Lead, Finance and Feasibility

POSITION: Lead, Finance and Feasibility, Washington Center for Employee Ownership (WACEO)

TYPE :
The annual compensation for this part‑time, non‑exempt position for 16 hours/ week (with a potential to increase), is $40/hour

LOCATION: Remote with preference for candidates located within Washington State

REPORTS TO: Director, Washington Center for Employee Ownership (WACEO)

The Washington Center for Employee Ownership (WACEO) is part of a growing network of organizations across the country serving as statewide hubs for employee ownership (EO) resources and support, promoting EO as a valuable succession planning tool and helping business owners take advantage of the power of EO to keep their business operational while benefit ting their workforce and the communities in which they operate.

We are seeking a finance and transaction‑oriented professional to lead WACEO’s employee ownership feasibility and financial advisory work. The ideal candidate brings a strong background in business finance, accounting, valuation, or M&A - and is equally adept at communicating complex financial concepts clearly and persuasively to small business owners and partners.

This position will lead the assessment of financial feasibility for businesses exploring transitions to employee ownership, provide guidance to owners and their advisors on suitable EO structures, and collaborate with service providers to advance viable transactions. The role also serves as a shared resource across state employee ownership centers nationally, supporting cross‑state feasibility and finance efforts as part of a coordinated network.

WACEO is in startup mode, having launched in 2024. This role requires someone who understands this early stage of organizational development and is eager to help shape the organization and contribute to its success by “wearing many hats” to support the mission.

Potential for occasional travel for internal and/ or client meetings

• 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.

• 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…