team.
ABOUT THE POSITION
The Director of Finance and Administration will be a strategic thinker, and as a member of KTA’s management team, will report to the Executive Director (ED). The successful candidate will employ a ground-up, hands-on approach and be a participative and collaborative manager who will oversee and handle the organization’s finance, business planning, cash flow, and budgeting activities, as well as further develop and scale KTA’s internal controls and financial management tools in support of its strategic plan and long-range financial stability. Additionally, the Director of Finance and Administration will assist the ED with human resource and operational administration such as further developing as well as managing the KTA’s benefits program.
WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING
Financial Management
- Manage and execute all bookkeeping activities including managing the Chart of Accounts, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Payroll, classing invoices, tax reporting and payments and monthly Account Reconciliation.
- Compile analyze and present financial reports and materials in an accurate and timely manner; clearly communicate monthly, quarterly and annual financial statements; collate financial reporting materials for Executive Director, Treasurer, Finance Committee and BOD, and oversee all financial, project/program and grants accounting. Serve as the organization’s liaison to the Treasurer and the Finance Committee.
- Oversee and manage year-end close and tax preparation, including W-2s, 1099s and preparing Form 990 for external review. Secure bids and conduct preliminary review for auditing services. Coordinate and lead annual audit process, liaise with external auditors and the Finance Committee of the Board of Directors; assess any changes necessary.
- Oversee and lead annual operational and capital budgeting and planning process in conjunction with the ED, Treasurer, Finance Committee and team managers; administer and review all financial plans and budgets; monitor progress and changes; and keep management team and Board of Directors abreast of the organization’s financial status.
- Manage organizational cash flow and forecasting.
- Manage and oversee all banking, loan servicing and investment relationships and reporting requirements. Ensure investment and debt policies are followed.
- Implement a robust contracts management and financial management/ reporting system; ensure that the contract billing and collection schedule is adhered to and that financial data and cash flow are steady and support operational requirements.
- Conduct internal review of KTA’s financial controls. At the ED’s direction, update and implement policies and accounting practices; create a financial and administration policy and procedure manual and plan annual reviews and updates to the manual in collaboration with the ED, Treasurer and Finance Committee.
- Ensure online payment systems are PCI Compliant and that RAFFL remains PCI compliant.
- Comply with federal, state and local legal requirements by studying requirements; ensure adherence to requirements; and advising the ED on needed actions.
- Working with the ED, support KTA’s human resources and administration activities by further developing and managing employee benefits and enrollment.
- Oversee and administer all insurance plans, quotes, competitive bidding and renewals.
- Complete and submit Worker’s Comp audit forms as necessary and required.
- At ED’s direction, work closely and transparently with all external partners including third-party vendors, event partners and consultants.
- Oversee administrative functions as well as facilities to ensure efficient and consistent operations as the organization scales.
- Work collaboratively with and as a member of KTA’s management team.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR IN YOU
- 5-8 years of professional experience in bookkeeping, finance and operations management, or equivalent. Experience in the nonprofit sector a plus.
- Bachelor’s degree with area of concentration in finance, accounting, economics or quantitative analysis; Advanced Finance or Business Administration degree strongly preferred.
- Experience of final responsibility for the quality and content of all financial data, reporting and audit coordination for either a division or significant program area.
- Ability to translate financial concepts to – and to effectively collaborate with – programmatic colleagues who do not necessarily have financial backgrounds.
- QuickBooks trained and certified. Advance certifications and competency with Excel.
- A successful track record in setting priorities; keen analytic, organization and problem-solving skills which support and enable sound decision making.
- Experience with real estate closings, land development a plus.
- Track record in grants management preferred.
- Has preferably overseen a human resources function previously.
- Strong communication and relationship building skills with an ability to prioritize, negotiate, and work with a variety of internal and external stakeholders.
- Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and dedication to the mission of KTA.
- A multi-tasker with the ability to wear many hats, work in a fast-paced environment and willingness to chip in as needed.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM US
● Seasoned staff who are passionate about KTA and our community.
● Unmatched community support and enthusiasm for what we/ you are doing.
