Overview
What We Can Achieve Together:
The Accounting and Operations Generalist provides accounting and operations related services, including lease administration and compliance support, to the Arizona Business Unit. Works as part of the Operations team for the Arizona Business Unit (BU) at the Tucson Conservation Center and reports directly to Arizona’s Director of Finance and Operations (DFO).
We’re Looking for You:
Are you looking for work you can believe in? At TNC we strive to embody a philosophy of Work that You Can Believe in where you can feel like you are making a difference every day. We’re looking for someone with strong experience in leading a diverse, multi-disciplinary team.
The Accounting and Operations Generalist provides both hands on and coordination services in accounting, private awards (grants) administration, cash receipting and deposits, leases, records retention, vendor contracts, financial reporting and related activities for the Arizona business unit. Has extensive knowledge of the systems and resources used by the Operations team and Business Unit. Administers and maintains accounting and other identified activities in accordance with TNC policies and procedures and best practices in financial management. Responds to questions and issues from all level of employees and management based on advanced knowledge of management accounting and finance principals, Organization guidance, and Business Unit, Program, Project and Award finances and budgets. Works closely with, and with guidance from, DFO. Will likely supervise staff within first two years in position.
A. General Accounting/Finance (approximately 30%)
1. Directly perform general accounting duties, including preparing and entering journal entries.
2. Advanced user of TNC’s financial management and budget system(s).
3. Oversee, provide guidance on, and may directly perform accounts payable processing to include reviewing payment requests and expense reports submitted by Arizona Business Unit staff and function as an advanced user and support to Arizona staff on TNC’s accounts payable system (Concur.)
4. Directly prepare or oversee, and provide general oversight of state, county, and local tax (use, personal property and real property) filings and exemptions.
5. Directly perform check and cash deposits for the Tucson Conservation center and provide general oversight for, cash/check/credit card deposit and receipting function for the entire Business Unit. Collaborate closely with Development Operations and other staff. Process journal entries as required for various receipts.
6. Collaborate with TNC’s World Office (WO) Accounting functions and Finance Resource Center on various accounting and finance issues.
7. Perform designated balance sheet and clearing account analysis ensuring problems are timely identified and resolved.
8. Maintain Arizona’s financial structure resources for Arizona staff. May include related responsibilities such as requesting new codes, closing completed codes and other tasks related to organizing Arizona’s financial reporting.
9. Provide training etc. to Business Unit staff on various general accounting and related operation details and processes, including expense reporting.
B. Private Award Financial Management (approximately 20%)
1. Collaborate with conservation and development staff to propose and administer private awards.
2. Maintain auditable private award files, directly or in collaboration with other staff.
3. Advanced practitioner of private award processes.
4. Use private award module (PCB) of Insight system for some awards at DFO direction.
5. Maintain private award financial summaries, updating per schedule, alerting award project/budget manager of issues and upcoming award end dates.
6. Process clearing and closing entries for completed private awards, including “match” entries.
7. Collaborate closely with government grants and other Arizona operations staff on overlapping government and private awards.
8. Collaborate with Sr government grants and other Arizona operations staff on administration and processing of private grants out.
C. Reporting and Analysis (approximately 25%)
1. Run, file, distribute and analyze reports, on both an ad-hoc basis and per regular schedules, for DFO, budget managers, private award managers, or other staff.
2. Assist DFO with various financial reporting and processes, such as budgeting (including being an advanced user of TNC’s budget software), forecasting and financial statement preparation and year-end close.
3. Maintain financial and other operations records, both electronic and hard copy, under guidance of DFO.
D. Operations and Compliance (approximately 15%)
1. Monitor accounting and management controls and processes to ensure compliance with TNC accounting related policies and procedures, relevant legal and regulatory frameworks, and financial / management best practices.
2. Functions as Arizona’s Retention Coordinator – providing support to staff within the BU on retention guidance and activities.
3. Administer leases and non-conservation vendor contracts (such as equipment, vehicles, and office space), collaborating with Arizona staff, TNC legal and WO lease staff. Maintains records both locally and in TNC’s lease databases. Ensures Arizona information in TNC lease database is current and correct for DFO quarterly certification.
4. May engage in various insurance (non-employee benefit) responsibilities such as asset record-keeping, submitting insured asset changes to insurer or TNC World office, requesting certificates of insurance, distributing vehicle insurance cards, and coordinating insurance (non-workers comp) claims, etc.
E. Other (approximately 10%)
1. May direct or supervise other staff or volunteers.
2. Assists and provides backup to other AZ operations staff as needed or as directed by DFO.
3. May act in supervisor’s place.
4. Participates in Operations, AZ Business Unit, Divisional, Regional and TNC-wide meetings, trainings, etc.
5. Performs own employee administrative tasks such as expense reports, timecards, performance self-evaluations, etc. in a timely manner.
RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE
• Acts independently within broad program goals to prioritize tasks in the absence of specific instructions and exercises independent judgment to identify and solve problems.
• Demonstrates sensitivity in handling confidential information.
• May be responsible for the work of peers on departmental project teams.
• Ensure compliance with Conservancy policies and procedure, and external (donor/legal/IRS) requirements; decisions may bind the organization financially or legally.
• Financial responsibility includes purchasing, processing invoices and transfers, negotiating and contracting with vendors, and participating in budget preparation.
• Manages projects with several variables – set realistic deadlines, manage a timeline, and ensure accountability consistency in the organization’s policies and procedures and provides support related to relevant field.
• Provide input through project teams for the development and implementation of new initiatives or the improvement of existing projects.
• Occasionally requires travel including overnight throughout Arizona for meetings, staff retreat, etc. and occasionally in U.S. for trainings, etc.
• Occasionally requires working long hours, weekends, and holidays.
• Work is diverse and may not always fall under established practices and guidelines.
• Work environment involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain.
• Operates basic office equipment.
• Lift, carry, and move 25 pounds.
• Other duties as assigned.
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 Excel, general ledger and subsidiary reports and financial management tools.
• Basic understanding of GAAP.
• Experience maintaining confidential information.
• Experience using Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Experience with financial statements and how they interact and impact one another.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams or in a cross-functional environment.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Youth certified (within initial 30 days; annually thereafter).
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DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Multi-lingual skills and/or multi-cultural experience appreciated.
• 4 – 8 years of directly relevant experience.
• 1 – 3 years of supervisory experience.
• Ability to manipulate, analyze and interpret data. Advanced expertise in Microsoft Excel.
• Experience working collaboratively with non-accounting “client” staff and various organization-wide technical support professionals in a “matrix” organization.
• High level of accuracy, precision and paying attention to details.
• Ability to communicate financial/accounting information to non-financial/accounting colleagues.
• Experience using critical thinking skills.
• Experience communicating productively with colleagues.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple and parallel deadlines.
• Non-profit accounting experience.
• May require technical expertise on complex accounting/financial issues.
NEXT STEPS
To apply for job ID 53950, submit your cover letter and current resume online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/ by 11:59 PM EST on October 22, 2023. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page 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 people 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.
About The Nature Conservancy
Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has been doing work you can believe in protecting the lands and waters that all life depends on. 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 includes a Commitment to Diversity and Respect for People, Communities, and Cultures. We know we’ll only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we work. Whether it’s career development, work/life balance, or a rewarding mission, there’s lots of reasons to love life #insideTNC. Our goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all of our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging, and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued.
Although you’ll see requirements in our postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job. Passion, innovation, and diversity are all key components to advancing our Mission and we encourage you to apply.
