Overview
Part-time Financial Consultant Jobs in Palo Alto, CA at Friends of the Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo
Title: Part-time Financial Consultant
Company: Friends of the Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo
Location: Palo Alto, CA
Overview:
The Friends of the Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo seeks proposals from qualified financial consultants or firms to provide ongoing bookkeeping and financial management services.
The selected consultant will assume responsibility for day-to-day financial operations and reporting, in collaboration with Friends staff and under the supervision of the Friends Finance Committee.
Scope of Work
The consultant will provide comprehensive financial management services, including:
Budgeting and Financial Planning
- Prepare monthly budget-to-actual analyses
- Support annual budget development
- Monitor financial performance against approved budget
Monthly Financial Management
- Record and classify financial transactions
- Reconcile all accounts
- Track restricted and unrestricted funds
- Prepare monthly financial reports
- Provide summary reporting for leadership
Finance Committee Support
- Attend monthly Finance Committee meetings
- Present financial reports
- Respond to questions and explain variances
- Update reports as needed
Tax and Compliance Support
- Support preparation for annual financial review
- Coordinate with external accountants and advisors
- Manage contractor tax documentation (W-9s, 1099s)
- Complete 1099s filing requirements
- Support preparation of IRS Form 990
Financial Systems and Operations
- Manage accounting system (e.g., QuickBooks)
- Oversee integrations with payroll and donation platforms
- Monitor bank and investment accounts
- Ensure accurate allocation of expenses
- Perform month-end and year-end close processes
Time Commitment and Compensation
- Estimated level of effort: 20 – 30 hours per month
- Engagement structure: Ongoing, part-time
- Compensation: Hourly rate (proposals should include rate and any additional fees)
- Annual range: $15,000 – $18,000
Communication Expectations: Consistent and reliable communication is required, emails are expected to be answered within 2 business days.
Transition and Oversight: The consultant will work with staff to transition financial processes and systems. Friends staff and the Finance Committee will provide oversight and review of financial reporting.
Qualifications
Proposals should demonstrate:
- Experience with nonprofit accounting and financial management
- Proficiency with accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks)
- Knowledge of nonprofit compliance requirements (Form 990, 1099 reporting)
- Experience supporting boards or finance committees
- Strong organizational and communication skills
Proposal Requirements
Please include the following:
- Firm or Consultant Overview
- Relevant Experience (including nonprofit clients)
- Staffing (if applicable)
- Availability and responsiveness
- Fee structure
- References (2 – 3 clients)
Selection Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated based on:
- Relevant experience
- Demonstrated ability to deliver the scope of work
- Cost and value
- References
Submission Instructions
Submit proposals to:
Email: [email protected]
Subject: Financial Consultant Proposal – Friends of the JMZ
For questions please email:
Email: [email protected]
Chloe Green, Development & Operations Associate