● Open, casual and vibrant workplace
● Retirement plan
● Paid vacation and holidays
● Sick, family and bereavement leave
● Flexible hours
● Professional education and enrichment
● Steps from the Trails
● Outdoor recreation is encouraged as part of your job
TO APPLY
We are accepting applications through March 1, 2020. Please submit Cover Letter and Resume to:
Kingdom Trail Association
Attn: Board Of Directors
PO Box 204
East Burke, VT. 05832
Or digital submission to:
Board@kingdomtrails.org
Dear KT Community, I write to you today as I begin a transition in my relationship with Kingdom Trails. I have made the difficult decision to take the next step in my professional journey and step away from my role as Executive Director. Serving Kingdom Trails and this incredible community over the past eight years has been one of the greatest honors of my life. I am deeply proud of the work I’ve led and supported, from navigating immense global challenges and natural disasters, to forging incredible relationships, with our landowners and community. And throughout this journey, the Northeast Kingdom has become not just where I live, but truly my home. It’s the place I chose to become a mother and where my family has put down roots. That said, I am ready to explore new ways to serve this community, ways that will allow me to continue growing as a leader. I’ve accepted the role of Interim Executive Director for the Northeast Kingdom Collaborative, where I will carry forward the work I fell in love with through Kingdom Trails: strengthening our communities and supporting thoughtful economic development. In this new role, I’ll have the opportunity to advocate not only for outdoor recreation, which is so essential to the heart of our region, but also for the many sectors that make the Northeast Kingdom such a unique and vibrant place. Please know I remain deeply committed to Kingdom Trails. This is my home, and it will remain my home. I wish to always be an ambassador for KT, including playing a role in ensuring a graceful, responsible transition with care. The Board of Directors and I have committed to this, to ensure continuity, stability, and the trust you hold in this organization. I am grateful beyond words for the opportunity to have served my community through this role, and I look forward to closing this chapter with the same heart and good intention with which I began it. Georgia Gould is stepping in as interim Executive Director to lead the organization through this transition. Georgia has served on the KT Board of Directors since 2021, leading both the Landowner and Trail Advisory Committees. She is a KT Landowner with an impressive mountain biking and cyclocross resume - including a bronze medal in one of her two Olympic bids on Team USA and five career national championships in cross-country and short track mountain biking. Georgia, her husband Dusty, and their two young children are engaged members of the Burke community and the KT team. Her deep ties to the sport of cycling, dedication to providing great trails for all skill levels, and her love of this community make her the perfect choice to lead KT in its next phase. The Board and I are thrilled that Georgia has agreed to lead KT and feel confident that she will hold the mission of the organization at the center as she has throughout her Board service. You can reach Georgia directly and welcome her to this new role at ED@kingdomtrails.org . With deep gratitude, Abby ### Kingdom Trail Association The mission of the Kingdom Trail Association is to provide recreation and education opportunities by managing, maintaining, and building trails to foster the health of our community, surrounding environment, and regional economy. Kingdom Trails strives to accomplish this mission by offering a 100+ mile network of quality, non-motorized, multi-use trails for all levels of ability, incorporating the best of our local scenery and natural diversity. The Kingdom Trails are made possible through the generosity of 106 private landowners. Northeast Kingdom Collaborativ e The mission of the Northeast Kingdom Collaborative is to improve the quality of life for all residents of the NEK through coordinated economic and community development as the vision is a strong, vibrant Northeast Kingdom where we all thrive. The NEKC brings people together to spark positive change in our communities, creating structures that bring partners together across service areas, sectors, municipal and political boundaries to provide solutions for the renewal of the Kingdom. The NEK Collaborative serves as the backbone organization for the federally designated NEK REAP Zone and community partner for USDA Rural Development.
Cannondale Dirt Party a Success
KT is taking action—on the trails and in the Statehouse!
This 2025 Legislative Session, KT is teaming up with other amazing trail organizations through the Vermont Trails & Greenway Council, to advocate for H.147 a bill to establish the Recreational Trails Compensation Study.
Why does this matter?
Vermont’s outdoor recreation economy generates $2.1B annually, nearly 5% of the state’s GDP, that's 2nd in the nation after Hawaii (Go VT!) KT alone drives $10M in economic impact annually. Therefore, the state must recognize and incentivize these generous private landowners, including the 106 who make KT possible and allow public access to trails.
