The Financial Planning and Analysis Director is a key strategic business partner that will develop a deep understanding of all aspects of NOLS’ finances, financial systems, business model, and operations. 

This position will lead all aspects of financial planning and analysis for NOLS including the annual budget process and monthly forecasting for all departments. Through profitability analysis, variance analysis, developing and managing complex financial models, and an ability to apply critical thinking to uncover solutions to complex business issues, this role will provide significant financial and strategic support to senior management.

Key Logistical Information:

• Benefits: This position is eligible for Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Flexible Spending account, Life Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Long Term Disability, Employee Assistance Program, Paid Time off, 403(b), 403(b) contribution, and more.

• Questions: Please contact peopleteam@nols.edu

What does a Financial Planning and Analysis Director do?

This role is in our Finance team and reports directly to the CFO. In your role, you will be expected to own and lead the FP&A function at NOLS.

• Use business modeling and analytics to understand and explain financial and operational trends, increase profitability, and support and maintain the long-term business plan.

• Build and track annual operating and capital budgets.

• Monitor and report monthly operating expense and variance analyses as part of forecasting process.

• Monitor and report capital spending. 

• Assist departments in the preparation and analysis of capital requests.

• Restructure and regularly update company-wide cash flow forecast.

• Develop a deep understanding of NOLS business and operations while building dynamic internal financial partnerships.

• Serve as acting CFO when CFO is unavailable.

What makes a great Financial Planning and Analysis Director at NOLS? 

We are looking for people who share our values and are keen to learn and develop their expertise. We are looking for candidates with a minimum of the skills listed below. We expect to provide training and development support in some of the areas.

• Deep understanding of complex financial and accounting concepts. 

• Ability to work with and explain financial and accounting concepts to non-financial employees to support and assist in developing actionable business decisions. 

• Experience with budget tracking, variance reporting, and cost analysis.

• Exceptional ability to build and maintain financial models to support business decisions and planning. 

• Experience in a management-level role.

• Ability to build and make presentations to senior management.

• Advanced-level skills with spreadsheet (Excel), presentation (PowerPoint), and word processing (Microsoft Word)

• Undergraduate degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.

• 5 - 10 years experience in Finance and/or Accounting.

In your first 6 months, you will: 

• Work closely with the CFO, Finance and Operations teams to gain a complete understanding of NOLS financial reporting systems, general ledger accounts, financial statements, and business operations for our world-class wilderness education school.

• Partner with and support departments school-wide as you manage the annual budget process. 

• Begin to build financial analyses that will become the foundation of NOLS course profitability system. 

• Implement and oversee a recurring operations financial performance review and forecast process.

• Build relationships with key stakeholders to gain buy-in to the financial planning process.

Who are we and what can we offer you?

NOLS is a nonprofit global wilderness school that seeks to help people step forward boldly as a leader.

We believe that anyone can be a leader; it is our role to provide the environment and training to help people discover their full potential. We do that in classrooms close to home and in remote wilderness areas around the world. We are an organization with heart, expertise, and wildness, and these qualities help us support powerful, authentic experiences.

NOLS really is a great place to work:

• We have locations in seven U.S. states, and six countries; and courses in all 50 U.S. states and over 10 countries.

• We have fantastic employee discounts on top outdoor gear brands.

• We offer discounts on NOLS Courses for you and your family.

• All employees can benefit from free Outdoor Equipment "Rental" at our various locations

• Insurance Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision benefits are available at a special NOLS rate to seasonal employees. Full-time employees are eligible for benefits package. 

• Wellness Time: Accrued wellness leave that may be used throughout the season.

• Employee Assistance Program: Access to counselors that are available 24/7 to assist employees with work-life balance concerns.

Additional Information

NOLS can currently hire  U.S. and Canada-based remote employees in the following states/provinces: Alaska, Arizona, British Columbia, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Maine, Minnesota, Montana, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Utah, Washington, or Wyoming. 

Pre-Employment Check

• A criminal background check is required from all NOLS employees.

• NOLS participates in E-verify for U.S. employees, and other relevant employment verification systems based on location.

• Current NOLS employees please note it is NOLS policy to conduct an internal reference check with human resources and/or your current supervisor as part of the reference check process. If you have any questions or concerns about this process please contact peopleteam@nols.edu.

Equal Employment Opportunity

NOLS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetics information, disability unrelated to job or admission requirements, or status as a protected veteran. The school’s nondiscrimination policy applies to all phases of its employment process, its admission and financial aid programs, and to all other aspects of its educational programs and activities. Retaliation directed to any person who pursues a discrimination complaint or grievance, participates in a discrimination investigation, or otherwise opposes unlawful discrimination is prohibited.

Reasonable Accommodation

NOLS values community and fosters a sense of belonging for our employees and applicants. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations in the workplace because they embody these values, as well as our operating principle of promoting a positive, safe, and learning environment. Reasonable accommodations may be requested for disability; limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition; religion; and domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or harassment. Reasonable accommodations may be requested at any point of the employment process, including during recruitment. Please email peopleteam@nols.edu with your request.