Director of Finance and Operations

The Director of Finance and Operations is responsible for the development, implementation, and monitoring of annual budgets that align with the conservation priorities of the chapter. S/he is responsible for board engagement relative to the financial management and financial sustainability of the chapter, including the presentation of financial information at Board of Trustee meetings and/or working with Board Treasurer to present the same. S/he works in close cooperation with the Regional Senior Financial Analyst and the chapter’s Grant Specialists to ensure compliance with the Conservancy’s financial procedures.

The Director of Finance and Operations assists staff on HR issues, working closely with the Regional HR Business Partner. The Director provides guidance in satisfying requirements based on extensive knowledge of policies and procedures. S/he will manage guidelines and analyze information to achieve results, improve workflow, and solve problems. S/he will provide advice, recommendations, and training related to the functional activity s/he manages. The Director must become familiar with the financial and other systems and resources utilized by the team and helps other staff understand and, where necessary, utilize those same systems.  S/he will develop documentation, modify processes, and participate in the enhancement of systems and tools used by the team.

The Director of Finance and Operations works in close cooperation with any or all of the following: Conservancy staff, donors, Trustees, vendors, public agencies, and legal and accounting professionals. S/he will report to leadership on activities. S/he will manage diverse tasks, analyze situations, evaluate alternatives, project outcomes, and implement solutions to improve effectiveness.

The Director of Finance and Operations has a passion for the mission of The Nature Conservancy and understands the important role HR and Finance have on ensuring the Conservancy is a great place to work and operates in a financially sustainable manner. S/he brings a positive, solution-oriented, and collaborative approach to the work.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE 

The Director of Finance and Operations does some combination of the following:

• Act independently and in supervisor’s stead as needed; exercise independent judgment to identify and solve problems.
• Develop and implement new initiatives that will ensure department and organization-wide goals and strategies are achieved.
• Ensure programmatic commitments, Conservancy policies and procedures, GAAP, and legal requirements are met and managed for compliance. Decisions may bind the organization financially or legally.
• Provide timely and accurate financial reports and analysis to board members and project managers.
• Develop and monitor budget, forecast, sustainability, and strategic financial plans.
• Perform 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.
• Manage privately funded awards.
• Collaborate with Grants Specialists on managing public awards.
• Oversee day-to-day financial activities such as purchasing, processing invoices, negotiating, and contracting with vendors.
• Ensure contracted vendors carry required insurance coverage and that appropriate documentation is obtained and maintained.
• Maintain confidentiality of frequently sensitive and confidential information.
• Manage and implement multiple projects, including setting deadlines and ensuring accountability.
• Travel occasionally, working long and flexible hours as needed.
• May supervise one or more administrative or professional staff, responsibility includes training and professional development.
• Work environment involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain.
• Work is diversified and may not always fall under established practices and guidelines.