Finance Specialist

Position Announcement: 

The non-profit Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests seeks an experienced, well organized, enthusiastic, and self-motivated individual for the position of Finance Specialist. The successful candidate will have a minimum five years of progressively more complex accounting experience including at least three years of experience with month end closing, year-end closing, general ledger reconciliation, and audit preparation and support.  The successful candidate will also have exceptional attention to detail and accuracy, and advanced experience with Microsoft Excel, Word and accounting software (Abila MIP preferred). 

This is a full-time position based at the Conservation Center in Concord, NH.  The Finance Specialist is primarily responsible for processing financial transactions, managing restricted funds, reconciling accounts, closing the books, and preparing for the annual financial audit.  

The Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests is a statewide land conservation organization that was founded in 1901 to protect New Hampshire’s most important landscapes and promote wise use of its renewable natural resources.  Today, with 9,400 member households and over 40 employees, the Forest Society owns 172 reservations in 102 communities across the state, and has interests and monitoring responsibilities for 818 conservation easements.  With ongoing programs in advocacy, land protection and sustainable forest management, the Forest Society consistently ranks among the nation’s top land trusts and has been a leader in setting the standard for American land protection.  If you enjoy working both independently and in a cooperative team-approach in a challenging, at times fast-paced, but always rewarding, setting you may be the right person for this position.

If you’re interested in becoming a member of the dedicated Forest Society staff email a resume and cover letter by May 20th, to Tony Cheek, Finance Director tcheek@forestsociety.org (or mail a hard copy resume and cover letter to The Society for the Protection of NH Forests c/o: Tony Cheek) • 54 Portsmouth Street • Concord, NH 03301-5400. 

The Forest Society is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.   

No phone calls please.

 

Full Job Description:

Reports to: Finance Director        

Nonexempt  / Full time (40 hrs/week)  / Temporary: no

Position Summary:

As a member of the Finance team the Finance Specialist handles essential financial management tasks for the Forest Society including managing restricted funds, reconciling accounts, closing the books, and preparing for the annual financial audit.   This position is at the center of communicating financial information to the staff so it requires the ability to work cooperatively and effectively with others and to understand how financial operations affect and inform the work of the Forest Society.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Perform month end and year-end financial closings including: Reclassify restricted funds; Reconcile operating bank account and investment account; Post monthly journal entries and verify general ledger balances; Monitor financial statements for variances and resolve posting problems; Perform balance sheet reconciliations monthly and document  to audit standards; Maintain pledge and grant receivable records; Reconcile development and finance revenue records monthly; Update and maintain fixed asset and depreciation records and post depreciation
Financial management including: Maintain all restricted fund records including tracking donor restrictions, account activity and balances; Maintain journal entry audit book with proper backup and authorizations; Code check requests for land/easement purchases, journalize all land transactions, prepare and send 1099s for land transactions, reconcile land values records with land protection department regularly; Prepare invoices for all project related work; Advise other staff on accounting transactions
Provide financial support to the organization including: Run and distribute monthly financial statements and project reports to staff, Prepare financial reports for completed projects as needed; Supply information and support to all staff on financial issues; Prepare ad-hoc reports as needed; Recommend procedural changes to increase efficiency and effectiveness
Assist with annual processes including: Prepare audit schedules (with assistance of other finance staff) and compile financial information for auditor; Serve as primary contact with auditor for on-site work; Provide supporting information for annual tax filing of 990 and 990T
Process annuitant payments; Maintain individual annuitant accounts, Create and distribute 1099s for annuitants
Set up new vendors in Abila MIP; Prepare and distribute 1099’s; Advise receptionist on AP data entry and AP check run
In house Abila MIP expert including: Recommend and manage software upgrades; recommend and implement changes to procedures and systems to increase efficiency, create and maintain reports, smooth work flow
Manage all financial records and files based on document retention/destruction schedule
Record and transcribe minutes for the finance committee, investment subcommittee, and audit committee
Remain educated on proper accounting practices and procedures
Assume additional tasks/responsibilities as needed

Contributions/Outcomes:

The Finance Specialist is responsible for ensuring the Forest Society’s compliance with proper accounting procedures.  The accuracy and timeliness of this work is vital to the efficient functioning and reputation of the Forest Society.  As a member of the Finance team this individual works cooperatively with colleagues to keep all finance functions operating smoothly.  This position is responsible for recommending and implementing changes to procedures and systems to better track financial information, to smooth work flow, and more effectively communicate financial information to the staff and the board.

Qualifications and Skills Required:

  • Minimum of five years of progressively more complex accounting experience including at least three years of experience with month end closing, year-end closing, general ledger reconciliation, and audit preparation and support
  • Advanced experience with Microsoft Office products, particularly Excel and Word
  • Advanced experience with Abila MIP, or other accounting software
  • High motivation with the ability to anticipate and proactively address challenges
  • Ability to work as part of team and cooperate effectively with colleagues
  • Ability to anticipate and meet deadlines consistently
  • Ability to clearly communicate financial information to non-financial staff
  • Keen attention to detail and the highest standards of excellence and confidentiality
  • Non-profit accounting experience preferred but not required
  • Bachelor’s degree preferred (though additional professional experience will be considered in lieu of degree)
  • Good judgment, a can-do attitude, creativity and a sense of humor appreciated
  • Interest in land protection or conservation helpful

Working Conditions:

Solar office with open floor plan

Physical Requirements:

Ability to sit and type at a computer for long periods

Direct Reports:

None