Finance/Accounting Specialist II

Who We Are:

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our Mission and guided by our Values, which includes a Commitment to Diversity and Respect for People, Communities, and Cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s lots of reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube or on Glassdoor.

Our goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging, and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we work. In addition to the requirements in our postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and a culture of inclusion! Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote myriad TNC staff members, “you’ll join for our mission, and you’ll stay for our people.”

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Financial Specialist provides specialized finance, accounting and award-related management services to the Tackle Climate Change team that includes colleagues and partners around the world.

The Finance Specialist will provide support on all financial operations for Tackle Climate Change finance team with a specific focus on day-to-day transactional support, monitoring and reporting financials, private grant management including proposal budget, annual budget, etc. They administer and maintain finance/accounting activities in accordance with TNC policies and procedures and best practices in financial management.

The location for this position is flexible within countries where The Nature Conservancy has an established office. Salary is based on physical working location. No relocation assistance.

This is a two-year funded position with the possibility for extension based on deliverables and funding.

We’re Looking for You:

The Finance Specialist provides specialized services to support financial management and reporting; accounting; grants administration including closeout management, and similar financial activities for the Tackle Climate Change team. They expeditiously, accurately, and courteously respond to or route various inquiries from internal and external customers. They have a high level of expertise in day-to-day transaction review, coding accuracy and generating custom reports. They will provide financial support and assistance to Conservation and Finance managers related to reporting, forecasting, budget monitoring and grants closeout process. They will prepare and monitor budgets, prepare timely and accurate forecasts and reports, and support contracts and invoice payments and invoice issuance ensuring adherence to all Standard Operating Procedures.

Responsibilities to include:

• Prepares donor and management financial reports and materials including budget/spend analysis, budgeting, and forecasting on private grants.
• Performs all research, analysis, cost assignment and accounting adjustments needed for Private Awards mechanisms.
• Leads in financial system migration process within team and designs user friendly templates to enhance data consistency and facilitate analysis for decision making
• Collaborates with accurate processing of income, expenses, and transfers, as well pulling monthly financial reports from the general ledger and other ad hoc financial reporting.
• Supports in preparing/processing various transactional accounting forms and reports such as journal entries, expense reclasses, and cash receipts.
• May coordinate data gathering, submission and review for audit.
• Performs invoice issuance and payments, including income and expense tracking and finance review of contracts and agreements, ensuring adherence to all Standard Operating Procedures.
• Performs detailed review and analysis of invoices, expense reports, and transaction data for conservation teams.
• May support contract specialist in review and processing of contract payment schedule and reporting.
• Works in multiple financial systems and relational databases.
• Acts independently on assigned tasks and exercises sound judgement based on analysis and experience.
• May manage special projects and/or requests that address key contract or financial issues.
• Ensures programmatic commitments, TNC policies and procedures, financial standards and legal requirements are met and managed for compliance.

What You’ll Bring:

• Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration or related field and 3 years' related experience or equivalent combination.
• Experience with accounting/financial issues and analysis.
• Experience using accounting and financial reporting systems (i.e., Insight).
• Technical experience with spreadsheet programs, general ledger reports and financial management tools (i.e., MS suite, Matlab, etc).
• Experience with GAAP and fund accounting principles, practices and regulations.
• Experience, coursework or other training with standard contract clauses.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Multi-lingual skills and/or multi-cultural experience appreciated.
• Ability to manipulate, analyze and interpret data.
• Advanced expertise in Microsoft Excel.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Accuracy, attention to detail and the ability to multi-task.
• Discretion and sensitivity handling confidential information.
• Excellent “customer service” skills and focus.
• Strong interpersonal skills to develop productive working relationships with a wide range of people in a decentralized team structure.
• Non-profit accounting experience.
• Technical expertise on complex accounting/financial issues.
• US government grants accounting experience may be preferred or required.

What We Bring:

Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has been doing work you can believe in protecting the lands and waters that all life depends on. Through grassroots action, TNC has grown to become one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff, we impact conservation throughout the world!

The Nature Conservancy offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including: health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan including employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work wellbeing benefits. Learn more about our benefits at in the Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

We’re proud to offer a work-environment that is supportive of the health, wellbeing, and flexibility needs of the people we employ!