Senior Finance Associate

IUCN; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Excellent benefits package

International exposure

Job summary

IUCN is seeking a Senior Finance Associate in Washington D.C. to support finance, accounting, and HR operations. This role focuses on maintaining transaction integrity and compliance while facilitating the finance functions of the North America office.

The ideal candidate will have a bachelor's degree in finance or a related field, along with a minimum of 3 years of experience in finance and payroll. The position offers a hybrid work model and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of experience in finance and Payroll.
• Understanding of U.S. payroll regulations and benefits administration.
• Experience in budget development and staffing cost analysis desirable.

Responsibilities

• Review all accounting related transactions before posting in the accounting system.
• Prepare cash flow projections and monitor funds availability.
• Assist with preparing audit plans and coordinating with auditors.

Skills

Attention to Detail

Process Orientation

Communication & Collaboration

Analytical Thinking

Time Management & Reliability

Integrity & Confidentiality

Education

Bachelor's degree in finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field

Tools

ADP

Microsoft NAV

Microsoft Excel

HRMS platforms

Job description

IUCN is a membership Union uniquely composed of both government and civil society organisations. It provides public, private and non-governmental organisations with the knowledge and tools that enable human progress, economic development and nature conservation to take place together.

Created in 1948, IUCN is now the world’s largest and most diverse environmental network, harnessing the knowledge, resources and reach of more than 1,400 Member organisations and around 16,000 experts. IUCN provides a neutral space in which diverse stakeholders including governments, NGOs, scientists, businesses, local communities, Indigenous People’s organisations and others can work together to forge and implement solutions to environmental challenges and achieve sustainable development.

IUCN is ideal for you if you want meaningful, global-impact work in environmental conservation, especially those comfortable working in multicultural, policy-driven environments. We offer Hybrid work schedule upon completion of probation period, excellent benefits package, competitive salary, and international exposure (opportunities to collaborate with other regional offices and HQ).

Senior Finance Associate provides support for finance, accounting, administrative, and HR operations, focusing on transaction integrity, compliance, and quality control. The role supports the office’s finance operational functions, while assisting with HR processes and administrative tasks.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Accounting and reporting

• Review all accounting related transactions (payment vouchers, receipt vouchers, debit and credit notes, staff time charges, expense claims, credit card expense claims and correcting journal entries) prior to posting entry into the accounting system.
• Ensure that all balance sheet accounts are reconciled in accordance with IUCN accounting policies and procedures.
• Assist with analysing and interpreting the North America office’s financial statements and project financial reports and recommending courses of action to improve efficiency and economy.
• Review and provide guidance and coaching to staff ensuring accuracy, correctness and completeness of transactions recorded.
• Ensure the timeliness of required financial reports to project managers, donors, Regional Office and IUCN Headquarters as necessary.
• Review and ensure that debit and credit notes are properly invoiced and that the inter-company accounts are regularly reconciled in accordance with IUCN policies.
• Assist with the timely end of the month and end of the year closing of books.

Treasury and cash management

• Prepare the cash flow projection and monitor the continued availability of funds to cover the requirements of the North America Office operations and hosted Center Units.
• Review and ensure that disbursements are properly supported with relevant evidential documentation and that they are properly identified into its cost center or project codes.
• Process all Wire Transfers/ACH payments (to staff, vendors, partners, grantees and donors).
• Timely deposit of income received.
• Cash and bank balances are reconciled with the records maintained in accordance with IUCN Accounting policies.
• Credit card accounts are reconciled with the records maintained in accordance with IUCN Accounting policies.

Planning, Budgeting and Forecasting

• Assist in the planning and budgeting for the North America Office operations and its hosted projects and programs, as required.
• Assist to Monitor exchange rates and assist program staff in preparing updated annual / total project budgets to adjust for exchange impacts.

Internal Control Environment

• Assist to Continuously review the adequacy of internal control to ensure the provision of accurate and timely financial information, protection of assets and adherence to policies, systems and procedures and the smooth and orderly implementation of plans and activities.
• Ensure the Internal Control Systems are in place and are monitored in accordance with IUCN Accounting policies and procedures.

Fixed Asset Management

• Ensure the identification and proper inventory of fixed assets of IUCN North America office through the conduct of an annual inventory to determine their location and condition for proper disposition.
• Determine accuracy of depreciation in accordance with IUCN policy and that the assets are adequately protected.
• Ensure schedules of assets / project equipment are distributed to budget holders (Unit Managers) once a year to assist in verification of existence and condition.
• Prepare requests for approval to dispose of missing, lost, stolen, damaged and obsolete equipment.

Payroll/HR support

• Assist with semi-monthly payroll, retirement contributions, and FICA compliance.
• Respond to employee payroll or benefits inquiries and provide guidance on accessing HR platforms (e.g., ADP).
• Support onboarding of new staff and ensure completion of system setup tasks.
• Maintain and update HRMS with employee costs and benefits data.
• Support benefits administration including COBRA enrolment, including enrolment, terminations, and basic account updates.
• Preparation and filing of IRS Forms 1099/1096.
• Perform other HR-related tasks as requested by HR Officer.

Audit

• Assist the Senior Finance Manager in preparing an audit plan for the year, and prepare appropriate plans for each individual audit, including a file for all documents required for the audit. Obtain approvals for each audit in accordance with the Delegation of Authority.
• Assist to Co-ordinate with the auditors in the external and internal audit of the country office and its component programs and projects. This includes preparation of draft financial statements and necessary notes to the accounts.
• Ensure the closure and resolutions of audit findings.

Other Duties – Administrative & Project related

• Assist in preparing and submitting financial reports and funding requests to relevant agencies.
• Support maintenance of required registrations (e.g., SAM).
• Assist in managing vendor accounts and office-related services (insurance, utilities, leases, etc.).
• Provide project financial support when assigned, including financial reporting, monitoring, and documentation.
• Maintain digital filing for finance and project records.
• Carry out any other relevant task required by, and mutually agreed with, the line manager.

Key Competencies

1. Attention to Detail – Ensures accuracy and completeness of financial transactions and records.
2. Process Orientation – Applies and monitors compliance with established policies and procedures.
3. Communication & Collaboration – Effectively communicates with internal stakeholders; supports staff and managers.
4. Analytical Thinking – Assists in analyzing data and identifying issues or trends.
5. Time Management & Reliability – Meets deadlines and manages competing priorities.
6. Integrity & Confidentiality – Maintains confidentiality and acts professionally in handling sensitive information.

REQUIREMENTS

• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship, now or in the future.
• Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in finance and Payroll.
• Familiarity with payroll and finance systems (e.g., ADP), HRMS platforms, and financial software (e.g., Microsoft NAV).
• Understanding of U.S. payroll regulations, FICA, benefits administration, and 1099 reporting.
• Experience in budget development and staffing cost analysis is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Office Suite.
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles and financial reporting standards.
• Experience in bank reconciliation, accounts payable/receivable, and petty cash management.
• Familiarity with credit card reconciliation and income verification procedures.
• Experience in an international or nonprofit organization, or donor-funded projects is an advantage.