IntroductionThe Center for AI Safety (CAIS) is a leading research and advocacy organization focused on mitigating societal-scale risks from AI. We address AI’s toughest challenges through technical research, field-building initiatives, and policy engagement, along with our other organization, Center for AI Safety Action Fund (CAISAF). As we continue to grow, we seek a Finance Manager who will fully own CAIS and CAISAF’s financial operations, governance, and compliance. This role ensures the integrity, accuracy, and efficiency of all financial processes across our nonprofit entities (501(c)3 and 501(c)4). The Finance Manager will oversee financial reporting, budgeting, audits, payroll, donor reporting, compliance, and governance policies, working closely with leadership, legal counsel, and the operations team. This is a high-responsibility role ideal for an experienced nonprofit finance professional who is proactive, detail-oriented, and skilled at managing multiple financial platforms and compliance requirements. Key Functions and Responsibilities:
Financial Oversight & Reporting (35%)
Own all financial operations for CAIS (501(c)(3)) and CAISAF (501(c)(4)), including: Manage bookkeeping to ensure accurate financial records across all accounts. Review and reconcile accounts monthly, ensuring compliance with GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards.
Prepare and finalize monthly financial reports for leadership, including: Monthly statements, budget analysis, and grant tracking updates.
Monitor bank account balances to ensure sufficient liquidity for operational expenses.
Provide ad hoc financial analysis and forecasting to support strategic decision-making.
Invoice CAISAF monthly for shared expenses and ensure timely inter-entity payments.
Provide fundraising finance support including: Track and manage funding sources, ensuring compliance with donor agreements. Partner with the Operations team to support grant reporting, ensuring accurate financials are tied to specific donors.
Nonprofit Compliance & Governance (30%)
Own and update all fiscal, travel, and expense policies, ensuring compliance with nonprofit regulations.
Maintain governance policies, including: Fiscal policies, investment policies, and board-related compliance. Ensuring all policies are up to date with the Board of Directors.
Work with legal counsel to manage all regulatory filings for CAIS and CAISAF, including: 501(h) lobbying limit tracker (updated monthly, liaising with lawyers). State & federal donation filings, contractor/employee compliance, and required annual reports. Quarterly lobbying reporting in coordination with the Operations Manager. 990 & other nonprofit tax filings in coordination with outside legal counsel.
Manage the annual audit process for both CAIS and CAISAF.
Work with leadership to identify and manage an audit committee to oversee financial reviews.
Ensure all nonprofit financial tax filings are completed accurately and on time.
Expense Management & Payroll (30%)
Track, review, categorize and approve expenses weekly in Ramp, ensuring policy adherence (receipts, memos, approvals).
Set up and enforce Ramp card policies for distributing company credit cards.
Own payroll processing: Manage biweekly payroll via Rippling, ensuring contractors and employees are paid accurately and on time. Ensure all contractor and employee details are up to date.
Process and track external payments, including vendor invoices and other third-party payments.
Ensure fiscal, travel, and employee expenses policies are developed and implemented effectively, partnering with the Operations team on training staff on compliance.
Financial Systems & Process Optimization (5%)
Ensure smooth interactions between Rippling (payroll), Ramp (expenses), and Xero (accounting).
Embed financial policies into our systems for efficiency and compliance (e.g., automated approval flows, pre-coded expense categories).
Improve financial workflows, ensuring automation and integration where possible.
Required Knowledge and Experience:
5+ years of experience in financial management, accounting, or nonprofit finance.
Experience managing both 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) entities and related compliance is preferred but not required.
Knowledge of GAAP & nonprofit accounting principles.
Proven ability to develop and enforce financial policies in a nonprofit setting.
Experience managing audits, tax filings, and nonprofit regulatory reporting.
Detail-oriented and highly organized, with strong analytical skills.
Prior experience in startups, nonprofits, or tech environments is preferred.
Strong project management skills, including tracking milestones and ensuring deadlines are met.
The Center of AI Safety is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. The Center for AI Safety values candidates of all backgrounds. If you find yourself excited by the position but you don't check every box in the description, we encourage you to apply anyway!
