The Nature Conservancy first commenced operations in Australia in 2002. Since that time TNC Australia has grown significantly and now conducts projects in all mainland Australian states and territories. Our work focuses on three main biogeographical zones – the Outback (including work with many Indigenous Traditional Owner groups supporting their efforts to manage their country for its cultural and conservation values); our Oceans (including our extensive shellfish reef building program across the bays and estuaries of southern Australia), and the Southern Murray-Darling Basin (including innovative water funds and property management).

The Role:

The Director of Finance will provide overall direction and leadership for all financial functions of the Australia Business Unit (BU) (operating budget of AU$25 million and a staff of approximately 30).

The role reports to the Deputy Country Director of the Australia Business Unit but will have a close working relationship with the Asia-Pacific Director of Finance and Operations and the Director Related Entities based in the TNC Head Office and the TNC Chief Financial Officer, also based in Head Office.

The ideal candidate must be able to demonstrate expertise in:

• Structuring and advising on conservation investment deals (~$2-$40million). This expertise would be called upon an as needed basis (~25% of time) as the Australia BU continues to build a portfolio of investments and assets under management. The candidate should also be able to support the CFO on investment advice on the current $15million under management in Australia.
• Financial management and leadership to ensure the Business Unit achieves its immediate and long-term financial goals and the management of a growing portfolio of conservation projects across Australia (~ 75% of time) including:
  • Provide timely and accurate financial reports, analysis and recommendations to BU Directors, project managers and board members;Develop and monitor budget, forecast, sustainability, and strategic financial plans;
  • Review and monitor income statement and balance sheet (including pledges) items at month and year-end close;

The ideal candidate is seeking a challenge and ability to contribute to the solutions that will solve Australia’s biggest conservation challenges.

A CA/CPA, their background is likely in the financial services, banking, or the not-for-profit sector with a demonstrated skills in managing complex budgets ($15 million growing to $35 million in FY22) and financial transactions.

The candidate must be:

• Able to work with geographically dispersed teams across a number of conservation disciplines and functional areas, including Membership, Marketing, Development and People and Culture.
• Display excellent communication skills with the ability to explain financial and accounting matters down to project staff and financial analysis upwards to senior Leadership and the TNC Advisory Board.
• Resourceful and capable in order to review complex conservation transactions and provide financial insights and assessments to guide TNC investment decisions.
• A good people manager and team player that can continue to build capacity of junior staff and engage with a broad diversity of staff, volunteers, clients, supporters and donors.
• Understanding of US GAAP and fund accounting principles, practices and regulations is highly regarded.

What makes this role desirable?

TNC is consistently regarded as an employer of choice in the geographies in which it operates due to the quality of its staff, the creativity of its programming, an endless stream of opportunities to engage in projects around the world. TNC has an attractive remuneration and benefits package, is the type of place where employees can find opportunities for expansive career growth, particularly now with the more recent commitments to becoming a truly global organisation.

AUD $123,600 p.a. to $154,500 p.a. plus 9.5% superannuation and generous employee benefits including health insurance contribution, salary matching for retirement fund and additional leave days.

Location flexible within Australia.

How to apply:

To apply, please submit a resume and a one page cover letter demonstrating your expertise and why you are interested in the role via the APPLY button.

To request an information pack or if you have any questions please email Liska Turner at [email protected], using the subject line: Director of Finance - The Nature Conservancy enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Applications will be assessed on receipt and shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interview.