Working within the New Mexico Field Office (NMFO) in Santa Fe, NM, the Finance Specialist II is responsible for the overall management, maintenance, analysis and reporting of all financial data for the New Mexico Chapter of TNC. They work with program staff toward the collective achievement of a complex set of land and water protection, conservation, restoration and stewardship goals.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The Finance/Accounting Specialist II in New Mexico is responsible for administering and maintaining NMFO’s finance/accounting activities in accordance with TNC policies and procedures and best practices in financial management. They provide financial data to staff and Board ensuring programmatic commitments are met, fiscal responsibility is measured, and assists with financial forecasting for the Chapter’s long-term sustainability planning.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
• Financial responsibility includes leading the development, submission, and oversight of the annual operating budget.
• Responsible for monitoring public and private grant award transactions. Assists in the development of private proposal budgets, maintains private award records, and processes invoicing.
• Generates and analyzes financial reports from accounting systems for the NM Board of Trustees, Sr. Management and Project Managers.
• Prepares, monitors and maintains project budgets and records.
• Performs annual accounting closing process and reporting.
• Allocates and documents pledges, cash, and in-kind gifts received in NM and documents the allocation of stock gifts received by the Conservancy’s worldwide office, on behalf of and for the benefit of work in NM.
• Approves timecards and invoices.
• Prepares and submits journal entries.
• Monitors compliance with Conservancy policies and procedures as well as financial compliance rules (FASB) that relate to gift acceptance, documentation, pledge fulfillment, and similar matters.
• Coordinates multiple tasks with several variables, sometimes under tight deadlines.
• Solves routine problems independently; consults with supervisor or accounting support team for unusual or complex problems.
• Acts as a resource to others to identify and solve problems.
• Communicates with internal and external contacts to seek or convey NM financial information as needed.
• Ensures that programmatic commitment to TNC policies and procedures, financial standards and legal requirements are being met and managed for compliance.
• Provides occasional office back-up to NM Director of Finance/Operations.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or related field and 3 years' related accounting experience or equivalent combination.
• Experience with accounting/financial practices and analysis.
• Solid knowledge, and proven experience using and maintaining records in automated accounting and financial reporting systems.
• Technical experience with spreadsheet programs, general ledger reports and financial management tools.
• Ability to manipulate, analyze and interpret data. Advanced expertise in Microsoft Excel.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Accuracy and keen attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills (English) both oral and written required.
• Knowledge of GAAP and understanding of accrual accounting principles, practices and regulations.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Multi-lingual skills and/or multi-cultural experience appreciated.
• Non-profit accounting and/or U.S. government grants accounting experience.
• Technical expert on moderately complex accounting/financial issues.
• Master’s Degree in Accounting.