Are you a detailed “numbers” person with excellent data organization and tracking skills who takes pride in getting the right information to the right person at the right time in the right system? Do you consider yourself helpful and a good communicator who is motivated to contribute to creating a world where people and nature thrive? Our Conservation Financial Specialist position could be the next step in your career!
Located in our Tucson office, as the Conservation Financial Specialist for The Nature Conservancy in Arizona, you’ll be an integral supporting team member to the Verde (River) Program and a key support person to the Director of Finance and Operations. This entails performing very detailed financial data tracking of grants in and payments out on multiple and overlapping projects, processing vendor payments, and assisting with vendor contracting.
The Conservation Financial Specialist will be responsible for performing a variety of financial operations tasks related to the assigned program(s). Tracks and monitors a variety of financial data related to payments out and receipts (grants) in by specific conservation project, recommending payment allocations to the Verde (River) Program Director, processing vendor payments, and processing expense reports for assigned staff. Help manage the vendor contracting process, including preparing initial drafts of vendor contracts based on templates, securing vendor signatures and forms from vendors. May perform other financial administrative tasks including processing forms, preparing manual and automated reports, and monitoring budgets. Assists designated staff with meeting deadlines related to financial and grant-in transactions and reporting by use of “tickler” systems. Uses available systems and resources to maintain, track, and research data, and to produce and review reports. Applies established processes and practices to improve effectiveness and document program procedures for reference by staff. Coordinates activities with multiple variables, sets realistic deadlines and manages timelines. Works cooperatively with Conservancy staff, providing information necessary to make decisions and solve problems. May communicate on behalf of their supervisor with internal and external sources, including staff, donors, vendors, and businesses to convey information and ensure successful execution of program activities.
The Specialist will be an integral part of the AZ Water and Verde teams, as well as of the AZ Operations work group, and will attend and participate in regularly and specially scheduled team and work group meetings which will require regular travel to Phoenix and the Verde Valley. The Specialist will execute all duties within the Conservancy’s Policies, Standard Operating Procedures, business practices, processes and guidelines and Business Unit practices.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Perform duties under general supervision and established guidelines;
- Make day-to-day decisions within the scope of work assignments and prioritize work independently;
- Identify routine problems and utilize existing resources for resolution, referring difficult questions and problems to supervisor;
- Demonstrate sensitivity in handling confidential information;
- Does not supervise any staff, but may supervise volunteers, interns, or temporary staff;
- Financial responsibility may include purchasing, processing invoices, contracting with vendors, and assisting with budget tracking;
- Serve as a team member for assigned projects;
- Be willing to travel, work overtime, and work evenings and weekends as needed; and
- Work environment involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion
The ideal candidate will have a background and track record that includes:
- Excellent data organization and tracking skills;
- Very strong attention to detail and accuracy;
- Experience and ability to use Windows, Excel and Outlook;
- Experience in business writing, editing, and proofreading;
- Experience organizing time and managing diverse activities to meet deadlines;
- Experience performing one or more administrative processes;
- Experience working and communicating effectively with a wide range of people;
- Ability to travel to Phoenix and the Verde Valley regularly (at least monthly and occasionally overnight); and
- A valid Driver’s license.
Some preferred knowledge, skills and experience that would be helpful:
- Three - five years of directly related and progressive experience;
- Multi-cultural or cross-cultural experiences or multi-lingual skills are appreciated;
- Strong Windows, Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel and Word) and “Box” skills;
- Ability to learn and navigate a variety of enterprise software systems; and
- Ability to apply analytical, critical thinking and research skills.