Position Summary
The Finance Director is a key member of the Central Co-op’s leadership team, responsible for directing the organization’s accounting, financial reporting, internal controls and compliance functions. Reporting to the GM/CEO, the Finance Director oversees all financial operations and HR administration. The Finance Director works closely with the GM/CEO and other strategic leadership in developing and implementing goals that uphold sustainable business practices while honoring the values of Central Co-op and the cooperative identity.
About Central Co-op
Central Co-op is a progressive, dynamic workplace devoted to supporting small vendors, local farmers, and transformative community impact. We are a natural foods grocery cooperative with two stores and over 12,000 members. Central Co-op offers competitive wages, 100% employer paid medical insurance, a 4% employer matching 401k, grocery discount and three weeks paid vacation in your first year.
Position Responsibilities
• Manage and mentor the Finance department staff to ensure they operate effectively and efficiently, and facilitate day-to-day operations
• Collaborate with Finance department staff to assess current accounting operations, identifying areas for improvement and implementing solutions as necessary
• Work with GM/CEO and company leadership in supporting a culture of data-driven decision making
• Analyze financial data and provide insight on trends, risks, and opportunities to the GM/CEO and leadership team
• Maintain accounting and administrative policies and procedures for financial accounting, reporting and cash accountability
• Oversee and/or prepare all recurring tax, insurance and compliance reporting
• Monitor company cash flow; perform treasury functions and managing banking relationships
• Coordinate and prepare weekly, monthly and quarterly financial reporting for both operational and Board level audiences
• Coordinate the annual CPA review and tax return preparation
• Prepare the annual budget and five-year projection
• Manage the HR/Payroll system (Paycom)
• May be asked to function as Board Liaison: supporting Board activities and meetings, document management for the Board’s digital workspace, attending and preparing meeting minutes.
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance; CPA preferred
- Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive accounting experience including controller role, preferably with experience in retail grocery, natural foods and/or cooperative models
- Proficiency in accounting software, preferably Sage
- Strong analytical, Excel and financial modeling skills.
- High attention to detail and integrity in financial stewardship
- Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands on execution
- Familiarity with labor relations and union contracts
- Exemplary written and verbal communication skills
Skills Required
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance
- CPA certification
- 5–7 years of progressive accounting experience, including controller-level experience
- Experience in retail grocery, natural foods, or cooperative organizations
- Proficiency with accounting software, preferably Sage
- Strong analytical, Microsoft Excel, and financial modeling skills
- High attention to detail and integrity in financial stewardship
- Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution
- Familiarity with labor relations and union contracts
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
What We Do
Central Co-op is a community-owned, independent neighborhood grocer and natural foods cooperative that has been serving the Northwest since 1978. It specializes in providing fresh, organic, bulk, and local foods and supplements, with locations in Seattle’s Capitol Hill and Tacoma’s North End. The organization is dedicated to sustainable practices, community accountability, and supporting the local food economy through strong relationships with Washington farmers and artisans.
