Director of Finance

The Conservation Biology Institute (CBI) is a growing non-profit organization with 30 highly motivated staff and $2.5 million in annual revenues, headquartered in Corvallis, Oregon. Our mission is to provide scientific expertise to support conservation of biological diversity through applied research, education, planning, and community service to other non-profit organizations, governmental agencies and private clients worldwide

The Director of Finance is a new position in our organization. CBI is projected to grow to over $5 million in annual revenues in the next several years, and we are looking for a strong senior-level professional who displays energy and professionalism in a participatory manner. The Finance Director must be able to communicate effectively with and earn the trust of the President and Vice President. Together, this group will develop the financial controls, reporting, and management structure for the organization. Initially, the Finance Director will report to the Vice President; it is envisioned that, with the right candidate, the position could develop into a Vice President position, with a long-term commitment as an integral member of CBI’s senior management team.

The Director of Finance will be responsible for directing the entire range of financial management responsibilities, from daily operations to high-level financial planning, budgeting, forecasting and management. The Finance Director will begin with one support staff member and with outside accounting support, eventually transitioning to a completely internal operation. This position offers an opportunity for an entrepreneurial, highly personable financial professional with a passion for environmental issues to make a difference in the conservation community. The successful candidate will be an experienced, results-oriented individual with an extensive fiscal management track record. Applicants must have the proven ability to interact effectively with Presidents, COOs, executive directors, development directors, clients, funders, and boards of directors.

This position is open to candidates from either the non-profit or private sectors with financial experience with grants, contracts, fund accounting, fee for service projects, and consulting services.

Fiscal Management (Primary Responsibility)

This position is responsible for directing and conducting all aspects of fiscal management and accounting for CBI, as delineated below. • Overall responsibility to maintain excellent financial controls, policies, procedures and reports. • Oversee the timely and accurate completion of invoicing, A/R and A/P, job cost reports, workload projections, balance sheets and monthly financial reports. • Manage accounting software (QuickBooks) and provide troubleshooting and staff training. • Oversee payroll and benefits, including time tracking, PTO accrual and retirement plan. • Manage bank and investment accounts; ensure adequate cash flow and financial reserves. • Oversee bookkeeping functions, including processing expense reports, bank reconciliations, petty cash, checking account, etc. • Take the lead in developing and monitoring annual budgets; assist in preparation of project budgets. • Provide financial data for proposal budgets, grant requests, grant budgets, and annual reports. Help ensure consistency in billing rates, overhead calculations, and other financial data provided to others. • Work with an external CPA on the annual audit and preparation of the IRS 990. • Obtain and monitor all required licenses and insurance, ensure that adequate insurance is maintained, and maintain vendor relationships.

Planning and Office Operations (Secondary Responsibility)

• Assist President, Vice President, Board of Directors and others in developing and executing strategic plans, annual operating plans and individual work plans. • Provide assistance in collecting and analyzing project evaluation data. • Assist in board meeting preparation and coordination, and provide limited staff support to the board and its committees. • Assist with human resources and contract administration. • Coordinate with other senior staff in assuring the smooth and efficient running of the office.

Primary Qualifications

• Demonstrated record of progressive achievement in financial management in the non-profit and/or private sectors as a President, CFO, executive director, fiscal manager or senior administrator. • Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a member of a senior management team. • Proven ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple projects and assignments. • Excellent computer skills and proficiency with QuickBooks. • Willingness to relocate or commute to Corvallis, Oregon. • Degree in finance, accounting or business, and/or MBA, and/or CPA a plus. • Experience in human resources and/or contract management a plus.

Additional Qualifications

• Familiar with a wide range of nonprofit organizations and their grant and fundraising needs from a variety of perspectives. • Experience in assessing organizational needs and providing organizational development. • Experience in analyzing complex organizational issues; able to distill data and make recommendations. • Demonstrated ability to solve problems and exercise initiative and sound judgment. • Excellent written and oral communication skills, with proven ability to convey information clearly. • Passionate about conservation issues.

Please submit resume and references to: Ms. Pamela Frost, Vice President Conservation Biology Institute 136 SW Washington Avenue, Suite 202 Corvallis, OR 97333