Financial Director

Position Title: Director of Finance (DF)

Location: Blue Ridge Conservancy’s office is located at 416 Aho Road, Blowing Rock, NC, 28605. Our service area is Avery, Ashe, Alleghany, Mitchell, Yancey, Wilkes, and Watauga Counties.

Organization’s Mission: Blue Ridge Conservancy partners with landowners and local communities to permanently protect natural resources with agricultural, cultural, recreational, ecological, and scenic value in northwest North Carolina.

Job Overview: Blue Ridge Conservancy (BRC) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that owns real property in fee simple, holds conservation easements, and is dedicated to protecting significant land resources in northwestern North Carolina. The DF works closely with the Executive Director to ensure the ethical and efficient operation of the organization.

The DF is responsible for managing the financial operations of the organization, ensuring the organization’s financial health and sustainability, and is responsible for permanent records, regulatory filing, and other administrative and operational functions necessary to operate efficiently and in compliance with regulations. The DF works closely with the Executive Director and Board of Directors to develop and implement financial strategies that support the organization’s mission and goals.

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Management Duties:

●       Work closely with the Executive Director and senior leaders to develop and implement strategic plans and goals that support the organization’s mission and vision.

●       Manage and oversee all financial operations, including accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.

●       Ensure the accuracy and completeness of financial records, including the general ledger, accounts payable and receivable, payroll, and other financial systems including donor records.

●       Establish and maintain systems for proper accounting and reporting of all transactions involving land parcels,  and related government grants and construction contracts.

●       Establish and maintain systems for proper accounting and reporting of restricted donations, gifts-in-kind, bargain purchases, donated services, pledges, and other transactions and circumstances which may be relevant to non-profit organizations, and land trust organizations.

●       Oversee functioning and relationship with database system provider.

●       Serve as primary contact on behalf of the organization for banking relationship and investment managers.

●       In cooperation with the Treasurer of the organization, manage direct investment of excess organizational funds into US Treasury funds, sweep programs, or other investment options, as approved by the Investment Committee and Executive Committee.

●       Report on the financial performance of the organization to the Board of Directors, including regular updates on budget performance, forecasts, and financial risks and opportunities.

●       Ensure compliance with all financial reporting and regulatory requirements, including tax filings, audits, and other reporting requirements.

●       In cooperation with the Chairperson of the Audit Committee, modify internal control procedures to protect assets and maintain the integrity of the financial records as conditions change. Ensure compliance with the organization’s system of internal control.

●       Lead financial discussions of the Executive Committee, collaborating with other committee members to provide strategic financial guidance and support to the organization.

●       Manage relationships with external partners, including banks and other financial service providers, and with external auditors to ensure compliance with all reporting and regulatory requirements.

●       Represent the organization at internal and external events and meetings, providing financial guidance and support as needed.

Additional Operational Duties:

●       Oversee all financial operations to maintain compliance with Land Trust Alliance standards and practices.

●       Develop and follow procedures for effective and efficient document management, to include assisting the Director of Land Protection in maintaining project files and notebooks with a coordinated numbering system.

●       Oversee the organization’s solicitations license and annual reports to the NC Office of Budget and Management, as well as other required external reports as needed.

●       Maintain affiliated association requirements (NCID, DUNS, SAMS).

●       Manage insurance coverage for the organization, including workers compensation, property and casualty, general liability and director and officers’ liability.

●       Maintaining Operations Archives.

●       Maintain employment records.

●       Oversee purchasing.

●       Oversee payroll and employee benefits.

●       Oversee employee attendance and paid time off.

●       Supervise and work closely with Assistant Development Director and Bookkeeper to accomplish assigned duties.

Qualifications:

Education and Skills Required:

●       Bachelor’s or master’s degree in accounting, finance or related field. CPA or CMA preferred.

●       At least 5 years of responsible experience in financial management, with non-profit experience a plus.

●       Proven track record of successful financial management, including experience developing and implementing financial strategies, managing budgets, and overseeing financial reporting and compliance.

●       Strong leadership and management skills, with experience building and leading high-performing teams.

●       Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

●       Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate financial information to non-financial stakeholders.

●       Experience with risk management preferred.

●       Passion for the mission and work of the organization.

●       Passionate interest in mentoring others and working as a team.