Director of Finance & Operations

The Nebraska Director of Finance and Operations (DFO) will work towards meeting the strategic priorities of the program by developing and coordinating tactics for approved plans, and completing and/or overseeing day-to-day tasks. They will oversee the central administrative processes, including facility management, telecommunications, mailroom operations, and telephone/public reception, maintaining office supplies and equipment, and processing purchasing requests. They will be responsible for development and implementation of annual budgets, managing the process for annual planning, and monitoring progress. The DFO handles financial transactions and fiscal year end processes. They will provide assistance to all levels of staff on HR issues, working closely with the Regional HR Business Partner. They coordinate recruitment, oversee HR processes, and ensure compliance with labor rules. The DFO will provide guidance in satisfying requirements based on extensive knowledge of policies and procedures. They will manage guidelines and analyze factual information to achieve results, improve workflow, and solve problems. They will provide advice, recommendations, and training related to the functional activity they manage. They will be responsible for board engagement in the financial management and financial sustainability of the chapter, including the presentation of financial information at board meetings. The DFO must become familiar with the systems and resources utilized by the team and apply knowledge to managing support and designing communications related to the resources. They will develop documentation, modify processes, and participate in the enhancement of systems and tools used by the team. The DFO will work in close cooperation with any or all of the following: Conservancy staff, donors, trustees, vendors, public agencies, and legal and accounting professionals. They will report to leadership on activities. They will manage diverse tasks, analyze situations, evaluate alternatives, project outcomes, and implement solutions in order to improve effectiveness.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE 

The DFO 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 (may include managing external accounting vendor), 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 emotionally-charged information;
• Manage and implement multiple projects, including setting deadlines and ensuring accountability;
• Travel occasionally, working long and flexible hours as needed;
• 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; and
• Work is diversified and may not always fall under established practices and guidelines.