Director of Finance and Operations

The Director of Finance and Operations will provide overarching leadership and guidance that promotes operational excellence throughout the Business Unit and supports the Unit’s ability to accomplish strategic priorities. The DFO will be responsible for ensuring senior level financial analysis for unit leaders and generally responsible for the management, maintenance and reporting of financial data and financial / management best practices.  This responsibility will include analyzing and advising on all aspects of financial management and working directly with the State Director and Board of Trustees to ensure the financial security and sustainability of the organization while helping program staff meet broad and ambitious conservation goals.  The DFO will manage or oversee complex and administrative tasks related to Information Systems, and Finance, including processing forms, preparing reports and forecasts, and monitoring and preparing budgets. They will reinforce consistency in the organization's policies and procedures and provide direction related to operations. They will be responsible for ensuring that programmatic work is a collaborative and well-integrated effort across the Business Unit. They will work with the Philanthropy team in managing and tracking Campaign activities, and work collaboratively to ensure that Philanthropy and Finance are closely aligned in their work flows and projects. They will manage vendor relationships, as needed. They will work with teams to establish and track measures, and to lead indicators of progress and success. They will lead diverse activities, develop complex processes, project outcomes, and initiate solutions in order to improve effectiveness. They will serve as team leader for the enhancement of financial systems and tools used by the team. The DFO will establish and maintain constructive and effective relationships with a wide range of people, including senior management, public and private sector colleagues, and partners including financial/legal advisors.  The DFO reports directly to the State Director, and manages a multidisciplinary team comprised of finance, technology and information systems, and operations staff.

Specifically, the DFO and their team will:

• Participate with the Florida Leadership Team (LT) in the development, review and implementation of strategic and annual plans.
• Lead development of system improvements that will allow appropriate tracking and management of Campaign Financial activities, as well as ensuring alignment of systems and resources with existing financial management needs
• Participate in development and refinement of conservation tracking programs that align with the Chapter’s Financial systems, and provide oversight and guidance to ensure that Operations and Financial systems are appropriately incorporated into new models.
• Provide financial oversight and fiscal management including budgeting, strategic financial planning, long-term program sustainability, projections, preparation of periodic and ad hoc reports for the Board, State Director, and program managers, and works closely with regional/divisional finance staff.
• Lead development of annual budgets; coordinate annual plans and budgets for all programs; develop timelines for budget submission; prepare summary documentation; secure regional approval of annual budgets/plans; and monitor department programs for budget adherence.
• Serve as principal contact for Board financial and operations committees and information needs.
• Oversee general operations and administrative support functions including technology and information systems coordination; expense and time reports; and office, inventory, facilities, and fleet management.
• Develop guidelines and processes to ensure efficient and accurate fiscal and operational management of the program

RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE 

• Manage three or more administrative or professional staff, including training, professional development, establishing clear directions, setting “stretch” objectives, and overseeing the execution of day-to-day work;
• Conceive, design and manage complex and diversified projects, including directing work of staff and ensuring program accountability;
• Make strategic decisions; decisions made may have program-wide impact and may bind the organization financially or legally;
• Manage strategic initiatives through collaboration with stakeholders in order to enhance performance in accordance with short and long-term objectives;
• Minimize legal risk to the Conservancy and ensure legal compliance with applicable state and local regulations; 
• Provide timely and accurate financial reports and analysis to board members and project managers;
• Develop and monitor budget, forecast, sustainability, and strategic financial plans;
• Oversee general accounting duties, to include: basic journal entries for transfers, loans, land transactions, accruals, deferred revenue and expense corrections;
• Review and monitor income statement and balance sheet (including pledges) items at month and year-end close;
• Provide financial expertise on land deals or other special projects;
• Ensure revenue, expenses and net assets are managed to reflect donor intent, including working with cross-functional teams to perform revenue allocation;
• Oversee privately funded awards;
• Direct or participate in negotiations for complex, high profile, or sensitive agreements;
• Ensure that programmatic commitments, Conservancy policies and procedures, and financial standards are met and managed for ethical compliance;
• Maintain confidentiality of frequently sensitive and emotionally-charged information;
• Act independently and resolve complex issues within program area;
• Ensure strategic goals and objectives are met;