Finance Officer

Conservation International protects nature for the benefit of humanity. Through science, policy, fieldwork, and finance, we spotlight and secure the most important places in nature for the climate, biodiversity, and for people. With offices in 30 countries and projects in more than 100 countries, Conservation International partners with governments, companies, civil society, Indigenous peoples, and local communities to help people and nature thrive together.

POSITION SUMMARY - This position is based in Arlington, VA

Conservation International’s Betty and Gordon Moore Center for Science is a highly motivated team that leverages science to accelerate global conservation action. Our near-term goals are to increase the impact of our science to help stabilize our climate, double ocean protection and expand planet-positive economies.

The Finance Officer is responsible for the financial management of specific programs assigned to the role within the Moore Center of Science at Conservation International. The position reports to the Senior Director, Finance & Operations. The position will be responsible for managing financial reporting and analysis, division and project budgets, project audits, cost proposals, and lead financial system data entry. It ensures compliance with donor and CI policies regarding the use of funds.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Management and Analysis

• Oversee the timely, complete, and accurate recording of accounting transactions.  Request payments for vendor and contract invoices and review contract agreements.  Review expense reports and timesheets for the assigned cost centers.  Ensure compliance with CI policies and procedures and donor reporting requirements.
• Review the Program’s detailed transaction list on a monthly basis to ensure costs charged to the Program are complete, reasonable, allowable, and allocable based on donor agreement and CI policies.
• Prepare invoices for donors and monitor the Program’s cash receipts and cash flow to ensure sufficient funds are available to meet operational and strategic needs.
• Ensure the financial management system is updated with all amendments, reporting, and important donor communication.
• Support project and/or program-specific audits and evaluations.

Budget Management

• Generate Program financial reports for internal parties, external parties, and donors from CI’s financial system, as directed.
• Modify the annual budget monthly to ensure the revenue allocations and expense budgets reflect current information and are an accurate forecast of expected project expenses.
• Manage and/or oversee cost allocations that are to be coordinated with CI finance, for example, occupancy costs
• Develop annual budgets aligned with work plans for approval by donors, in collaboration with project managers.
• Update Project expenditure projections on a monthly basis as required throughout the period of the project.

 Management and Procurement

• Coordinate or execute procurement process including development of terms of reference, scopes of work, requests for proposals, and quotes ensuring compliance with donors and CI’s procedures for various types and thresholds.
• Liaise with the Grants & Contracts Unit on sub-grants and sub-contracts financed by program funds on issues impacting financial reporting, donor compliance, procurement methods, and issues related to adherence to donor terms and intent.
• Manage the incoming award process, ensuring all donor agreements, amendments, and other revenue sources are accurately reflected in CI financial systems.
• Ensure institutional policies and procedures are adhered to, including but not limited to aspects listed in the Proposal and Agreement Routing Slip, award setup of the Project Master File in BusinessWorld, and review of institutional reports such as the Project One-Line Summary for accuracy.

Business Development

• Lead the cost proposal process for fundraising efforts, ensuring institutional policies and procedures are adhered to in the cost proposal.
• Support the development and management of multi-year budgets to inform discussions on potential shortfalls and funding gaps.
• Manage the tracking of the current and prospective funding pipeline.

Other Duties

• Advise staff on donor requirements and provide training on policies as needed to ensure compliance.
• Liaise with the Grants & Contracts Unit on sub-grants and sub-contracts financed by program funds on issues impacting financial reporting, donor compliance, procurement methods, and issues related to adherence to donor terms and intent.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Typical office environment with a hybrid work schedule.
• Ability to work extended hours occasionally to meet deadlines.
  

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field. 
• 4 to 6 years of direct work-related experience.
• International nonprofit experience.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Highly familiar with etiquette, protocol, and employing cultural awareness and sensitivity.
• Proven team player.
• Highly organized and able to manage multiple priorities simultaneously in a dynamic environment.
• Proven track record in financial planning, reporting, budgeting, and analysis.
• Proficiency in financial software and systems.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.

Preferred

• Experience with Business World ERP system.

To apply for this position please submit a resume and cover letter.

See all Conservation International Career Opportunities HERE

Conservation International is an equal opportunity, affirmative action, and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility-committed employer. We are proud to have a diverse, global workforce where employment decisions are based on qualifications, experience, position requirements, business needs, market conditions, merit, and other legitimate nondiscriminatory factors.