Business/Administrative Manager, Saranac Lake, NY

About Us:
We are a sustainable design firm committed to creating beautiful, high-performance, low-carbon residential, multi-family, and light commercial buildings. Using an integrated design process, we balance beauty and function to produce timeless architecture that respectfully connects people to nature. We serve Saranac Lake and the surrounding communities, and our work reflects our dedication to environmental responsibility, craftsmanship, and community-centered design.

Position Summary:
The Business/Administrative Manager is a vital team member who oversees the firm’s internal systems, administrative operations, and financial processes. This role demands a highly organized, detail-oriented professional comfortable managing a wide range of responsibilities. The Business/Administrative Manager will work closely with and report directly to the Owner/Principal of the firm. They will oversee bookkeeping and accounting, lead HR administration, and coordinate marketing and IT consultants, while supporting day-to-day operations for our creative and energetic office.

This is a full-time position (40 hours per week). While this role is ideally based in the Saranac Lake office, we are open to considering highly qualified candidates who are partially or fully remote.

Key Responsibilities:

Business Management

  • Develop an annual operating budget in collaboration with the Owner/Principal

  • Prepare design agreements and amendments in collaboration with the Owner/Principal

  • Oversee and improve office systems and workflows to optimize efficiency

  • Manage and coordinate marketing and IT consultants who work directly with the Owner/Principal

  • Manage and coordinate general administration and maintenance tasks done by others

Bookkeeping and Accounting

  • Generate and annotate monthly financial reports, including Profit & Loss and Balance Sheets, and measure against the annual operating budget

  • Prepare and monitor cash flow reports

  • Perform monthly account reconciliations

  • Manage accounts payable and accounts receivable

  • Coordinate and issue client invoices and invoice reminders

  • Coordinate with external partners on insurance and tax-related matters

Human Resources

  • Process payroll and review employee timesheets with project manager(s) to confirm alignment with agreements

  • Manage supporting resources and benefits for all employees

  • Schedule employee reviews, manage HR-related issues, and maintain HR records

  • Maintain Employee Handbook

  • Develop and implement onboarding plans for new hires in collaboration with project manager(s)

  • Manage recruiting efforts

Sales

  • Serve as the first point of contact for all sales inquires via email, phone, and walk-ins

  • Maintain and update BMA’s sales tracking list

  • Support potential client communications and business development by scheduling meetings and site visits

  • Draft, review, and manage agreements and proposals

Required Qualifications: 

  • Professional service firm experience

  • Excellent organizational skills and strong attention to detail

  • Strong verbal and written communication skills

  • Strong understanding of accounting and financial reporting

  • Proficiency in Google Workspace

  • Collaborative, professional work ethic

  • Creative and innovative problem-solving abilities and the ability to anticipate needs

  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced, small team environment with a hands-on, flexible approach

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • Architectural/Engineering firm experience

  • Experience with accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks Desktop or Online)

  • Understanding of financial forecasting and budgeting

  • Knowledge of basic HR practices and employment compliance

  • Experience managing benefits

Compensation: 

Salary range is $72,800-$83,200 based on skills, experience, and location

As a full-time employee of BMA, you are eligible for a generous benefits package that includes PTO, paid holidays, a retirement plan, health and vision coverage, and a professional development allowance.


Application: 

To apply, please submit your cover letter and resume in PDF format to:  careers@blackmountainarchitecture.com
BMA is committed to developing a diverse team. Individuals of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.