Idea Architects
Director of Finance & Operations
Location Flexible
ABOUT THIS POSITION:
Idea Architects seeks a mission driven Director of Finance and Operations with an acute eye for finances, knowledge of the publishing industry and a passion for world-changing ideas to oversee finances and operations.
ABOUT IDEA ARCHITECTS:
Idea Architects is a unique and thriving literary agency that helps visionaries create a wiser, healthier, and more just world one book at a time. With 16 New York Times bestselling books, Idea Architects is proud to partner with authors such as Nobel Peace Laureates Desmond Tutu, Nelson Mandela, the Dalai Lama, iconic scientists such as the legendary primatologist Jane Goodall, Dr. Dan Siegel and Nobel Laureate Elizabeth Blackburn, and equal justice lawyer Bryan Stevenson. We are deeply collaborative and offer a full team of support–from editorial to project management to publicity and marketing to film and television development–for all our books. We love sharing great stories and value joy, spaciousness, creativity, diversity, and the oxford comma.
The Director of Finance and Operations…
WILL…
Direct and oversee financial operations of the company:
- Work with CEO and leadership team to set and implement high level financial strategy and growth objectives for the company
- Direct annual budgeting and planning process with the CEO and leadership team
- Oversee the budget, financial transactions, financial management, planning, systems, & controls
- Manage and oversee work of financial team consisting of Accountant, Bookkeeper, Financial Specialist, UK co-agent and Foreign co-agent
- Prepare high level financial reports and summaries, including Profit and Loss statements, cash flow projections and forecasts predicting future growth
- Coordinate end-of-year financial and tax preparation activities such as Review P&L at end of year for accuracy, payment of taxes, submission of tax documents to accountants, coordination of retirement numbers, reviewing of 1099’s for accuracy etc
- Monitor accounts for fraudulent charges and errors
- On a monthly basis, review bookkeeping reports, Monthly P&L, Cash Flow Projection, AR, & Expenses from bookkeeping and bank account to share with exec team
- Manage credit cards and bank accounts as well as payment of bills, writers and authors and deposits of incoming funds
- Manage financial records and upload hardcopies of royalty reports
Manage HR functions:
- Manage weekly, monthly, and annual HR administrative tasks such as: administration of payroll, health and business insurance, administration of retirement accounts/ distribution of retirement notices at EOY, administration of 401k plans, distribution of year end W-2’s and cash benefit plans, safe harbor match, profit sharing
- Onboard new employees into HR/Payroll systems & gather appropriate paperwork
- Manage HR records and oversee migrations to new record keeping systems as needed
Conduct Contract Management
- Manage author contracts, publishing and agency agreements in coordination with counsel and senior agents
- Act as a liaison with authors to advise and explain the publishing and agency agreements
- Review and negotiate employment offers and paperwork (NDA, EFT etc)
- Manage all compliance/business/legal paperwork ex. statement of information for IA as S-Corp
Support Operations of Company:
- Provide consultation on matters related to operations, business structure and growth
- Improve the operational systems, processes, and policies in support of organization’s mission—specifically, support better management reporting, information flow and management, business process and organizational planning.
HAS…
- 5+ years of experience managing or directing finances and/or operations at an organization of a comparable or larger scale
- Strong command of deal structure and finances as it pertains to the publishing industry or an adjacent field such as arts licensing
- Familiarity with the finances and terms of publishing contracts including agency agreements, translation rights, publishing agreements
- Proficiency with financial management and project management softwares including QuickBooks, Excel, Monday (or a comparable project management tool)
- Passion for Idea Architects’ mission to create a wiser, healthier, and more just world one book at a time
- The ability and role-up-your-sleeves desire to be part of a team in a nimble startup-type environment in a role that will encompass both high level strategic oversight and occasional execution of nitty-gritty tasks
IS…
- Strategic, able to assess risks and opportunities and identify best paths forward
- Highly organized, strong “big picture” thinker and also aggressively detail oriented
- Capable of managing multiple priorities and stakeholders
- Mission driven and passionate
- Capable at interpreting and explaining deal structure
- A grounded, collaborative team player who appreciates organizations with a warm and joyful culture
- A good business partner with the EQ and communication skills to balance creativity with data-informed decision-making
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT
Idea Architects is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
COMPENSATION
Competitive compensation commensurate with experience. Idea Architects offers parental and family leave along with generous health benefits for all employees.
LOCATION
Idea Architects is based in California. Employees work remotely with as-needed in person gatherings. Candidates are encouraged to apply regardless of location.
TO APPLY
Please submit a cover letter and resume to lucy@sunnybates.com
We look forward to hearing from you!
