Finance Assistant

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION:

First Peoples Fund is a national non-profit organization founded in 1995. First Peoples Fund honors, supports, and elevates the Collective Spirit of Native artists, culture bearers, and their communities. First Peoples Fund envisions a world of thriving, culturally-centered, and connected Indigenous communities.

SUMMARY:
The Finance Coordinator supports the Finance team by managing increasingly complex financial operations associated with organizational growth, including a growing portfolio of restricted grants. This role provides essential support for accurate financial tracking, compliance, and reporting as the organization expands into new regions, services, and revenue streams. The position requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and experience with nonprofit finance and grants management.

Pay: This is a full-time, non-exempt, hourly position. The salary range is $25 to $30 an hour. Pay may vary depending on your location, skills, and experience.

Location/Travel Requirements:  This position is on-site at our Rapid City, SD main office. There may be minimal travel for special events, such as staff retreats, etc.

Pre-screen: Upon offer, employees will be required to complete and pass a background check. 

MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Payroll & Compensation Support

• Process biweekly payroll, ensuring accuracy and timeliness
• Maintain payroll records, timekeeping documentation, and employee pay files
• Coordinate with the Director, Human Resources, and the Director, Finance on payroll changes, deductions, and compliance matters

Financial Records & File Maintenance

• Maintain accurate and well-organized financial files (digital and physical), including invoices, contracts, and approvals
• Support audit preparation and funder reporting by ensuring documentation is complete and accessible
• Assist with record retention and file management systems

General Finance Support

• Respond to staff questions related to payment processes, reimbursements, and basic finance procedures
• Support the Director of Finance with data entry, reconciliations, and other administrative finance tasks as needed
• Contribute to ongoing improvements in finance systems, workflows, and internal controls

Grants Management

• Draft budgets for proposal or renewals with input from the program team
• With Program and Development input, evaluate potential grant award before a decision is made to accept award
• Create and maintain files for grants or contracts
• Work with program staff to determine allocation of funds
• Monitor fiscal compliance and funder requirements, including the spending of allowable and unallowable expenses
• Code expenses to the appropriate grants and contracts (indirect and allocated expenses)
• Review coding of expenses performed by program staff for direct program expenses
• Monitor funder payments
• Prepare monthly budget to actual reports for grants with restrictions
• Prepare financial reports to funders, including request for budgeting modifications if necessary

Education:

• High school diploma or GED
• Demonstrated experience in payroll processing, accounts payable, or finance administration

Preferred

• Associate’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field OR
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field
• Previous experience in financial support roles, especially within a nonprofit and nation-wide remote and hybrid setting.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• 2+ years of experience in a finance, accounting, or administrative role
• Experience with payroll processing and/or accounts payable
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple deadlines
• Proficiency with spreadsheets and accounting or payroll systems
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion
• Highly organized and detail-oriented
• Reliable, consistent, and deadline-driven
• Clear and professional communicator
• Comfortable working independently while collaborating with a small team
• Alignment with the organization’s mission and values

Preferred

• Experience working in a nonprofit organization
• Familiarity with fund accounting and grant-funded environments
• Experience supporting audits or financial reviews
• Experience with NetSuite

• Ability to perform essential job functions in a typical office environment
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working at a computer
• Frequent use of hands and fingers to operate a computer, keyboard, and office equipment
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing
• Occasional lifting or carrying of office materials weighing up to 10–15 pounds (e.g., files, boxes of paper)

Additional requirements: 

• Upon offer, candidates will be asked to complete a background check. First Peoples Fund complies with all applicable laws and conducts screenings in a fair and confidential manner.

BENEFITS

First Peoples Fund offers the following benefits:

Health, Dental, and Vision are provided to full-time employees effective the 1st of the month after hire. These benefits are provided at no cost to the employee. Family coverage is available for cost.

Sick Leave: 48 hours - available on the date of hire and can be used as earned

11 Paid Holidays with 1 Personal Culturally Significant Day

After 180 days Introductory Period

Annual Leave: 70 hours for the first year of employment

401(k) with company match

First Peoples Fund does not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

First Peoples Fund participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. First Peoples Fund will only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9.

First Peoples Fund is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees regardless of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, status as a covered veteran, or other military status.