Description

Overview
The Private Academic Library Network of Indiana (PALNI) is seeking a highly motivated and collaborative individual to join our team as Manager of Finance & Operations. This remote, half-time position will own the core accounting engine (AP/AR, reconciliations, cash receipts) and deliver clean, trusted reporting that powers PALNI’s strategic framework and mission. QuickBooks Online, Excel, and nonprofit experience are a must. As the Manager of Finance & Operations, you will play a crucial role in managing and coordinating various business operations, including finance/accounting, grants management, human resource compliance, and administrative data. We are looking for a Manager of Finance & Operations who brings clarity to complexity, strengthens internal controls, and has a flexible team mindset to advance the organization. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the success of a fully remote office organization.

Key Qualifications for Success:

• Precision and Ownership: You catch what others miss, close loops, and keep the books clean without needing reminders.
• Calm and Flexibility: You can juggle priorities, pivot quickly, and still produce accurate work.
• Mission-Driven Integrity: You do the right thing even when no one is watching

Key Responsibilities:

• Financial Operations & Ledger Management
  • Full-Cycle Accounting: Manage the general ledger and daily operations (AP, AR, cash receipts, and deposits) using QuickBooks Online, Bill.com, and Expensify.
  • Month-End & Year-End Close: Execute comprehensive closing processes, including bank reconciliations, depreciation, accrued liabilities, and net asset roll-forwards
  • Internal Controls: Maintain strict adherence to accrual-based accounting and fiscal policies to ensure accuracy and fraud prevention.
  • Cash Management: Monitor daily bank activity and operating cash levels to meet ongoing flow needs.
• Reporting & Board Governance
  • Financial Statements: Prepare and analyze income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow reports in collaboration with the Executive Director and the Board Treasurer.
  • Stakeholder Communication: Produce and distribute financial packets for Finance Committee and Board meetings.
  • Decision Support: Provide leadership with financial insights, trend analysis, and data to support long-term strategic planning.
• Budgeting, Grants & Compliance
  • Budgeting: Support the Executive Director and Committee in developing the annual budget.
  • Grant Stewardship: Set up accounts, track grant expenditures, and assist program managers with financial reporting for submissions.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Ensure alignment with nonprofit accounting standards and tax expectations.
• Audit & Tax Coordination
  • Audit Lead: Serve as the primary liaison for the annual independent audit; prepare all "Prepared by Client" (PBC) schedules and trial balances.
  • Tax Support: Collaborate with external tax preparers (e.g., Blue & Co.) to facilitate the filing of IRS Form 990.
  • Vendor & Partner Relations: Manage professional relationships with auditors, vendors, and external financial partners.

Additional Operational Responsibilities:

• Provide oversight for human resources, benefits, and workers' compensation in conjunction with our payroll and benefits firm (currently Paychex) for 8 employees.
• Manage Paychex and State Tax accounts.

Requirements

Qualifications

Required

• Baccalaureate degree in accounting/finance, a minimum of five years of professional-level experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with nonprofits and knowledge of business best practices
  Strong background in financial management, fiscal projections, and administrative support, with an understanding of Journal entry creation and management.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, QuickBooks Online, Google Docs and Sheets or similar office management software.
• Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and ability to pivot in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work independently with the confidence and judgment to seek help when needed.
• Adaptability, with demonstrated experience successfully coordinating both long-term projects and immediate-term, emerging day-to-day challenges.
• Proven track record of handling confidential information and building trust.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to handle both small and large tasks.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including high emotional intelligence.

Preferred

• Previous experience managing grants is highly preferred
• Familiarity with state and federal fiscal regulations
• Understanding of human resources or benefits management
• Experience in higher education and/or state government

Application and Interview Process
To Apply: Please submit a cover letter and resume/vita via email to PALNI Executive Director Kirsten Leonard at exec@palni.edu. In the cover letter, tell us how your experience relates to this position and explain your experience or interest in nonprofit or library work. Procedural questions may also be directed to exec@palni.edu.
Interview Timeline and Process: Application reviews will begin on February 28, 2026, and continue until the position is filled, with a desired start date of March 15, 2026, to overlap with our retiring Operations Manager.
Initial interviews will be conducted via Zoom. References will be requested before an offer is extended. The offer will be contingent on passing a background check.

About The Private Academic Library Network of Indiana (PALNI)
PALNI is a 30-year-old 501(c)(3) nonprofit consortium with a strong track record of providing its 23 supported institutions with the best possible library information systems, technology, and services. It does so through deep collaboration and shared expertise among the library staff and consortial staff, and through strategic relationships with external partners. The PALNI organizational chart illustrates the consortium's complex roles and leadership structure. PALNI employees enjoy a supportive work culture based on trust, communication and respect. We benefit from working in remote locations across the state and beyond while meeting periodically in central Indiana. Under the guidance of its Strategic Framework, PALNI strives to enhance the teaching and learning missions of its supported institutions through five areas of focus: affordability, student success, strategic services, expertise and collaboration, and engagement and promotion. Visit PALNI online to learn more.

Reports to: PALNI Executive Director

Work Location: Remote position; residency in the greater Indianapolis, Indiana area required. Relocation assistance available. Some travel within the Indianapolis area is required.

Job Classification: Exempt, salaried at an average of 20 hours per week.

Compensation: Salary for this half-time position ranges from $30,000 to $40,000, depending on experience. PALNI provides generous benefits, including up to a 10% match retirement plan, a monthly insurance stipend, 12-17 holidays per year, 48 hours (12 half/days) of sick time per year (accruing), 80 hours (20 half-days) of vacation per year (non-accruing), and family leave.