Global Emergency Relief, Recovery & Reconstruction (GER3)

GER3 Eaton Fire Recovery Program

Finance And Compliance Specialist

Position Description

Status: Part Time (50%), Hybrid

Start date:ASAP

Duration: 10 months

Location: Los Angeles area, with preference for proximity to Altadena/Pasadena area.

Compensation: TBD

Organization & Operation

Founded in 2017, Global Emergency Relief, Recovery & Reconstruction (GER3) in a non-profit organization that supports crisis-affected communities to build back better. GER3 is committed to using sustainable, culturally appropriate and community-led interventions.

The January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires claimed the lives of at least 17 people and charred over 45,000 acres of land. Over 10,000 structures are reported to have been destroyed by the Eaton fire. Over 130,000 individuals have evacuated the area and face an uncertain return to their communities. More than 1.2 million people were directly impacted by the wildfires, with thousands losing their homes, farms, and businesses. Approximately 85,000 individuals sought refuge in temporary shelters, while many more were forced to relocate with relatives or friends. Many community centers, which served as gathering places and resource hubs, were either destroyed or rendered inoperable, leaving residents without critical support systems.

California’s wildfires have increasingly shifted from being rural to urban events that devastate entire residential and commercial neighborhoods, highlighting the urgent need to implement robust community emergency preparedness planning, environmental regeneration, and fire mitigation techniques. Due to the vast devastation left in the wake of the Eaton fires, GER3 is committed to addressing these challenges by implementing technical, evidence-based strategies to adapt and strengthen community resilience to fire events, incorporating fire-resistant building techniques, public education, and nature-based solutions.

Position Overview

GER3 is seeking a Finance and Compliance Specialist to oversee financial operations and ensure regulatory compliance in support of our wildfire recovery efforts in Altadena. This role is responsible for guiding and ensuring the financial health of the program, managing financial records, ensuring adherence to grant and funding requirements, monitoring budgets, and implementing compliance protocols to support the organization’s recovery initiatives. The ideal candidate will have experience in financial management, compliance oversight, or nonprofit accounting, with strong analytical, organizational, and regulatory knowledge.

This role requires flexibility and adaptability, as the Finance and Compliance Specialist will be expected to contribute to all aspects of the program beyond their core responsibilities. The Specialist must be prepared to refine financial strategies, adjust compliance procedures, and support new initiatives as needed to maximize the overall impact of GER3’s wildfire recovery efforts.

The Finance and Compliance Specialist will work in Los Angeles, preferably near Altadena. The position is to be filled for approximately ten (10) months with a possible extension that is dependent upon funding.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management & Reporting:

• Maintain accurate financial records, ensuring timely and accurate reporting.
• Oversee budget tracking, budget analysis, expense monitoring, and financial forecasting.
• Manage grant funding and ensure proper allocation of financial resources.
• Assist in the preparation of financial statements and donor reports.

Compliance & Risk Management:

• Ensure adherence to all local, state, and federal regulations, as well as donor compliance requirements.
• Implement internal controls and financial policies to maintain organizational integrity.
• Conduct regular audits and assessments to identify and mitigate risks.
• Stay up to date with evolving financial and regulatory requirements affecting nonprofit organizations.

Grant & Contract Management:

• Oversee grant compliance, including tracking expenditures against budgets.
• Review contracts and agreements to ensure financial and legal obligations are met.
• Work closely with the program team to ensure proper documentation and financial accountability.

Operational Support:

• Collaborate with leadership to refine financial and compliance strategies, providing recommendations on improvements and adjustments.
• Support procurement processes and vendor management.
• Provide training and guidance on financial policies and compliance procedures.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in financial management, compliance, or nonprofit accounting.
• Knowledge of grant management, nonprofit financial reporting, and regulatory compliance.
• Proficiency in financial software and Microsoft Excel.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, disaster recovery environment.
• Resides in Los Angeles area, preferably in proximity to Altadena.

This position is a critical part of GER3’s wildfire recovery efforts, ensuring financial integrity and compliance in the management of recovery resources. By overseeing financial operations and regulatory adherence, this role helps maximize the impact of funding and support for affected communities. If you are a detail-oriented professional with a passion for disaster response and the flexibility to adapt and contribute to the overall success of the program, we encourage you to apply.

Reporting Lines:

This position will report directly to the GER3 Program Lead.

Schedule:

This position will be a fixed-term employment until February 28, 2026, with the possibility for extension.

How to Apply:

Please send your resume and cover letter to recruitment@ger3.org no later than Friday, April 18, with "Finance and Compliance Specialist" as the subject title of your email.