Finance Specialist

The Nature Conservancy•Lansing, MI

About The Position

The Financial Specialist provides highly specialized finance/accounting-related services to a department or business unit. They provide specialized services in financial management and reporting; accounting; grants administration, management, and reporting; or similar financial activities for a department or business unit. They have a high level of expertise in their area(s) of specialization. The position administers and maintains finance/accounting activities in accordance with TNC policies and procedures and best practices in financial management. The Finance Specialist provides assistance to staff in their specialty area. They respond to moderately complex employee/management questions and problems based on advanced knowledge of the subject area. At TNC we strive to embody a philosophy of Work that You Can Believe in where you can feel like you are making a difference every day. We’re looking for someone with strong experience in leading a varied, multi-disciplinary team. The ideal candidate should have exceptional communication and collaboration skills and experience in management of controls and reports of a business unit. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the ongoing mission of conservation by directing and shaping the work of our team! The Finance Specialist provides highly specialized finance/accounting-related services to the Operations team and the Michigan Business Unit. The Finance Specialist provides specialized services in financial management and reporting; accounting; grants administration, management and reporting; or similar financial activities for a department or business unit. They have a high level of expertise in their area(s) of specialization. The position administers and maintains finance/accounting activities in accordance with TNC policies and procedures and best practices in financial management. The Finance Specialist provides assistance to staff in their specialty area. They respond to moderately complex employee/management questions and problems based on advanced knowledge of the subject area. 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 include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. One 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. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people.” Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into 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 and partners, we impact conservation around the world!

Requirements

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.
Technical experience with spreadsheet programs, general ledger reports and financial management tools.
Experience with GAAP and fund accounting principles, practices and regulations.
Experience, coursework or other training with U.S. Federal Uniform Guidance, state and local regulations, multilateral and international regulations, and standard contract clauses, as applicable.

Nice To Haves

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.
Non-profit accounting experience.
May require technical expertise on complex accounting/financial issues.
US government grants accounting experience may be preferred or required.

Responsibilities

Acts as transactional leader for processes including accounts payable, cash receipting, accounts receivable, expense reports, etc., by stewarding items through established procedures.
Compiles financial reporting packets for internal financial management use.
Acts as front-line responder to colleagues with finance questions, triaging using established procedures and escalating as appropriate.
Acts as on-the-ground assessment of process efficiency and effectiveness, bringing forth improvement ideas through a commitment to continuous improvement.
Assists finance and BU leadership as needed in other financial related matters.
Ensures programmatic commitments, TNC policies and procedures, financial standards and legal requirements are met and managed for compliance.