| Job Description: |
The Rainforest Alliance is an international nonprofit organization that works to conserve biodiversity and ensure sustainable livelihoods by transforming land-use practices, business practices and consumer behavior. Based in New York City, with offices throughout the United States and worldwide, the Rainforest Alliance works with people whose livelihoods depend on the land, helping them transform the way they grow food, harvest wood and host travelers.
Under the auspices of the Sustainable Agriculture Network (SAN), an international coalition of leading conservation groups, the Rainforest Alliance's Sustainable Agriculture Division works with farmers to ensure compliance with the SAN standards for protecting wildlife, farm land, workers' rights and local communities. Farms that meet these rigorous environmental, ethical and economic standards are awarded the Rainforest Alliance CertifiedTM seal.
The Sustainable Agriculture Division consists of the Sustainable Landscapes Program, the Sustainable Value Chains Program, the Sustainable Agriculture Auditing Services Program, the Traceability Unit and Program Administration. The work of the Sustainable Agriculture Division is closely linked to the work of the SAN Secretariat, housed in Rainforest Alliance's Costa Rica office.
Position Summary:
The Finance & Budgeting Manager will be a key member of both Rainforest Alliance HQ Finance & Administration Division and the Sustainable Agriculture Division management team. S/he will provide critical support to the Sustainable Agriculture Division management in monitoring, analyzing and reporting the financial performance of the Sustainable Agriculture Division. S/he will work closely with the Managing Director to develop and manage the Sustainable Agriculture Division's budget and proactively ensure it meets its revenue and expense targets. S/he will assure the Sustainable Agriculture Division complies with finance, budget and contracts requirements in accordance with Rainforest Alliance policies and procedures. S/he will also be a member of the Finance & Administration Division, which includes HQ Finance management and the other Rainforest Alliance Finance & Budgeting Managers, and as such participates in the overall budgeting and financial analysis process and supports HQ Finance as needed.
Responsibilties:
Planning and Budgeting
Responsible for accurate and timely reporting and analysis of the division's performance, based on board approved budgets, for both Division/Program management and HQ Finance;
Manage the annual budgeting and financial planning process (including mid-year forecast) for the Division/Program in collaboration with the Managing Director, Project Managers, Supervisors, and other Division staff; determine how Sustainable Agriculture Division staff participate in drafting portions of the budget;
Monitor all financial activities, and keep Sustainable Agriculture Division management and HQ Finance advised of situations which have potential negative impact on financial performance; and
Coordinate proposal budget development with Sustainable Agriculture Division staff, Development and HQ Finance.
Expense Control/Accounts Receivable
Monitor expenses and revenues to ensure that the Sustainable Agriculture Division spends according to the available revenue and that restricted funds are used according to donor requirements;
Coordinate with HQ Finance and Sustainable Agriculture Division staff to manage receivables on an ongoing basis;
Create and maintain financial report templates and reporting tools; and
Establish additional Sustainable Agriculture Division procedures, where needed, to ensure adequate control and timely and accurate recording of expenses; including pre-approvals, expense approval limits, and activity planning tools.
Contracts and Agreements
Ensure that contractual agreements are created with approved templates and according to Rainforest Alliance policies and funder requirements; and coordinate negotiation of agreements with Sustainable Agriculture Division staff, Finance, Legal and/or other Rainforest Alliance departments as required and necessary;
Ensure that Rainforest Alliance-issued agreements and related payments are processed and administered according to Rainforest Alliance policies and in compliance with established terms; and
Ensure that implementation of funded activities is in conformity and on schedule with the provisions and requirements of the funding sources.
Reporting
Produce and/or review financial reports submitted to funders on behalf of the Sustainable Agriculture Division; ensure that submitted reports and invoices are reviewed for accuracy and include proper support documentation.
Communication, Training and Guidance
Serve as a key communication conduit to and from HQ Finance and SuDivision management and other staff. Ensure the timely and accurate dissemination of information;
Provide training and guidance to Sustainable Agriculture Division staff on the use of financial tools, budget formulation, tracking and adjustments, expense accounting, financial analysis and reporting, and contract management;
Identify training needs and facilitate contract orientations and training for newly hired Sustainable Agriculture Division staff, in coordination with other Rainforest Alliance staff; and
Provide guidance, coaching and oversight of other Division staff serving in finance and contracts management roles for large government and multi-lateral funded projects.
Other duties as assigned
Support HQ Finance as needed, including undertaking special projects.
Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting or Finance;
Minimum 7 years experience in financial analysis, reporting and budgeting; with minimum 2 years experience directly supervising staff;
Demonstrated work experience with both Excel and computerized accounting systems (knowledge of Solomon a plus) and with reporting software, (FRx and Crystal highly preferred);
Familiarity with a multi-office, multi-national organizational environment;
Nonprofit and US government funding experience preferred;
Experience in training staff in budgeting, financial reporting and use of financial tools;
Strong math, analytical and technical skills; highly organized with an attention to details; take initiative; customer service oriented;
Excellent written and verbal communications skills; and
Ability to interact professionally with culturally and linguistically diverse staff and clients,
Spanish language skills a plus.
Salary:
Commensurate with experience. Competitive benefits package provided.
Application:
Send resume, cover letter and salary history to Human Resources, Rainforest Alliance, 665 Broadway, Suite 500, New York, NY 10012; Fax: 212-677-2187; E-mail: Personnel@ra.org. If emailing, use the following format in the subject line: first name and last name, job title of position you are applying for.
The Rainforest Alliance is an equal opportunity employer.
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