Finance Specialist

The Finance Specialist provides specialized finance/accounting-related services to the Global Protect Oceans, Lands and Waters (POLW) business unit. The position manages assigned finance activities and supports assigned POLW programs and projects.

The Finance Specialist provides specialized services in financial management and reporting; accounting; grants administration, management and reporting; or similar financial activities for a department or business unit. They have a high level of expertise in their area(s) of specialization. The position administers and maintains finance/accounting activities in accordance with TNC policies and procedures and best practices in financial management. The Finance Specialist provides assistance to staff in their specialty area.

They respond to moderately complex employee/management questions and problems based on advanced knowledge of the subject area.

The Finance Specialist supports assigned program Finance Managers with multiyear, collaborative protection-outcome programs and projects across priority geographic regions. The position works with conservation teams, finance and business-unit leadership, centralized finance and accounting staff, philanthropy relationship managers, donor stewards, and other internal and external partners.

The Finance Specialist facilitates planning, budgeting, fund allocation, accounting, financial reporting, and donor reporting activities in support of assigned program Finance Managers and their programs and funding portfolios. The position collaborates with program teams to help them understand financial positions, applicable financial practices, processes, and systems. It also provides financial guidance to staff to strengthen financial literacy and promote the consistent application of TNC financial policies, procedures, and requirements.

The Finance Specialist performs assigned financial activities, prepares analyses and reports, maintains financial information, and supports the timely completion of finance and donor requirements. The position responds to moderately complex employee and management questions based on advanced knowledge of the subject area and escalates matters requiring broader financial decisions or authority to the assigned program Finance Managers.

• Facilitates multiyear financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and fund allocation activities for assigned programs and funding portfolios under the direction of assigned program Finance Managers.
• Supports program Finance Managers and program teams in preparing, monitoring, and updating budgets, forecasts, and financial plans, and in maintaining accurate financial information.
• Supports fund allocation, transfers, and related financial processes by compiling financial information, preparing supporting analyses, maintaining records, and following up on required actions.
• Works with global, regional, and country teams, particularly finance contacts, to support financial planning, funds management, accounting, reporting, and issue resolution.
• Prepares monthly, quarterly, annual, and ad hoc financial reports, analyses, schedules, and supporting documentation for review by assigned program Finance Managers.
• Supports donor and award financial reporting by compiling financial information, reconciling transactions, preparing schedules and draft reports, and maintaining supporting documentation.
• Performs accounting activities, including preparing journal entries and adjustments (coordinates or performs, as applies), completing reconciliations, reviewing financial transactions, and assisting with program financial data maintenance.
• Reviews financial data and reports to identify coding errors, variances, outstanding items, or misallocated costs, and communicates findings and potential issues to the assigned program Finance Manager.
• Maintains financial data, files, systems, trackers, project records, grant records, award records, and supporting documentation for assigned programs and funding portfolios.
• Supports program Finance Managers and program teams in understanding financial positions, donor restrictions, applicable financial practices, processes, systems, and reporting requirements.
• Facilitates projects and team activities related to shared funds, restricted funding, fund administration, and financial tracking to support timely and consistent financial processes.
• Coordinates with philanthropy, conservation, and operations staff to prepare the…