Finance Manager

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Financial Specialist III provides highly specialized finance/accounting-related services to a department or business unit. They provide highly specialized services in one or more of the following functions: financial analysis and reporting; financial management; accounting; auditing; grants administration, management controls 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/organizational management. The Finance/Accounting Specialist III aids all levels of personnel in their specialty area. They respond to complex employee/management questions and problems based on advanced knowledge of the subject area.

We’re Looking for You:

The Finance Manager (Manager) works within a financial services unit (pod) and serves as the senior finance leader for an assigned business unit(s) (Kentucky and Tennessee, or Virginia). They are primarily responsible for the financial management and strategic priorities of the business unit(s). The Manager partners closely with conservation, philanthropy, operations, and leadership to deliver strategic financial guidance, high-level analysis, and informed decision support. The Manager plays a key role in translating financial strategy into operational execution, ensuring that financial plans, analyses, and recommendations effectively support business objectives and organizational priorities. Working in collaboration with the Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virgina Finance Director and Southern Division Finance Director, the Manager advances state, pod, and division financial priorities by implementing consistent processes, strengthening financial management practices, and fostering collaboration and operational excellence within the assigned business unit(s) and across the Southern Division.

Essential Functions

The Finance Manager provides strategic financial leadership and serves as a trusted advisor to conservation, philanthropy, operations, and leadership within their assigned business unit(s). The role leads business unit-level financial planning, forecasting, reporting, analysis, internal controls, and stewardship activities that support informed decision-making and long-term financial sustainability. The Finance Manager delivers high-quality financial insight and guidance, translating financial strategy into operational execution while fostering strong partnerships and supporting organizational priorities. The role promotes consistent financial practices and operational excellence, ensures effective stewardship of financial resources, compliance with organizational policies and regulatory requirements, and alignment with state, pod, divisional, and organizational priorities.

Location: This position supports financial management either across the Kentucky and Tennessee Business Units, or the Virginia business unit. External candidates must be based in one of the following geographic areas:

KY/TN Location: Primary offices are located in Lexington, Kentucky and Brentwood, Tennessee. External candidates must reside within a reasonable commuting distance of both locations to allow for and be based in a geographic area that supports office visits, in-person work, and direct engagement with staff across Kentucky and Tennessee business units as needed.

Virginia: External candidates must reside in the Charlottesville, Virginia area.

Remote internal candidates will be considered, with candidates located in the Central or Eastern time zones preferred.

Travel: Up to 15% travel is expected. Travel may include a combination of day and overnight trips and will vary based on the business needs and the selected candidate’s location

Work Arrangement: This role may include remote and/or hybrid work arrangements depending on business needs and organizational policies. Regular travel and in-person attendance at staff meetings, leadership retreats, board meetings, and other key events are required.

Responsibilities & Scope

• Serve as an active member of the leadership team(s), participating in leadership team meetings, staff meetings, retreats, and other forums to provide financial insight, support decision-making, and foster collaboration across the business unit(s).
• Lead financial planning activities including budgeting, forecasting, long-range financial planning, financial reporting, fiscal year-end activities, and other strategic financial initiatives.
• Deliver high-quality financial reporting, complex financial analysis, campaign development and support, scenario modeling, and recommendations that enable informed decision-making and support long-term financial sustainability.
• Identify financial risks and opportunities, evaluate alternatives, and develop recommendations to strengthen financial performance, optimize resource allocation, and achieve organizational objectives.
• Serve as the primary strategic finance partner to the assigned business unit(s), translating financial strategy into operational execution while maintaining strong partnerships with conservation, philanthropy, operations, and leadership.
• Ensure effective stewardship of financial resources through strong internal controls, compliance with organizational policies, donor requirements, regulatory standards, and generally accepted accounting principles, as applicable.
• Ensure the accuracy, integrity, and effective management of financial data, processes, and controls to support informed decision-making.
• Partner with philanthropy, conservation, operations, leadership, and other functional teams to provide financial guidance for fundraising initiatives, grants, contracts, campaigns, and strategic projects.
• Support governance activities by serving as a financial resource to state leadership, Boards of Trustees, Finance Committees, and other stakeholder groups, as appropriate.
• Oversee financial aspects of contracts, agreements, and other business transactions, ensuring compliance with organizational policies and sound financial practices.
• Partner with the pod Finance Director and Division Finance Director to implement financial strategies, strengthen financial management practices, promote consistency across the Southern Division, and support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Build and maintain trusted partnerships across the assigned business unit(s), fostering collaboration, financial accountability, and shared ownership of financial outcomes.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration or related field and 4 years' related experience or equivalent combination.
• Experience working with computer and information management systems, Excel spreadsheets and databases for financial analysis, fiscal management, and/or financial reports.
• Experience developing budgets, performing high-level financial analysis, and recommending actions and providing partnership to leadership.
• Experience acting as a consultant/advisor to senior executives.
• Experience with accounting principles, practices and regulations.
• Experience using accounting and financial reporting systems.
• Experience with GAAP.
• Experience in developing, directing and implementing multiple projects.
• 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.

Desired Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience serving as a strategic finance partner to business leaders, providing financial insight, analysis, and recommendations to support organizational priorities.
• Advanced experience in financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, financial analysis, and translating financial data into actionable recommendations.
• Demonstrated success analyzing complex financial information, identifying risks and opportunities, and developing solutions to improve financial performance and outcomes.
• Experience supporting financial management across complex programs, portfolios, projects, grants, contracts, or operational activities.
• Demonstrated ability to build strong partnerships, influence decision-making, and collaborate effectively with various stakeholders.
• Experience evaluating financial processes, internal controls, and management practices to ensure effective stewardship of resources and compliance with organizational policies and applicable regulations.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, financial management principles, and relevant regulatory frameworks, with the ability to interpret and apply requirements.
• Experience working with federal grants, government regulations, contracts, or other restricted funding sources preferred.
• Experience using enterprise financial systems, including prior experience with Workday or similar ERP systems.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate financial concepts clearly to non-finance audiences.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Experience working in a collaborative, multi-disciplinary, or mission-driven organization.
• Multilingual skills and/or multicultural experience appreciated.
• MBA, CPA, CIA, or other relevant professional certifications preferred.

This description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required for this job.

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit the Auto Safety information page. Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

Salary Information:

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $80,000 - $100,000 annually. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment. 

Who We Are:

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. 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 include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube   to hear stories from staff or visit  Glassdoor.

One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people.”

What We Bring:

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!

TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 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. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization 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.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to [email protected] with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.