Financial Consultant

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 WorkThe consultant will provide comprehensive financial management services, including:Budgeting and Financial PlanningPrepare monthly budget-to-actual analysesSupport annual budget developmentMonitor financial performance against approved budgetMonthly Financial ManagementRecord and classify financial transactionsReconcile all accountsTrack restricted and unrestricted fundsPrepare monthly financial reportsProvide summary reporting for leadershipFinance Committee SupportAttend monthly Finance Committee meetingsPresent financial reportsRespond to questions and explain variancesUpdate reports as neededTax and Compliance SupportSupport preparation for annual financial reviewCoordinate with external accountants and advisorsManage contractor tax documentation (W-9s, 1099s)Complete 1099s filing requirementsSupport preparation of IRS Form 990Financial Systems and OperationsManage accounting system (e.g., QuickBooks)Oversee integrations with payroll and donation platformsMonitor bank and investment accountsEnsure accurate allocation of expensesPerform month-end and year-end close processesTime Commitment and CompensationEstimated level of effort: 20 - 30 hours per monthEngagement structure: Ongoing, part-timeCompensation: Hourly rate (proposals should include rate and any additional fees)Anticipated annual cost range: $15,000 - $18,000Communication Expectations: Consistent and reliable communication is required, emails are expected to be answered within 2 business days.Transition and OversightThe 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.QualificationsProposals should demonstrate:Experience with nonprofit accounting and financial managementProficiency with accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks)Knowledge of nonprofit compliance requirements (Form 990, 1099 reporting)Experience supporting boards or finance committeesStrong organizational and communication skillsProposal RequirementsPlease include the following:Firm or Consultant OverviewRelevant Experience (including nonprofit clients)Staffing (if applicable)Availability and responsivenessFee structureReferences (2 - 3 clients)Selection CriteriaProposals will be evaluated based on:Relevant experienceDemonstrated ability to deliver the scope of workCost and valueReferencesSubmission InstructionsSubmit proposals to: Email: office@friendsjmz.org Subject: Financial Consultant Proposal – Friends of the JMZFor questions please email:  Email: chloe@friendsjmz.org Chloe Green, Development & Operations Associate