Director of Finance and Administration

Title: Director of Finance and Administration
Classification: Full-Time 40-hour work week, Exempt
Department: Administration
Reports To: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Compensation: $120,000.

- $160,000. annually
Schedule: The schedule is typically Monday through Friday, 8:30 am
-5:00 pm. Occasional weekend or evening hours are required. In person role.

About Lotusland:
Ganna Walska Lotusland is a 37-acre botanical garden and historic estate located in Montecito featuring a collection of over 3,000 plant species from around the world as well as historically significant Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. Since opening to the public in 1993, Ganna Walska Lotusland has grown to become one of the world’s premier botanical gardens and a center for sustainable garden practices, horticultural education, and plant conservation.

Mission:
Our mission is to preserve and enhance the distinctive botanical gardens and estate of Madame Ganna Walska. Lotusland educates and inspires visitors with its collections, sustainable horticulture practices, and plant conservation.

Position Summary:
The Director of Finance and Administration (DFA). This role is a key member of the senior leadership team, responsible for managing the financial operations and administrative functions of the organization to ensure long-term health and sustainability.

The DFA oversees, with the support of the outside accounting firm and fractional CFO, all financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, compliance, and financial analysis, working closely with the CEO and Board of Directors. This role also provides oversight for human resources administration and office operations, fostering a culture of accountability, transparency, and collaboration aligned with Lotusland’s mission, values and goals.

Provide leadership and collaboration with the Human Resources Manager for the direction of all human resources functions to ensure compliance, equity, and alignment with organizational values. Oversee and implement policies and practices that foster a positive, high-performing, and inclusive workplace culture. Oversee employee-related legal, insurance, and retirement programs.

Key Responsibilities :
Financial Management (50%)

• Provide financial oversight for the organization, managing the full range of financial functions—from daily operations to strategic planning.
• Lead the annual finance and budgeting process; prepare and manage the annual operating budget.
• Collaborate with staff and board committees to develop, monitor, and adjust program and organizational budgets.
• Oversee monthly financial statements, including profit/loss, balance sheet, and cash flow reports.
• Monitor, interpret, and present financial results to the CEO, Chief Operations Officer (COO), Chief Experience Officer (CXO), and the Boards Finance, Audit, and Investment Committees.
• The DFA will serve as the staff liaison to the aforementioned committees.
• Coordinate the annual audit process and preparation of IRS Form 990 with an independent CPA.
• Maintain compliance with licensing, Secretary of State reporting, annual property tax exemptions, insurance, and regulatory requirements.
• Supervise payroll, benefits, and PTO accruals in collaboration with the HR Manager and external accounting firm.
• Maintain and strengthen financial controls, policies, and procedures.
• Ensure accurate documentation for all financial systems including receipts, disbursements, billing, bookkeeping, and accounting.
• Prepare budgets and financial reports for foundation grants; collaborate with the Development team to support grant proposals and report submissions.

Business Operations (15%)

• Oversee administrative operations and office management.
• Coordinate with leadership team and project-related agreements with consultants, contractors, and suppliers engaging in contract negotiation and approvals.
• Ensure effective and efficient administrative systems to support overall organizational operations.
• Oversee risk management for the organization, including the maintenance and execution of our General Liability, Umbrella Policies, and all legal and binding contracts.

Human Resources (35%)

• In collaboration with the Human Resources Manager,…