The Arizona Animal Welfare League (AAWL) is seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented Finance Manager to oversee the daily integrity, accuracy, and compliance of our financial operations. This position requires advanced accounting expertise, strong independent judgment, and the ability to translate complex financial data into clear and actionable information for staff across the organization. A CPA (or equivalent experience) and robust finance and accounting background are required.
The Finance Manager plays a key role in ensuring financial transparency, audit readiness, and compliance with GAAP, non-profit accounting standards, grant restrictions, and internal control requirements. This individual will manage core accounting functions including bookkeeping, payroll oversight, financial reporting, reconciliations, budgeting support, audit preparation, and grant financial tracking and will directly supervise accounting staff and contract personnel.
The Finance Manager will report to the Vice President of Administration and work closely with the CEO, Leadership Team, and Finance Committee. This role is essential in supporting strategic financial decision-making and ensuring the long-term financial health of AAWL.
Promoting AAWL’s values of collaboration, accountability, and integrity is a vital part of this role. A strong commitment to transparency and ethical financial stewardship is essential.
This is a full-time position based in our shelter located near the Phoenix airport on 40th Street and Washington.
About AAWL
AAWL has served the Phoenix community for more than 50 years as Arizona’s oldest and largest no-kill shelter. While our roots are in animal rescue and adoptions, we have evolved into a community-centered organization dedicated to keeping pets and families together. Our programs provide affordable veterinary care, pet resources for families in need, and lifesaving rescue and adoption services for thousands of dogs and cats each year.
With an annual budget of $7.7 million and a team of over 100 employees, AAWL is a growing, mission-driven nonprofit shaping the future of animal welfare in Arizona. Learn more about our current strategic priorities here.
Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities
The Finance Manager is responsible for the accuracy, integrity, and compliance of AAWL’s financial operations, ensuring transparent and timely financial oversight across the organization. Responsibilities include:
Financial Management & Reporting
Prepare, analyze, and present monthly and annual financial statements.
Maintain the general ledger in compliance with GAAP and non-profit accounting standards.
Manage the month-end close process, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
Prepare month-end closing entries, accruals, reconciliations, and schedules.
Ensure accurate tracking and reporting of restricted and unrestricted funds.
Maintain updated finance department policies and SOPs.
Supervise accounting personnel and contract staff.
Ensure proper documentation, record retention, and audit readiness.
Present monthly financials to Leadership and the Board Finance Committee.
Collaborate with IT regarding financial software systems and security.
Assist department heads in understanding financial results and variances.
Communicate financial concepts clearly to non-financial staff.
Assist Leadership with financial analysis and strategic initiative support.
Monitor financial risks and recommend strategies to safeguard organizational assets.
Manage fixed assets and depreciation schedules.
Produce dashboards and financial summaries for Leadership and the Finance Committee.
Audit & Compliance
Serve as primary contact for external auditors.
Prepare audit schedules, reconciliations, and required documentation.
Evaluate internal controls and recommend improvements.
Support preparation of IRS Form 990 and other regulatory filings.
Budgeting & Forecasting
Lead annual budget development in collaboration with CAO, CEO, and Board of Directors.
Monitor budget-to-actual results and flag variances.
Support financial forecasts, cash flow projections, and scenario planning.
Payroll & Accounting Operations
Oversee payroll processing to ensure accuracy and compliance.
Manage A/P, A/R, deposits, cash handling, and bank reconciliations.
Ensure timely payment of vendors and recurring obligations.
Maintain accounting system accuracy and recommend enhancements.
Grant & Contract Accounting
Track grant budgets, spending, and allowable costs.
Provide accurate grant-specific reports to Development and Programs.
Ensure compliance with funding restrictions and audit trails.
Qualifications
Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
Advanced analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks.
Strong supervisory and leadership skills.
High level of integrity, confidentiality, and accuracy.
Ability to explain financial concepts to non-finance staff.
Knowledge of GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards.
Proficiency in accounting software (QuickBooks Online, MIP, Sage Intacct preferred) and advanced Excel.
Requirements
Required Skills
Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
Advanced analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks.
Strong supervisory and leadership skills.
High level of integrity, confidentiality, and accuracy.
Ability to explain financial concepts to non-finance staff.
Knowledge of GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards.
Proficiency in accounting software (QuickBooks Online, MIP, Sage Intacct preferred) and advanced Excel.
Education & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related field required.
CPA, or equivalent experience, strongly preferred.
Minimum 5–7 years of progressive finance and accounting experience, including nonprofit experience.
Experience with audits, financial reporting, grants management, and payroll oversight.
Experience with accounting software implementation or optimization preferred.
To Apply for This Position
Please submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references (with contact details) to anavidad@aawl.org with the subject line Finance Manager to Alessandra Navidad, President/CEO. No phone calls or walk-ins, please. AAWL is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals.
Employment Details
Compensation & Benefits
Salary is $95k and negotiable based on factors like CPA licensure and relevant experience.
Generous PTO, sick leave, and 12 paid holidays annually.
100% employer-paid medical and life insurance; dental, vision, and supplemental options available.
Employer-supported professional development.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
