Application Guide

How to Apply for Finance Manager

at Center for Open Science

🏢 About Center for Open Science

The Center for Open Science is a unique nonprofit dedicated to increasing the openness, integrity, and trustworthiness of scientific research, operating as a mission-driven organization rather than a traditional corporation. Working here means contributing directly to improving research transparency and reproducibility across scientific disciplines, with a focus on creating tools and practices that benefit the global research community.

About This Role

This Finance Manager role is central to COS's financial operations, focusing on multi-year forecasting, project-based financial management, and system optimization in Intacct. The position is impactful because it ensures accurate financial tracking across multiple grants and projects, directly supporting the organization's ability to secure and manage funding for open science initiatives.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day involves analyzing project financial data in Intacct, updating multi-year forecasts based on actuals, collaborating with project teams on budget adjustments, and optimizing financial reporting systems. You'll spend time ensuring grant compliance across multiple projects while maintaining accurate project-level financial tracking for research initiatives.

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🎯 Who Center for Open Science Is Looking For

  • Has 5-7+ years of nonprofit or grants-based finance experience, specifically with project-based budgeting and grant compliance requirements
  • Possesses strong Intacct system expertise and experience integrating financial systems like Ramp for streamlined operations
  • Demonstrates advanced Excel/Google Sheets skills with proven ability to create structured financial models and project-level dashboards
  • Understands nonprofit revenue recognition, net asset tracking, and allocation methodologies specific to grant-funded organizations

📝 Tips for Applying to Center for Open Science

1

Highlight specific experience with nonprofit grant compliance and project-based financial management in your resume, not just general finance experience

2

Mention any experience with Intacct or similar nonprofit accounting systems in your application materials

3

Prepare examples of how you've improved forecasting processes or created project-level financial reporting in previous roles

4

Research COS's specific projects and grants to understand their funding structure before applying

5

Demonstrate understanding of how financial management supports mission-driven work in the nonprofit sector

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your experience with nonprofit financial management and grant compliance in mission-driven organizations', 'Specific examples of improving forecasting processes or creating project-based financial systems', "How your skills with Intacct and financial systems integration can support COS's operations", 'Your understanding of how financial management enables scientific research transparency and integrity']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → COS's specific projects and initiatives like the Open Science Framework (OSF)
  • → The types of grants and funding sources COS typically works with (federal, foundation, etc.)
  • → COS's mission and recent publications about open science practices
  • → How COS's financial operations support their nonprofit mission and research community
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe your experience with multi-year forecasting in a nonprofit or grants-based environment
2 How would you approach creating Project Financial Management Plans for multiple concurrent research projects?
3 What experience do you have with Intacct system optimization and integration with other financial tools?
4 How have you handled grant compliance and reporting requirements in previous roles?
5 Can you walk us through your approach to project-based budgeting and allocation methodologies?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Applying with only corporate finance experience without demonstrating understanding of nonprofit financial management
  • Failing to mention specific experience with project-based accounting or grant compliance
  • Not researching COS's mission and how financial management supports open science initiatives

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Center for Open Science!

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