Director of Finance

The Wetlands Institute seeks a highly motivated and organized Director of Finance who will be responsible for financial planning, investments and accounting operations for an environmental non-profit Institute in coastal New Jersey. The Director of Finance is a strategic thought partner to the Executive Director and is part of the leadership team. Applicant must have a proven record of accomplishment of strong financial management and acumen.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Provide overall financial oversight, monitoring and analysis, including development and implementation of sound fiscal management practices and internal controls;
2. Manage and oversee monthly accounting processes, including bookkeeping, invoicing, and grants accounting;
3. Administer payroll and retirement management;
4. Monitor restricted grants and forecast spending to ensure compliance with funding organizations;
5. Analyze and present financial reports to communicate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements;
6. Coordinate, supervise, and lead the annual audit process, liaise with external auditors and the finance committee of the Board of Directors;
7. Coordinate and lead annual budgeting and planning process;
8. Administer and review all financial plans and budgets and monitor income and expenditures;
9. Oversee management of investment portfolios and track endowment income and distributions;
10. Manage cash flow and forecasting;
11. Oversee financial management of contracts including contract billing and collection schedules;
12. Update and implement all necessary financial business policies and accounting practices;
13. Communicate with and prepare reports to the Finance Committee and the Board of Trustees;
14. Ensure successful implementation and ongoing management of QuickBooks and Point-of-Sale software platforms.

Minimum Job Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance required; Master’s Degree in Business Administration or related area desired
• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a Director/Manager within an Accounting/Finance department.
• Knowledge of nonprofit accounting desired
• Strong understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
• Computer literacy in Microsoft Excel and Quickbooks; donor management software
• A strong team collaborator and ability to effectively supervise others
• Ability to handle sensitive matters with appropriate discretion
• Ability to perform multiple tasks with effective time management and organizational skills
• Strong planning, strategic thinking and leadership skills
• Commitment to the mission and values of The Wetlands Institute

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

The demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Frequent physical activities including lifting, pushing and pulling items up to 50 pounds; reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, climbing, crouching and prolonged periods of sitting.
• Ability to work various shifts including evenings and weekends.

This information is not designed to be a complete inventory of the job duties, responsibilities, and qualifications. Rather, it’s designed to give the general nature and level of work to be performed by an employee assigned to this job title.

Compensation

Salary commensurate with experience. We provide a competitive employment package, which includes medical, dental, and vision benefits, matching contributions to a 403b retirement plan, and a generous paid vacation and paid-time-off policy. It is expected that this position will require onsite participation, but can accommodate a hybrid work arrangement.

The Wetlands Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information or any other status protected by law or regulation. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions are based on job-related factors.

Application Information

To apply, please send cover letter, resume and three professional references to  hr@wetlandsinstitute.org and include Director of Finance in the subject line.

Application deadline is November 1, 2024.

About the Wetlands Institute

The position will be located at the Wetlands Institute, located on a 14,000 acre tidal marsh in Stone Harbor, New Jersey. The Wetlands Institute is a 501c3 non-profit organization with a mission to promote appreciation, understanding and stewardship of wetlands and coastal ecosystems through our programs in research, education and conservation.  Our goals are a) to teach people of all ages the value of wetlands and coastal ecosystems for the survival of life on earth, b) conduct research and conservation focused on wetlands and coastal ecosystems and their inhabitants; and c) encourage stewardship of these ecosystems worldwide.  The Wetlands Institute has more than 17,000 annual visitors, 1,300 members, and hosts more than 14,000 schoolchildren annually.

Founded in 1969 by Herbert Mills (Executive Director, World Wildlife Fund US, 1965-1969), The Wetlands Institute is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to furthering knowledge and appreciation of coastal environments. We believe that people will value wetlands and coastal ecosystems if they understand how they work and why the health of those systems is so tightly intertwined with our own wellbeing. That belief is the moving force behind all our services. Through our programs in conservation, research, education, and outreach we employ an interdisciplinary approach to inspire people of all ages to care about the environment and to become environmentally literate and involved citizens.

The Wetlands Institute is also a field laboratory and research site for visiting scientists and students ranging from undergraduate through post-doctoral levels. The Wetlands Institute is a founding partner of the Seven Mile Island Innovation Laboratory along with the US Army Corps of Engineers and the State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. The laboratory is an innovation leader and proving ground for the development of novel tools and techniques for ecological restoration of coastal ecosystems.

The Wetlands Institute works with area high schools, service organizations, and the public on volunteer conservation initiatives designed to protect and preserve coastal and wetland ecosystems and their inhabitants, which includes providing authentic, experiential engagement opportunities for participants.