Director of Finance

Michigan Director of Finance

The Nature Conservancy

Locations: Grand Rapids, Lansing, Ann Arbor, Detroit, or surrounding areas preferred
Work Arrangement: Hybrid
Employment Type: Full-Time
Salary: $100,000–$105,000
Category: Finance & Accounting
Job ID: JR102827

 

The Organization

 

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is a global environmental nonprofit whose mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. Through science-based and on-the-ground solutions, TNC works to address conservation challenges and create a world where people and nature thrive.

 

Founded in 1951, TNC has grown into a global conservation organization supported by more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and staff and partners working around the world.

 

The Opportunity

 

The Director of Finance provides overall direction and leadership for finance within TNC’s Michigan Business Unit and supports special projects within the Midwest Division and Midwest Division Finance Cabinet.

 

The Director is responsible for Finance and Accounting activities while providing strategic and tactical financial support to Michigan Chapter staff and operations. The position currently reports to the Director of Operations. As TNC implements a new Midwest finance structure, the role is expected to report to a Division Finance Director while retaining financial responsibility for the Michigan Business Unit.

 

The Director serves as the subject matter expert on the Michigan Chapter’s financial position and long-term sustainability and communicates financial information to Chapter and program leaders and the Board of Trustees.

 

Responsibilities & Scope

 

• Develop and coordinate financial strategies and tactics that support the program’s strategic priorities.

• Communicate financial information to Business Unit and program leaders and the Board of Trustees to facilitate sound management decisions.

• Serve as a member of the Management Team and advisor to the State Director, Board of Trustees, and Development team.

• Collaborate on budgeting, gift allocation, fundraising tracking, donor restrictions, financial controls, and the overall financial health of the Business Unit.

• Manage private funding lifecycles in partnership with grants management specialists, Development, and Conservation teams.

• Develop budgets and ensure timely and accurate reporting to funders.

• Ensure privately funded awards are appropriately managed and tracked within financial systems.

• Implement and manage new initiatives and multiple projects.

• Ensure programmatic work is collaborative and well-integrated across the organization.

• Develop the annual collaborative $10 million budget with budget managers.

• Partner with Operations and Conservation Operations on purchasing, invoice processing, vendor negotiations, contracting, and financial compliance.

• May supervise one or more administrative or professional staff.

• Collaborate with finance professionals throughout the Midwest Division.

• Serve on the Midwest Finance Cabinet and participate in special finance projects.

• May negotiate complex agreements and contracts with vendors and partners.

• Ensure compliance with program commitments, TNC policies and procedures, financial standards, and legal requirements.

• Reinforce consistency in organizational policies and procedures.

• Report to leadership on financial activities, forecasts, and long-term sustainability.

• Travel and work long or flexible hours as needed.

 

Qualifications

 

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or Business Administration and five years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Experience with accounting principles, practices, and regulations.

• Experience with GAAP.

• Technical experience with grant award accounting.

• Experience using accounting and financial reporting systems.

• Experience, coursework, or training involving U.S. Federal Uniform Guidance, state and local regulations, multilateral and international regulations, and standard contract clauses, as applicable.

 

Desired Qualifications

 

• Multilingual skills and/or multicultural experience appreciated.

• Technical expertise in complex accounting and financial issues and advanced Microsoft Excel skills.

• Experience monitoring and ensuring compliance with organizational policies, applicable laws and regulations, and finance/accounting/management best practices.

• Experience analyzing regulatory frameworks and applying them to specific circumstances.

• Expert knowledge of GAAP and/or relevant regulatory frameworks.

• Experience evaluating management controls, interpreting guidelines, and adapting or modifying processes as needed.

• Ability to independently resolve complex issues within the program area.

• Experience serving as a resource to others in solving problems.

• MBA, CPA, or CIA may be preferred.

 

Compensation

 

The starting salary range for this position is generally $100,000–$105,000 for candidates employed in the United States. Actual compensation will depend on factors including location, qualifications, skills, and experience.

 

Benefits

 

TNC offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

 

• Health care benefits

• Flexible spending accounts

• 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match

• Parental leave

• Accrued paid time off

• Life insurance

• Disability coverage

• Employee assistance program

• Additional life and work well-being benefits

• Flexible work environment

 

Application Information

 

TNC uses a rolling interview process and may review applications in the order received. Once a strong candidate pool has been identified, the position may be removed from consideration, so applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

 

The successful applicant must meet The Nature Conservancy’s background screening requirements.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and experiences.