Washington Center for Employee Ownership · 3 days ago
Lead, Finance and Feasibility
Bellingham, WA
Full-time
Hybrid
Senior Level
$40/hr - $40/hr
5+ years expThe Washington Center for Employee Ownership (WACEO) is a growing organization focused on promoting employee ownership as a succession planning tool. They are seeking a finance and transaction-oriented professional to lead employee ownership feasibility and financial advisory work, guiding business owners through transitions to employee ownership and collaborating with service providers.
Non-profit Organization Management
Responsibilities
Lead feasibility analyses for businesses exploring employee ownership, including ESOP, EOT, and worker cooperative models
Develop or review financial models, valuations, and cash flow analyses to assess viability of EO transactions
Translate complex financial outcomes into accessible insights for business owners and partners
Prepare feasibility reports and summaries that inform next-step decision-making and technical assistance
Support design and administration of feasibility grant programs statewide
Conduct consultations with business owners to assess goals, readiness, and alignment with EO structures
Guide owners through key financial, tax, and capital considerations associated with EO transitions
Maintain ongoing relationships with owners to provide trusted support throughout their exploration journey
Present educational sessions and develop resources to help owners and advisors understand EO finance fundamentals
Build and maintain relationships with financial, legal, and advisory partners engaged in EO transactions
Collaborate with other state centers and national partners to share expertise, align tools, and advance field standards
Represent WACEO in meetings with service providers, funders, and government agencies where financial expertise is relevant
Support professional advisor outreach and education initiatives, helping to expand the network of EO-ready practitioners
Contribute to organizational systems for tracking feasibility data, outcomes, and pipelines
Assist the Director in developing financial and strategic insights for grants, partnerships, and field-building efforts
Collaborate on materials such as presentations, policy briefs, and case studies that communicate WACEO’s financial impact and results
Qualification
Required
5–7 years of experience in finance, accounting, valuation, M&A advisory, corporate law, or related field
Strong proficiency in financial modeling, business valuation, and capital structure analysis
Understanding of or desire to learn Washington State tax and governing law as it pertains to employee ownership conversions and structures
Exceptional ability to communicate financial concepts to non-financial audiences
Demonstrated skill in relationship management and client consultation
High comfort with small-business dynamics, entrepreneurship, or economic development
Demonstrated interest in mission-driven work and community wealth building
Friendly, collaborative, and approachable
Self-motivated and able to work independently while communicating consistently with team members
Comfortable with startup environments; adaptable, innovative, and resilient through growth and change
Ethical and accountable, maintaining high standards of professional integrity
Strong analytical thinker with a practical, solutions-oriented mindset
Excellent communicator able to earn trust with diverse stakeholders
Detail-oriented while maintaining perspective on larger strategic goals
Mission-driven and aligned with WACEO's commitment to social and economic equity
Commitment to continuous learning and personal mastery of new skills/ knowledge
Preferred
CPA, CFA, ASA, or similar professional designation preferred
Experience or familiarity with employee ownership (ESOPs, EOTs, worker cooperatives)
Benefits
Sick leave accrued at the state-mandated rate
Remote work (tech) stipend, if applicable
Monthly phone stipend
Company
Washington Center for Employee Ownership
The Washington State Center for Employee Ownership (WACEO), a program of the Whatcom Community Foundation, promotes and supports shared ownership throughout Washington state to preserve businesses, increase job quality, and build community wealth.
2-10 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageCompany data provided by crunchbase