Finance Specialist

USA The Nature Conservancy; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 68,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The Nature Conservancy seeks a Finance Specialist to provide advanced financial support across Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia. You will partner with Finance managers to deliver budgeting, forecasting, month- and year-end close, reporting and financial analyses to inform strategic decisions.

You will develop expertise in assigned operations, ensure policy compliance, and support cross-functional projects that improve efficiency and stewardship of resources across the pod and organization.

Qualifications

• 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, 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.
• Desirable: multi-lingual skills and/or multi-cultural experience.

Responsibilities

• Supports budgeting, forecasting, financial close, reporting, and other core financial management activities across assigned states or business units within the pod, and may assist in supporting other Southern Division business units or pods as the need arises.
• Prepares and delivers financial reports, analyses, reconciliations, and other financial deliverables that support operational and strategic decision-making.
• Monitors financial performance, identifies trends, variances, risks, and opportunities, and communicates findings and recommendations to Finance Managers, Finance Directors, and business leaders.
• Maintains the accuracy, integrity, and quality of financial data, reporting, systems, and business processes.
• Supports compliance with organizational policies, internal controls, audit requirements, donor restrictions, and applicable regulatory requirements while identifying and escalating potential issues.
• Provides guidance to staff on finance processes, systems, reporting tools, and standard operating procedures and may coordinate or deliver training as needed.
• Partners with the Finance Manager, the Finance Director, Operations, Conservation, and Philanthropy staff to support financial planning, implementation of organizational priorities, and effective stewardship of resources.
• Contributes to finance initiatives, process improvements, system implementations, and cross-functional projects that enhance consistency and effectiveness across the pod.

Skills

Advanced Excel

GAAP knowledge

Financial analysis

Budgeting

Forecasting

Financial reporting

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration or related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Accounting systems

General ledger reports

ERP systems

Job description

What We Can Achieve Together

The Finance Specialist for the Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia provides advanced financial management support across a shared services unit (pod), partnering with the Finance Manager, Finance Director, and business unit staff to deliver high-quality financial services. This role supports one or more states or organizational areas within the pod, providing shared finance expertise that flexes to meet business priorities and operational needs. The Finance Specialist serves as a trusted partner by delivering financial analysis, reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and other financial management activities while ensuring compliance with organizational policies, procedures, and best practices.

We're Looking for You

The Finance Specialist provides advanced financial support across assigned states, programs, or business units within a shared services pod. Working collaboratively with the Finance Manager and the Finance Director, the position supports budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, month- and year-end close activities, financial analysis, and ongoing financial management. The role develops a strong understanding of assigned business operations and provides timely financial guidance to support informed decision-making. The Finance Specialist administers financial activities in accordance with TNC policies, procedures, and financial management best practices. The position prepares analyses, reconciliations, and reports; monitors financial performance; identifies trends, risks, and opportunities; and recommends process improvements to enhance efficiency, consistency, and stewardship of organizational resources. The role responds to moderately complex financial questions and serves as a resource to staff on finance processes, systems, and reporting.

Work Arrangement

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

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPES

• Supports budgeting, forecasting, financial close, reporting, and other core financial management activities across assigned states or business units within the pod, and may assist in supporting other Southern Division business units or pods as the need arises.
• Prepares and delivers financial reports, analyses, reconciliations, and other financial deliverables that support operational and strategic decision-making.
• Monitors financial performance, identifies trends, variances, risks, and opportunities, and communicates findings and recommendations to Finance Managers, Finance Directors, and business leaders.
• Maintains the accuracy, integrity, and quality of financial data, reporting, systems, and business processes.
• Supports compliance with organizational policies, internal controls, audit requirements, donor restrictions, and applicable regulatory requirements while identifying and escalating potential issues.
• Provides guidance to staff on finance processes, systems, reporting tools, and standard operating procedures and may coordinate or deliver training as needed.
• Partners with the Finance Manager, the Finance Director, Operations, Conservation, and Philanthropy staff to support financial planning, implementation of organizational priorities, and effective stewardship of resources.
• Contributes to finance initiatives, process improvements, system implementations, and cross-functional projects that enhance consistency and effectiveness across the pod.

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.
• Technical experience with spreadsheet programs, general ledger reports and financial management tools.
• Experience with GAAP, 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.
• 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.
• Non-profit accounting experience.
• May require technical expertise on complex accounting/financial issues.
• US government grants accounting experience.

Employment Conditions

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 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 $68,000 - $85,000 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.

Recruiting Process

Our 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, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.

Screening, Accommodations & Veterans

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings! 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, please send a note to [e-mail] with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.