Program Financial Analyst (Corporate Partnerships Program)

With world attention focused on both the environment and the economy, Environmental Defense Fund is where policymakers and business leaders turn for win-win solutions. This leading green group, founded in 1967, has tripled in size over the past decade by focusing on strong science, uncommon partnerships and market-based approaches. You can be part of a vibrant workplace that welcomes diverse perspectives, talents and contributions, where innovation and a focus on results are a way of life. With programs from Boston to Beijing, Environmental Defense Fund is the only environmental group to receive an A rating from Wired magazine.  

Position Overview:

The Financial Analyst reports to and works closely with the Vice President, Corporate Partnerships to manage all financial aspects of the program including budget management and grant tracking.  The Financial Analyst also contributes directly to program activities by coordinating project evaluations, grant proposals and reports, and other ongoing program support.   

Responsibilities:

Financial Analysis:

• Develop annual budget:  Work with program management, program staff, finance staff and development staff to develop annual budget submission.
• Monitor results:  Review monthly reports of actual vs. budget results; investigates, analyze and explain variances from budget for income and expense line items; and advise program managers, program staff and finance staff on trends and issues of concern.
• Develop new project budget proposals:  Work with program management, program staff, finance staff and development staff to develop new project budgets for fundraising proposals outside of the annual budget process.
• Coordinate milestone reporting:  Work with program management and staff to develop annual and 5-year program milestones and prepare milestone reports in conjunction with annual budget development and quarterly management meetings.
• Track grant and funding opportunities and grant commitments: Work with finance, development and program staff to develop grant reports and ensure that reporting requirements are met. Track and reconcile funding allocations to the program.
• Liaison with finance and development staff:  Serve as the program's primary contact with the finance, accounting and development staff to insure coordination of financial management efforts and timely resolution of issues.
• Other:  Oversee local processing for departmental review and coding of expense item; educate staff regarding the budget process and financial management.

Program Support:

• Strategic Planning:  Assist with short and long-term strategic planning for the program overall and major projects. Develop and implement systems to track progress against the program's strategic plan and milestones (i.e., measurable goals).
• Staff/Project Workplans:  Coordinate the development of all staff and project annual workplans, ensuring that all plans are developed in a timely manner, are consistent with the program's strategic plans, and form the basis for annual milestones.
• Operational Reviews:  Prepare quarterly progress memos for use by the VP, Corporate Partnerships in reviews of the program with the EDF executive team, funders and Board of Directors. Ensure that the materials are accurate, timely, and appropriately identifies challenges and opportunities in the implementation of the Corporate Partnerships Program.
• Manage hiring processes:  As needed, manage hiring processes for new staff, developing job descriptions, designing and managing interview process, and coordinating with HR to ensure that new hires are conducted in accordance with Environmental Defense Fund expectations.
• Research Assistance:  As needed, provide research assistance to Corporate Partnerships project managers, using defensible research and analytical techniques to perform environmental, policy, business, and market research as needed to support ongoing projects or evaluate new project ideas, strategies or partner companies.
• Support for Organization-Wide Policies:  Ensure that the program adheres to organization-wide policies, such as report planning memos, notification and involvement of the communications staff in all press releases, internet planning, etc.

Qualifications: 

• College degree with business management, finance or accounting major preferable or commensurate financial management experience.
• At least 3 years professional experience in financial, program or project management.
• Knowledge of nonprofit accounting and fundraising practices.
• Ability to analyze information and present conclusions in a concise, coherent manner to financial and non-financial staff.
• Advanced project management and analytical skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office suite, particularly Excel.
• Experience with forecasting, budgeting and reporting software packages.
• Ability to perform well in fast-paced environment with changing priorities and tight deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills with enthusiasm for team approach and problem solving.
• Self-motivated, creative and attentive to details.