The Friends Seeks a Co-Treasurer

The Friends of the OPL seeks an experienced accounting, finance, legal, or nonprofit professional to work with our current Treasurer and to serve as Co-Treasurer on our Board of Directors. This volunteer leadership role combines traditional board governance responsibilities with strategic financial oversight, leveraging the candidate's experience to strengthen our organization.

Interested candidates: please complete our Board of Directors Interest Form and we will follow up with next steps.

Here is the full position overview:

Key Responsibilities

Fiduciary and Governance

• Serve as the primary board liaison for all financial matters and present financial reports at board meetings

• Co-Chair the Finance Committee

• Ensure compliance with all financial reporting requirements, including Form 990 preparation and review

• Monitor adherence to board-approved budgets and financial policies

• Annual review of finance-related board policies, fiscal sponsorship agreements, and insurance

Strategic Financial Leadership

• Partner with the Board to develop a long-term financial strategy

• Provide guidance on financial decisions

• Lead financial risk assessment and mitigation planning

• Ensure accurate financial documentation and projections

Operational Oversight

With the other Finance Committee members:

• Monthly review monthly financial statements, cash flow reports, and payment requests

• Monitor key financial metrics and ratios specific to nonprofit operations

• Ensure adequate internal controls and financial policies are in place and followed

• Oversee banking relationships and cash management

• Guide decisions on financial systems, software, and reporting infrastructure

Board Development and External Relations

• Mentor other board directors on financial literacy and nonprofit financial management

• Support fundraising efforts by articulating the organization's financial health and needs

• Serve as backup signatory for major financial transactions

• Represent the organization's financial integrity to major donors, foundations, and regulatory bodies

Required Qualifications

• 5-7+ years of professional experience in accounting, finance, legal, or nonprofit field

• Experience with nonprofit financial management, accounting, and compliance 

• Strong understanding of nonprofit governance principles and fiduciary responsibilities

• Experience with financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting

• CPA, CFA, JD, or Masters of Nonprofit Administration designation preferred

• Previous nonprofit board experience a plus

Time Commitment

• Bimonthly board meetings (~2 hours)

• Finance Committee meetings (monthly, 1-2 hours)

• Executive Committee meetings (monthly, 2 hours)

• Annual board strategic planning sessions (7 hours)

• Approximately 8-12 hours per month total commitment

• Additional time for budget preparation, 990 preparations, strategic planning, etc.

Term and Compensation

• Initial two-year term with option to extend

• Volunteer position with no monetary compensation

• Reimbursement for approved expenses related to board duties

What We Offer

• Opportunity to provide critical support for Oakland’s public libraries

• Collaboration with a diverse board of community members

• Professional development through nonprofit governance

• Comprehensive director and officer liability insurance coverage