Director of Finance

The Nature Conservancy

Finance director leading budgeting, accounting, grants, and compliance for The Nature Conservancy’s Michigan conservation operations. Advising leaders and trustees on financial sustainability.

Posted 8/5/2026full-timeGrand Rapids • Illinois, Missouri, Ohio, Wisconsin • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $100,000 - $105,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in financial management, including budgeting, compliance with GAAP, and strategic financial planning. Proven ability to lead teams, manage complex projects, and communicate effectively with stakeholders.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Financial ManagementGAAP ComplianceBudget DevelopmentTeam LeadershipAccounting Principles

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Financial ReportingGrants Award AccountingData ManagementRegulatory Framework AnalysisManagement Controls EvaluationMicrosoft ExcelBudgetingContract NegotiationCompliance MonitoringFinancial Best Practices

Soft Skills

Exceptional CommunicationCollaborationProblem SolvingLeadershipAdaptability

Tools & Technologies

Accounting SystemsFinancial Reporting Systems

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in FinanceMBACPACIA

Industry Keywords

TNC PoliciesU.S. Federal Uniform GuidanceState and Local RegulationsMultilateral RegulationsFinancial Sustainability

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide overall direction and leadership for finance within the Michigan Business Unit
Assist with special projects within the Midwest Division and Midwest Division Finance Cabinet
Lead Finance and Accounting activities and provide strategic and tactical support to staff and operational functions
Maintain, manage, and report financial data to support strategic priorities
Advise chapter and program leaders and the Board of Trustees on fiscal position, sustainability, and management decisions
Monitor management controls and processes for compliance with TNC policies, legal and regulatory frameworks, GAAP, and financial best practices
Develop and coordinate tactics for approved strategic plans and oversee day-to-day tasks
Advise the State Director, Board of Trustees, and Development team on budgeting, gift allocation, fundraising tracking, donor intent, and financial health
Manage private funding lifecycles, including budgets, funder reports, and award-management tasks
Implement and manage new initiatives and multiple projects
Develop the annual collaborative $10M budget process with budget managers
Oversee purchasing, invoice processing, vendor negotiations, and contracting for compliance
Supervise one or more administrative or professional staff as needed
Collaborate with Midwest finance professionals and serve on the Midwest Finance Cabinet
Negotiate complex agreements and contracts with vendors and partners as needed
Report to leadership on financial activities, forecasts, and long-term sustainability
Travel and work long or flexible hours as needed

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting or Business Administration and 5 years' related experience, or equivalent combination
Experience with accounting principles, practices, and regulations
Experience with GAAP
Technical experience with grants award accounting issues
Experience using accounting and financial reporting systems
Experience, coursework, or other training with U.S. Federal Uniform Guidance, state and local regulations, multilateral and international regulations, and standard contract clauses, as applicable
Strong experience leading a varied, multi-disciplinary team
Experience managing data and personnel
Exceptional communication and collaboration skills
Advanced expertise in Microsoft Excel
Experience monitoring and ensuring compliance with organizational policy, applicable law and regulation, and finance/accounting/management best practice
Experience analyzing regulatory frameworks and applying them to situations
Expert knowledge of GAAP and/or relevant regulatory frameworks
Experience evaluating management controls and adapting or modifying processes
Ability to resolve complex issues independently
Experience acting as a resource to others to solve problems
MBA, CPA, or CIA may be preferred
Willingness to travel and work long or flexible hours as needed
Successful completion of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process

Benefits

Comp & perks

Health care benefits
Flexible spending accounts
401(k) plan with an 8% employer match
Parental leave
Accrued paid time off
Life insurance
Disability coverage
Employee assistance program
Other life and work well-being benefits
Flexible work environment
Career development
Flexible schedules