Finance Manager

The Nature Conversancy; Frankfort (KY); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k) with employer match

Paid time off

Parental leave

Life insurance

Disability coverage

Employee assistance program

Job summary

The Nature Conservancy seeks a Finance Manager for the Southern Division to lead budgeting, forecasting, and financial stewardship for the division and its programs, including North American Fire and the Mississippi River Basin Program. You will translate program priorities into financial strategies and deliver actionable insights.

You will partner with program leaders, philanthropy, grants, and operations, exercising independence and strong judgment to optimize funding, manage resourcing, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field.
• Experience with GAAP and financial reporting.
• Experience developing budgets and providing financial partnership to leadership.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day financial activities including journal entries and reconciliations.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and year-end close for the portfolio.
• Provide high-level analysis, reporting, and scenario modeling to leadership.

Skills

Financial analysis

Budgeting

Forecasting

GAAP

Financial controls

Workday

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance/Accounting/Business

Tools

Workday

Job description

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Finance Manager works within the Southern Division business unit and serves as the primary finance partner for theSouthern Division Office and programs housed within the Division. The portfolio currently includes the financial management of the Southern Division Office,North American Fire and the Mississippi River Basin Program. Additional programs may be added as appropriate.

This is ahands-on finance leadership role that combines day-to-day financial management with strategic financial planning and decision support. The Finance Manager is expected to independently manage core financial activities, including journal entries, account reconciliations, reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and year-end close, while also applying strong financial judgment to identify opportunities, evaluate alternatives, develop recommendations, and help shape funding and resource allocation strategies.

The Finance Manager partners closely with program and Division leaders, conservation, philanthropy, operations, grants, and other functional teams to provide strategic financial guidance, high-level analysis, and informed decision support. The Manager serves as a trusted finance thought partner, helping translate organizational and programmatic priorities into effective financial strategies and actionable plans.

In addition to managing the finances of the Southern Division Office and its programs, the Finance Manager servesthe broader Southern Division as a finance resource and thought partner. The role provides financial guidance, consultation, problem-solving, and analysis to leaders and teams across the Division as needs arise. The Finance Manager reports directly to the Southern Division Finance Director and works closely with the North American Fire Program Director through a strong dotted-line relationship to support the financial management needs of North American Fire. This matrixed structure requires close coordination, clear communication, and shared partnership with program and Division leadership. The Manager also collaborates with other finance leaders at the Division level to advance divisional priorities, strengthen financial management practices, and promote consistency, collaboration, and operational excellence across the Southern Division.

This position is expected to evolve with the organization. As the Southern Division Office and its programs grow in size, funding, complexity, and financial management needs, the scope and responsibilities of the position may expand accordingly.

We're Looking for You:

The Finance Manager provides strategic financial management and serves as a trusted advisor to leaders and teams within the Southern Division Office and programs housed within the Division. The role leads financial planning, forecasting, reporting, analysis, stewardship, and day-to-day financial management activities that support informed decision-making and long-term financial sustainability.

The Finance Manager is expected to operate with ahigh degree of independence, using financial expertise and organizational judgment to assess situations, identify issues and opportunities, develop options and recommendations, and determine appropriate courses of action. The role does not simply report financial information or execute established processes; it interprets financial information, connects it to programmatic and organizational priorities, and proactively brings forward recommendations for leadership consideration.

The Manager translates financial information into actionable insight, helping leaders understand financial performance, assess risks and opportunities, evaluate alternatives, and make informed resource allocation decisions. The role establishes and maintains effective financial practices and controls while contributing to broader financial strategy, funding decisions, and resource allocation across the Division.

The Manager also serves as a finance resource to the broader Southern Division, providing consultation, analysis, problem-solving, and thought partnership to state and program leaders when Division needs arise.

Location: This role is remote with preference to the Eastern or Central time zones.

Travel: This role will travel as required to attend in-person trainings, retreats, or other events. Travel is not expected to exceed 10% annually.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

• Manage day-to-day financial activities for the assigned portfolio, including journal entries, account reconciliations, financial transactions, reporting, budget maintenance, year-end close activities, and other core financial management processes.

• Serve as the primary finance partner for the Southern Division Office and programs housed within the Division, currently including North American Fire and the Mississippi River Basin Program, providing financial leadership across budgeting, forecasting, reporting, analysis, resource planning, and financial stewardship. Additional programs may be added as appropriate.

• Lead annual budgeting, forecasting, long-range financial planning, financial reporting, fiscal year-end activities, and other financial management initiatives for the assigned portfolio.

• Deliver high-quality financial reporting, complex financial analysis, scenario modeling, and recommendations that enable program and Division leaders to understand financial performance, assess risks and opportunities, and make informed decisions regarding resources and priorities.

• Independently analyze financial information and develop recommendations regarding budgets, forecasts, funding, resource allocation, spending strategies, and financial risks and opportunities.

• Translate organizational and programmatic priorities into financial strategies and actionable plans, helping leaders evaluate tradeoffs and determine how available resources can have the greatest organizational and conservation impact.

• Proactively identify financial issues, opportunities, and emerging needs and bring forward well-developed options and recommendations to the Southern Division Finance Director and program leadership. Follow through on agreed strategies and decisions through implementation and ongoing monitoring.

• Serve as a finance thought partner to program and Division leaders.

