Bookkeeper and Finance Operations Specialist

The Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory, founded in 1928 as an independent nonprofit organization, is a biological field station near Crested Butte, Colorado. Our primary mission is to advance the scientific understanding of nature that promotes informed stewardship of the Earth. RMBL provides scientists and students access to diverse habitats, research and education infrastructure, a collaborative and internationally recognized scientific community, and a broad base of knowledge about the ecology of mountain environments. A deeply understood place and supportive research community make it ideal for training the next generation of field scientists. We seek a bookkeeper and finance operations specialist to join RMBL’s finance team as we prepare for the next 100 years of science, education, and impact at one of the world’s most prestigious field research stations. The role is essential to the accuracy and integrity of RMBL’s financial records and to the continued improvement of our financial systems and processes. Working closely with the finance director, the bookkeeper will manage day-to-day bookkeeping, accounts payable and receivable, monthly bank and credit card reconciliations, payroll for up to 70 employees and independent contractors, and the recording of donor gifts and program payments. The ideal candidate combines strong attention to detail with a process-improvement mindset: someone who can maintain accurate books while noticing when a process is unnecessarily complicated, manual, or time-consuming, and who wants to help build a better way. We’re also looking for someone who is mission-driven and able to work independently on several projects at once. ResponsibilitiesReporting to the finance director, the bookkeeper will be responsible for duties including, but not limited to, the following: Bookkeeping & Reconciliations (year-round)Perform daily and weekly bookkeeping in QuickBooks.Reconcile seven bank accounts monthly in QuickBooks, identifying and correcting errors to keep accounts accurate.Reconcile 10 credit cards monthly in QuickBooks, obtaining receipts and proper approvals for every charge and filing both accurately. Accounts Payable & Accounts ReceivableManage payables through QuickBooks and BILL.com, obtaining receipts and proper approvals for every charge and filing both accurately.Accurately record all payments received, including RMBL fee payments, donor gifts, youth program payments, conference payments, online donations and payments, and Gothic Store receipts.Process donor gifts and pledges in QuickBooks, ensuring each gift is correctly designated.Prepare bank deposits, record all deposit data, and deliver deposits to the bank. Payroll & Tax ReportingProcess payroll in Paychex, following proper payroll procedures and reporting for up to 70 employees and independent contractors.Run payroll reports for supervisors and bimonthly payroll reports, and allocate salaries and taxes to specific grants.Collect W-9s from contractors and prepare 1099s each January using Track1099.Add new staff to Paychex and train staff to use the payroll system correctly. Systems, Process Improvement & Documentation (with the finance director)Support the transition to a new fiscal year.Regularly assess RMBL’s accounting and financial processes and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy, internal controls, and ease of use for staff.Research, recommend, and help implement technology and tools that streamline financial processes, including credit card and receipt management, accounts payable, expense reimbursement, payroll, electronic approvals, and other recurring workflows. Store & Cash Management (a larger share of the job in summer)Process Square and Gothic Store receipts: count, record, and deposit cash, and reconcile credit card charges.Supply the Gothic Store with change daily, obtained from the bank.Oversee petty cash for department use, issue cash banks, and collect all funds at the end of the season. Human Resources & Administrative SupportCreate hourly contracts for seasonal employees and send them through DocuSign with the necessary tax forms.Other duties as assigned. Knowledge and SkillsExcellent computer skills and proficiency with QuickBooks and Microsoft Office (especially Excel); experience with Salesforce, BILL.com, Paychex, Track1099, Square, and DocuSign is a plus.Solid understanding of bookkeeping principles, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, reconciliations, and payroll.Comfort with technology and curiosity about new tools and systems; ability to learn new applications and help others use them effectively.Ability to evaluate existing processes, identify inefficiencies, and develop practical improvements.Exceptional accuracy and attention to detail.Strong organizational and time-management skills.Ability to handle confidential financial and personnel information with discretion.Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.Ability to work independently.Ability to handle multiple deadlines and projects simultaneously. Qualifications, Credentials, and ExperienceDegree in accounting, finance, business, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.Professional experience in bookkeeping, accounting, or a related field.Experience processing payroll, including year-end 1099 preparation.Nonprofit experience, including grant allocation and donor gift processing, is a plus.Ideal candidates are mission-driven and detail-oriented, thrive in small organizations, and enjoy working in a dynamic, fast-changing environment. Compensation and ScheduleFull-time, exempt, 40 hours a week beginning in 2027.The position is primarily in person at RMBL’s offices. Remote work may be available when appropriate.$55,000-$65,000 a year. Final compensation will depend on qualifications, experience, and internal equity.Benefits include generous paid time off, paid holidays, meals while the dining hall is open (roughly June through September), the opportunity to fund retirement and flexible spending accounts, and, in 2026, a taxable salary supplement.Anticipated start date between Dec. 1, 2026, and Jan. 1, 2027. RMBL is an equal opportunity employer.The Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory, as a recipient of federal financial assistance, is subject to the provisions of Title IX and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. RMBL provides equal opportunity in science, education, and employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of race (including hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, marital status, political affiliation, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law, in admissions, access to, treatment, or employment in the programs and activities it operates. Reasonable accommodations are available to applicants with disabilities upon request. RMBL is required to comply with all federal and state laws related to verifying employment eligibility. All new hires must complete Form I-9 and present acceptable documentation of identity and employment authorization within three business days of their first day of work. Employees may choose which document or documents to present from the Form I-9 Lists of Acceptable Documents. Timeframe for Filling the PositionOpen until filled. Anticipated start date between Dec. 1, 2026, and Jan. 1, 2027. To ApplyPlease submit a letter of interest and resume to ben@rmbl.org. For questions about the position, contact finance director Ben Calvin at the same address. Applications will be accepted through Nov. 22, 2026, or until the position is filled.