Michigan Director of Finance

Provides overall direction and leadership for finance within the Michigan Business Unit (BU) and assists with special projects within the Midwest Division and the Midwest Division Finance Cabinet while proactively offering perspective, advice, and collaboration. Responsible for all Finance and Accounting activities and provides strategic and tactical support for the staff and operational functions of the Michigan Chapter and other programs. Reports initially to the Director of Operations; will transition to a new Division Finance Director (DFD) within 8-10 months, overseeing financial responsibility for the Michigan BU.

Contributes to the Michigan Chapter’s strategic priorities through effective management, maintenance, and reporting of financial data. Serves as the subject matter expert on the Michigan Chapter’s fiscal positions, long-term sustainability, and communicates this information to Chapter leaders, program leaders, and the Board of Trustees to facilitate informed management decisions. Ensures compliance with TNC policies, legal and regulatory frameworks, GAAP, and financial best practices. Provides specialized services in financial analysis and reporting, forecasting, multi-year funding management, grants administration, spend rate analysis, private award management, contract review, and auditing.

Preferred locations: Grand Rapids, Lansing, Ann Arbor, or Detroit surrounding areas.

Responsibilities & Scope

• Develops and coordinates tactics to meet the program’s strategic priorities, overseeing day-to-day financial tasks.
• Communicates financial information effectively to BU and program leaders, as well as the Board of Trustees, to support decision-making and actionable recommendations.
• Serves as a key member of the Management Team and advisor to the State Director, Board of Trustees, and Development team on budgeting, gift allocation, fundraising tracking, financial controls, donor intent, and overall financial health.
• Manages private funding lifecycles with grants management specialists, collaborating with Development and Conservation teams to construct budgets, complete accurate reports for funders, and ensure compliance in management software.
• Implements and manages new initiatives and multiple projects, ensuring programmatic work is collaborative and integrated across the organization.
• Leads the annual collaborative $10M budget process with budget managers.
• Works with the Operations and Conservation Operations teams to ensure compliance in day-to-day financial activities, including purchasing, invoice processing, vendor negotiations, and contracting.
• May supervise one or more administrative or professional staff.
• Engages in collaboration with Midwest finance professionals and serves on the Midwest Finance Cabinet, participating in special finance projects for the division.
• May negotiate complex agreements and contracts with vendors and partners.
• Ensures compliance with programmatic commitments, TNC policies, financial standards, and legal requirements.
• Reinforces consistency in organizational policies and provides support related to relevant field operations.
• Reports to leadership on financial activities, forecasts, and long-term sustainability.
• Travel and work long or flexible hours as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Accounting, or Business Administration and 5 years of related experience, or equivalent combination.
• Experience with accounting principles, practices, and regulations.
• Experience with GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles).
• Technical experience with grants award accounting issues.
• Experience using accounting and financial reporting systems.
• Experience, coursework, or training with U.S. Federal Uniform Guidance, state and local regulations, multilateral and international regulations, and standard contract clauses.

Desired Qualifications

• Multi-lingual skills and/or multi-cultural experience appreciated.
• Technical expertise on complex accounting and financial issues.
• Advanced expertise in Microsoft Excel.
• Experience monitoring and ensuring compliance with organizational policy, applicable law, and finance/accounting best practices.
• Experience analyzing regulatory frameworks and applying them to specific situations.
• Expert knowledge of GAAP and/or relevant regulatory frameworks.
• Experience evaluating the adequacy and effectiveness of management controls and interpreting guidelines to adapt or modify processes as needed.
• Ability to resolve complex issues independently within the program area.
• Experience acting as a resource to others to solve problems.
• MBA, CPA, or CIA may be preferred.

Pay

The starting pay range for this position is $100,000–$105,000 for candidates whose country of employment is the USA. The final pay will be determined based on factors such as location, qualifications, and experience. For countries outside the USA, the pay range will be based on the local labor market and not tied to the USA range.

Benefits

• Competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care, flexible spending accounts, and a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match.
• Parental leave.
• Accrued paid time off.
• Life insurance and disability coverage.
• Employee assistance program.
• Additional life and work well-being benefits.
• Flexible work environment supporting health and well-being.