Finance Specialist, FAMI - The Nature Conservancy - Arlington, VA

World population growth and rising incomes are driving rapid increases in the consumption of food, fiber and energy, which in turn are contributing to climate change and straining the natural systems on which all life depends. In Brazil and neighboring countries, important opportunities are available to sustainably supply the growing demand for commodities such as beef and soy by making better use of already degraded land for agricultural expansion and significantly boosting productivity. The Nature Conservancy has a unique opportunity to apply our decades of experience to solve environmental challenges and to transform how the world plans and uses landscapes, for the benefit of nature, people and the climate. Visit here to learn more about TNC.

The Conservancy is launching a new regional partnership, the Forests and Agriculture Markets Initiative (FAMI), along with the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, World Wildlife Fund, and National Wildlife Federation. FAMI will work to eliminate the loss and degradation of forests and other natural habitat that result from beef and soy production originating from the Brazilian Amazon and Cerrado, and the Chaco region of Argentina and Paraguay. FAMI will work with key market actors, including corporations across the value chain, financial institutions, and others to create a systemic, industry shift towards verified deforestation-free (VDF) beef and soy production. Two key areas of work that TNC will lead in the FAMI partnership are 1) to develop innovative new business models and finance mechanisms to expand investment in VDF beef and soy production, and 2) to construct compelling business cases for retailers, brands, meatpackers, traders, producers, lenders and investors to shift to a VDF model. Visit here to learn more about FAMI.

The Global Lands team operates at the intersection of global development and environmental challenges. World population growth and rising incomes are driving rapid increases in the consumption of food, fiber and energy, which in turn are contributing to climate change and straining the natural systems on which all life depends. Important opportunities are available to sustainably supply the growing demand for commodities such as beef, soy, palm oil and timber products by making better use of already degraded land for agricultural expansion, significantly boosting productivity, and adopting improved forest management practices. The Nature Conservancy has a unique opportunity to apply our decades of experience working globally to solve environmental challenges and to transform how the world plans and uses landscapes, for the benefit of nature, people and the climate.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Finance Specialist provides specialized services in financial management and reporting; accounting; grants administration, management and reporting; or similar financial activities for Global Lands and he/she will be managing the finances of the FAMI initiative in coordination with the FAMI Project manager and regional finance representatives. S/he administers and maintains finance/accounting activities in accordance with TNC policies and procedures and best practices in financial management. The Finance/Accounting Specialist II will coordinate and support the regions in the financial management of the FAMI initiative and prepare the financial report to donors.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

Prepares financial reports to donors and manage the overall finances of the FAMI initiative in coordination with the FAMI project Manager and the regional finance representatives.

Generates and analyzes monthly financial reports and data from the general ledger and other ad hoc financial reports, such as Labor Distribution Reports, and tracks spending rates.

Prepares accounting forms and reports, such as journal entries, cash receipt recordings, and adjustments, also including payment of invoices and might include review of expense reports.

Works to ensure accurate processing of expenses, and transfers.

Maintains excellent knowledge of TNC corporate policies and procedures, and work to identify needed improvements to established policies in keeping with the underlying principles.

Ensures TNC policies and procedures, financial standards, and legal requirements are understood and met.

Supports contract/grant management processes and ensures compliance with TNC policies and procedures.

Supports Global Lands and FAMI day-to-day tasks

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration or related field and 3 years’ related experience or equivalent combination.

Experience managing accounting/financial matters and analysis for projects in a non-profit or government granting/contracting environment.

Experience using accounting and financial reporting systems.

Experience with GAAP and fund accounting principles, practices and regulations.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

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.

May require technical expertise on complex accounting/financial issues.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply to position number 44086, submit resume and cover letter as one document. All applications must be submitted in the system prior to 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on April 18, 2016.

Click “submit” to apply for the position or “save for later” to create a draft application for future submission. Once submitted, applications cannot be revised or edited. Failure to complete required fields may result in your application being disqualified from consideration.

If you experience technical issues, please refer to our applicant user guide or contact applyhelp@tnc.org .

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of men and women of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character 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.