• Serve as an active member of the leadership teams of the Southern Division Office, North American Fire, and The Mississippi River Basin Program, participating in leadership meetings, planning discussions, retreats, and other forums to provide financial perspective and contribute to programmatic and strategic decision-making.

• Develop sufficient understanding of the goals, funding models, operations, and financial needs of multiple programs to effectively balance competing priorities and provide relevant financial guidance across the portfolio.

• Serve as a finance resource and thought partner to leaders and teams across the broader Southern Division, providing consultation, problem-solving, financial analysis, and guidance on financial management issues as Division needs arise, as well as promote consistent financial practices to strengthen financial management across the Southern Division.

• Support Division-level resource allocation and funding strategies, including analyzing available funding, evaluating alternative uses of resources, partnering with state Business Units and programs to identify opportunities and constraints, and developing recommendations that balance financial sustainability, organizational priorities, and conservation impact.

• Identify financial risks and opportunities, evaluate alternatives, and develop recommendations to strengthen financial performance, optimize resource allocation, and achieve organizational objectives.

• Ensure effective stewardship of financial resources through strong internal controls, compliance with organizational policies, donor and funding requirements, regulatory standards, and generally accepted accounting principles, as applicable.

• Ensure the accuracy, integrity, and effective management of financial data, processes, and controls, including appropriate use of Workday and other financial systems.

• Partner with philanthropy, conservation, operations, grants, government relations, leadership, and other functional teams to provide financial guidance for fundraising initiatives, grants, contracts, campaigns, and strategic projects.

• Support financial management of federal awards and other restricted funding, working in partnership with grants and program teams to ensure appropriate budgeting, financial monitoring, reporting, and compliance.

• Oversee financial aspects of contracts, agreements, and other business transactions, ensuring compliance with organizational policies and sound financial practices.

• Serve as the Certified Contract Specialist for the Southern Division Office, as assigned, supporting contract development, review, execution, monitoring, and compliance in accordance with organizational requirements.

• Support governance and leadership activities by serving as a financial resource to Division leadership, program leadership, Boards of Trustees, Finance Committees, and other stakeholder groups, as appropriate.

• Partner with the Southern Division Finance Director to implement financial strategies, strengthen financial management practices, promote consistency across the Division, and support continuous improvement initiatives.

• Contribute to the development and implementation of financial processes, tools, and practices that can scale as the Southern Division Office and its programs grow in size, funding, and complexity.

• Build and maintain trusted partnerships across the Division and Programs, fostering collaboration, financial accountability, and shared ownership of financial outcomes.

While TNC supports work-life balance, there may be periods of increased workload requiring additional hours and flexibility to meet critical deadlines and organizational priorities.

What You'll Bring:

• Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field and 4 years' related experience or equivalent combination.

• Experience working with computer and information management systems, Excel spreadsheets, and databases for financial analysis, fiscal management, and/or financial reporting.

• Experience developing budgets, performing high-level financial analysis, recommending actions, and providing financial partnership to leadership.

• Experience serving as a financial consultant, advisor, or thought partner to organizational leaders and decision-makers.

• Experience with accounting principles, practices, and regulations.

• Experience using accounting and financial reporting systems.

• Experience with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

• Experience developing, managing, and implementing multiple projects or financial initiatives.

• 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 serving as a strategic finance partner and thought partner to business, program, or organizational leaders.

• Advanced experience in financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, financial analysis, and translating financial data into actionable recommendations.

• Demonstrated ability toindependently assess financial and operational issues, develop thoughtful recommendations, and move from analysis to action with appropriate consultation and oversight.

• Demonstrated strategic thinking and ability toconnect financial information to organizational priorities, programmatic and conservation goals, funding opportunities, and resource allocation decisions.

• Demonstrated success analyzing complex financial information, identifying risks and opportunities, evaluating alternatives, and developing solutions to improve financial performance and outcomes.

• Experience supporting financial management across complex programs, portfolios, projects, grants, contracts, or restricted funding sources.

• Experience developing financial strategies and recommendations in situations where there isnot a predetermined solution or established process, requiring sound judgment, initiative and collaboration.

• Demonstrated ability to build strong partnerships, influence decision-making, and collaborate effectively across multiple business units, programs, and functional areas.

• Experience providing financial consultation and problem-solving support outside of one's immediate portfolio or area of responsibility.

• Demonstrated ability to build credibility and effectively partner with multiple teams or programs, quickly learn different operational and financial environments, and balance competing priorities.

• Ability to operate effectively in a matrixed organization, serving multiple leaders and programs while maintaining clear priorities, accountability, and communication.

• Experience evaluating financial processes, internal controls, and management practices to ensure effective stewardship of resources and compliance with organizational policies and applicable regulations.

• Strong knowledge of GAAP, financial management principles, and relevant regulatory frameworks, with ability to interpret and apply requirements.

• Experience working with federal grants, government regulations, contracts, or other restricted funding sources preferred.

• Experience using enterprise financial systems, including prior experience with Workday or similar ERP systems.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with ability to communicate financial concepts clearly to non-finance audiences and influence decisions through effective financial storytelling.

• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic and evolving environment.

• Experience working in a collaborative, multi-disciplinary, or mission-driven organization.

• Multilingual skills and/or multicultural experience appreciated.

• MBA, CPA, CIA, or other relevant professional certification.

This description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required for this job.

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 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 $80,000 - $115,000 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 the health and well-being of the people we employ.

The recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role.

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, 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. TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, send a note to [e-mail] with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.