Director of Finance & Administration

United States

About Wild Earth Allies

Wild Earth Allies is reshaping how conservation works by building long–term partnerships with local organizations and practitioners in high–biodiversity areas worldwide. Through deep collaboration, strategic support, and shared learning, we advance conservation rooted in local values, knowledge, and practices—so wildlife and people can flourish together in healthy ecosystems that sustain us all. Guided by optimism, cultural respect, shared learning, and integrity, we are expanding our team to grow the impact of this work.

Position Summary

The Director of Finance & Administration is responsible for overseeing the organization’s financial and administrative operations, including financial reporting, budgeting, compliance activities, and internal controls.The position will also oversee the management of benefits and serve as the liaison with insurance and other providers of administrative services. This position ensures accurate financial management in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), nonprofit accounting standards, donor and grant requirements, and applicable federal, state, and international regulations.Wild Earth Allies is US–based nonprofit conservation organization with international field offices and an annual revenue of $7.5 million.

The Director of Finance & Administration manages the day–to–day accounting functions of the organization, including domestic and international operations, while supporting organizational fiscal health through timely reporting, strong internal controls, and sound financial oversight. This position works closely with executive leadership including the Finance and Audit Committee of the Board, program managers, and field offices to provide operational financial leadership and ensure transparency, accountability, and compliance.The Director of Finance & Administration reports to the Executive Director.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management & Accounting

Provide strategic financial leadership, including cash flow projections and treasury management with the oversight of the Executive Director.
Oversee all daily accounting operations, including:
- General ledger
- Accounts payable
- Accounts receivable
- Payroll coordination
- Bank and account reconciliations
- Journal entries
- Month–end and year–end close processes
Maintain accurate financial records in accordance with GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards.
Review accounting schedules, reconciliations, and journal entries prepared by accounting staff.
Monitor organizational cash flow and ensure adequate resources are available to support operations.
Maintain and improve accounting systems, procedures, and internal controls.
Assist with accounting system enhancements, workflow efficiencies, and process documentation.

Financial Reporting

Prepare and review monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports, including:
- Statement of Financial Position
- Statement of Activities
- Statement of Cash Flows
- Statement of Functional Expenses
Prepare reports for executive leadership, the Board of Directors, grantors, and external stakeholders.
Conduct budget–to–actual variance analyses and present findings/recommendations to management.

Fund & Grant Accounting

Manage restricted and unrestricted funds in accordance with donor intentions and grant agreements.
Track grant expenditures and prepare financial reports for grantors and funding agencies.
Ensure proper allocation of expenses among programs, grants, departments, and funding sources.
Monitor grant budgets and collaborate with program managers regarding spending and compliance.
Maintain compliance with grant requirements, donor restrictions, and Uniform Guidance provisions.
Support major grant reporting requirements and regulatory reviews.

International Accounting Oversight

Coordinate accounting and financial reporting for international field offices and overseas operations.
Monitor foreign transactions, foreign currency conversions, and international expense allocations.
Ensure appropriate supporting documentation is maintained for international activities.
Assist in implementing and monitoring internal controls for international operations.
Collaborate with field office personnel to promote consistency in accounting practices and compliance.

Budgeting & Financial Planning

Support leadership in preparing annual budgets and financial forecasts.
Analyze financial performance; recommend improvements for efficiency and long–term sustainability.
Assist with strategic planning initiatives through financial analysis and reporting.
Support departmental budgeting efforts and ongoing financial monitoring.

Compliance & Audit

Ensure compliance with nonprofit regulations, donor requirements, payroll regulations, and applicable federal, state registrations and annual reporting, and international laws.
Coordinate annual external audits and serve as the primary liaison with auditors.
Prepare audit schedules and supporting documentation.
Support preparation and review of Form 990 and other required filings.
Maintain compliance with all financial reporting and regulatory requirements.
Maintain and update accounting policies, procedures, and operational controls.

Administration of Benefits

Ensure timely payment of all benefits.
Coordinate with outside benefit providers on renewals, changes in employee status and questions that arise concerning coverage.

Leadership & Collaboration

Supervise, mentor, and develop accounting staff, including the Senior Finance Associate and others.
Promote accountability, continuous improvement, and professional growth within the accounting team.
Collaborate with department leaders regarding budgets, grant expenditures, and financial planning.
Support organizational initiatives and process improvement efforts.
Foster productive working relationships across departments, cultures, and geographic locations

Qualifications

Education & Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required.
CPA designation strongly preferred.
Minimum of ten (10) years of progressive accounting experience required.
Prior nonprofit accounting experience required.
Supervisory or management experience preferred.
Experience with fund accounting and grant management required.
Experience with international operations or multi–entity accounting preferred.
Experience coordinating annual audits and supporting Form 990 preparation required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Strong knowledge of nonprofit accounting principles and U.S. GAAP.
Thorough understanding of fund accounting and grant compliance requirements.
Knowledge of Form 990 preparation and nonprofit regulatory requirements.
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem–solving skills.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and accounting software.
Experience with nonprofit accounting platforms such as QuickBooks or similar systems required.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
Professional judgment, discretion, and confidentiality.
High degree of integrity and attention to detail.
Ability to collaborate effectively across departments and cultures.
Experience presenting financial information to executive leadership and Board of Directors.
Experience supporting organizations with international operations and field offices.

Additional Details

Position: Full-time, Exempt.
Location: Chevy Chase, MD, USA office; hybrid position with 3+ days in the office per week.
Compensation: $145,000 to $160,000
Travel/schedule: Domestic and/or international travel, as needed. This position may require working outside of normal business hours to engage across time zones with staff and partners globally.

Our organization is built on important values–optimism, cultural respect, shared learning, and integrity. We value diversity and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion/creed, sex, national origin, disability, citizenship status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or partnership status, familial status, or any other status protected by applicable law.