The Office of the Chief Scientist (OCS) is the Conservancy’s centralized research unit that drives synthesis and creation of new evidence around linkages between conservation and human well-being. Lead Scientists and other science staff in OCS drive primary research and synthesis at the leading edge of use-driven science, probing for solutions to joint global challenges for nature and people. We also cultivate and engage world-class universities in partnerships that help bring global expertise in diverse disciplines to our conservation challenges.
The Finance and Contracts Specialist provides finance/accounting and contracts related services to the Office of the Chief Scientist (OCS) and manages the finances and contracts of the Science for Nature and People Partnership (SNAPP).
The Finance and Contracts Specialist is an expert in contract development as well as financial tracking and reporting related to contracts. The Finance and Contracts Specialist provides specialized services in financial management and reporting; accounting; grants administration; management and reporting; or similar financial activities for OCS and s/he will manage the finances of SNAPP in coordination with the partnership finance representatives and prepare the financial reports to donors and the SNAPP Board. S/he administers and maintains finance/accounting activities in accordance with TNC policies and procedures and best practices in financial management. S/he is able to effectively articulate relevant legal concepts and internal policies and procedures to others and s/he has a solid understanding of the concept of legal liability and risk management.
The Finance and Contracts Specialist reports to the OCS Director of Finance and Operations and is a key member of the OCS Operations Team, supporting a geographically dispersed team of 25+ staff. S/he will work closely with Program/Project Managers as well as Legal and Finance colleagues.
- Prepares financial reports to partners and the SNAPP Board and manages the overall finances of SNAPP in coordination with the partnership finance representatives.
- Generates and analyzes monthly financial reports and data from the general ledger and other ad hoc financial reports, such as Labor Distribution Reports, and tracks spending rates.
- Prepares accounting forms and reports, such as journal entries, cash receipt recordings, and adjustments, including payment of invoices and might include review of expense reports.
- Works to ensure accurate processing of expenses and transfers.
- Maintains excellent knowledge of TNC corporate policies and procedures, and works to identify needed improvements to established policies in keeping with the underlying principles.
- Ensures TNC policies and procedures, financial standards, and legal requirements are understood and met.
- Manages processes for contract drafting, review and execution for OCS and SNAPP.
- Collects and manages official corporate legal files, in electronic and paper form.
- Supports contract/grant management processes and ensures compliance with TNC policies and procedures.
- Drafts and revises complex legal documents for review by attorney.
- Acts independently on assigned tasks and exercises sound judgement based on analysis and experience.
- Supports the Director of Finance and Operations with other priority needs on an as-needed basis
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration or related field and 3 years related experience or equivalent combination.
- Experience managing accounting/financial and contractual matters for projects in a non-profit or government granting/contracting environment.
- Experience using accounting and financial reporting systems
- Experience with GAAP and fund accounting principles, practices and regulations
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Ability to manipulate, analyze and interpret data. Advanced expertise in Microsoft Excel
- Working knowledge of grants accounting
- Experience with SharePoint
- Strong organizational skills
- Accuracy, attention to detail and the ability to multi-task
- May require technical expertise on complex accounting/financial issues