Finance Director

The Nature Conservancy; Durham (NC); Hybrid; USD 98,000 - 137,000; Full time

Job summary

The Nature Conservancy seeks a Finance Director to provide strategic financial leadership for the North and South Carolina pod. You will guide budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and internal controls across the pod while partnering with conservation, philanthropy, operations, and leadership to drive sustainability and effective stewardship.

You will supervise finance staff, ensure compliance with GAAP and donor requirements, and work with the Division Director to align strategies with

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration or related field and 7 years related work experience.
• Experience with computer and information systems for financial analysis and reporting.
• Experience recruiting, supervising and developing staff.
• Experience developing budgets and high-level financial analysis; partnership to leadership.
• Experience with GAAP and not-for-profit accounting principles.

Responsibilities

• Lead financial planning activities including budgeting, forecasting, long-range planning and year-end processes.
• Deliver high-quality financial reporting, complex analysis, and scenario modeling.
• Identify risks and opportunities; develop recommendations to strengthen performance.
• Coordinate finance services across the pod and collaborate with business unit leadership.
• Supervise and develop finance staff and promote accountability and collaboration.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Financial analysis

Communication

Staff coaching/mentoring

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Finance/Accounting/Business

MBA, CPA, CIA or similar certifications preferred

Tools

Workday ERP

Excel

Job description

What We Can Achieve Together

The Finance Director (Director) serves as senior finance leader for North and South Carolina (referred to as a finance pod), while remaining directly involved and responsible for the financial management and strategic priorities of their primary business unit. They provide financial leadership and oversight across the additional states within the pod. The role supervises finance staff across the pod and partners closely with conservation, philanthropy, operations, and leadership to deliver strategic financial guidance, high-level analysis, and informed decision support. Working in collaboration with the Southern Division Finance Director, the Director advances division-wide financial priorities by implementing consistent processes, strengthening financial management practices, and fostering collaboration and operational excellence across the pod and the Southern Division.

Essential Functions

The Finance Director provides strategic financial leadership and serves as a trusted advisor to conservation, philanthropy, operations, and leadership within their assigned pod. Remaining directly involved and responsible for their primary business unit, they provide financial leadership across the pod, the role leads financial planning, forecasting, reporting, analysis, internal controls, and stewardship activities that support informed decision-making and long-term financial sustainability. The Finance Director delivers high-quality financial insight and guidance, coordinates finance services across the pod while maintaining strong partnership with assigned business unit leadership and promotes consistent financial practices and operational excellence. The role ensures effective stewardship of financial resources, compliance with organizational policies and regulatory requirements, and alignment with divisional and organizational priorities.

Location

Candidates must reside in North Carolina or South Carolina, and preferably near Raleigh-Durham, NC, or Charleston, SC.

Work Arrangement

This role may include remote and/or hybrid work arrangements depending on business needs and organizational policies. Regular travel and in-person attendance at staff meetings, leadership retreats, board meetings, and other key events are required.

Responsibilities & Scope

• Lead financial planning activities including budgeting, forecasting, long-range financial planning, financial reporting, and fiscal year-end activities, and other strategic financial initiatives.
• Deliver high-quality financial reporting, complex analysis, campaign development and support, scenario modeling, and recommendations that enable informed decision-making and support long-term financial sustainability.
• Identify financial risks and opportunities, evaluate alternatives, and develop recommendations to strengthen financial performance, optimize resource allocation, and achieve organizational objectives.
• Coordinate the delivery of finance services across the assigned pods while maintaining strong partnership and responsiveness to the needs of the embedded business unit.
• Supervise, coach, and develop finance staff across the pod, establishing priorities, promoting collaboration, and fostering professional growth and accountability.
• Serve as an active member of the leadership team, participating in leadership team meetings, staff meetings, retreats, and other forums to provide financial insight, support decision-making, and foster collaboration across the business unit.
• Ensure effective stewardship of financial resources through strong internal controls, compliance with organizational policies, donor requirements, regulatory standards, and generally accepted accounting principles, as applicable.
• Ensure accuracy, integrity, and effective management of financial data, processes, and controls to support decision-making.
• Partner with philanthropy, conservation, operations, leadership and other functional teams to provide financial guidance for fundraising initiatives, grants, contracts, campaigns, and strategic projects.
• Support governance activities by serving as a financial resource to state leadership, Boards of Trustees, Finance Committees, and other stakeholder groups, as appropriate.
• Oversee financial aspects of contracts, agreements, and other business transactions, ensuring compliance with organizational policies and sound financial practices.
• Partner with the Division Finance Director to implement division-wide financial strategies, strengthen processes and controls, promote consistency across the Southern Division, and drive continuous improvement.
• Build and maintain trusted partnerships across the assigned business units, fostering collaboration, financial accountability, and shared ownership of financial outcomes

We’re Looking For You

Are you looking for work you can believe in? 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 diverse, multi-disciplinary team. The ideal candidate should have exceptional communication and collaboration skills and experience in management of data and personnel. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the ongoing mission of conservation by directing and shaping the work of our team!

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration or related field and 7 years related work experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience working with computer and information management systems, Excel spreadsheets and databases for financial analysis, fiscal management, and/or financial reports.
• Experience recruiting, supervising and developing staff.
• Experience developing budgets, performing high-level financial analysis, and recommending actions and providing partnership to leadership.
• Experience acting as a consultant/advisor to senior executives.
• Experience with accounting principles, practices and regulations.
• Experience with GAAP and not-for-profit accounting principles, practices and regulations, including government grants accounting and reporting.
• Experience in developing, directing and implementing multiple projects.
• 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.

Desired Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience leading, developing, and motivating finance professionals, including establishing priorities, fostering collaboration, and building high-performing teams.
• Experience leading financial services and initiatives across multiple organizational units, business areas, or stakeholder groups.
• Demonstrated ability to serve as a strategic finance partner, build trusted relationships, influence decision-making, and navigate competing priorities with diverse stakeholders.
• Advanced experience in financial planning, forecasting, budgeting, reporting, analysis, and translating financial information into actionable insights and recommendations.
• Demonstrated success analyzing complex financial information, identifying risks and opportunities, developing solutions, and supporting strategic decision-making.
• Experience evaluating and strengthening financial processes, internal controls, and management practices to improve effectiveness and ensure compliance.
• Expert knowledge of GAAP, financial management principles, and relevant regulatory frameworks, with the ability to interpret and apply requirements to complex business situations.
• Experience working with federal grants, government regulations, contracts, and other restricted funding sources.
• Experience with enterprise financial systems, including prior experience with Workday or similar ERP systems.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex financial concepts to technical and non-financial audiences.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities in a complex, mission-driven environment.
• Experience working in a collaborative, multi-disciplinary, or geographically dispersed organization.
• Service oriented. Courteous, personable, tactful and experienced dealing effectively with all levels of staff.
• Experience working with U.S. Federal government circulars (OMB Circulars A-110, A-122 and A-133) and state and local regulations.
• Multilingual skills and/or multicultural experience appreciated.
• MBA, CPA, CIA, or other relevant professional certifications preferred.

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered “high risk drivers.” To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit the Auto Safety information page. Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

Salary Information

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $97,700 – $137,000 annually. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

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 include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

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.”

What We Bring

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!

TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.