Finance and Operations Specialist

What will you do:

Financial Management (60%): 

• Update and maintain project budget utilizing WRI’s budgeting and forecasting software (TM1) or other available tools
• Develop and revise proposal budgets and coordinate the collection and submission of formal proposals for team fundraising efforts
• Support and advises project teams in preparations for and guides the implementation of the annual Cost-Planning process
• Responsible for multiple funding sources and a complicated donor; possible hedging and cap gaps. Prepares and coordinates on financial reports to donors independently
• Regularly reviews, updates, monitors, and supervises all transactions, commitments, and revenue prospects for designated team projects including monthly-close, revenue allocations, partner/grant invoices, subgrant reporting and request for payments. Tracks multiple revenue commitments independently
• Coordinate and advise teams monthly on budget management and supplies financial review template(s) for review with workstream director(s) and operations staff, independently
• Follow WRI’s internal processes and deadlines related to funding and expenses, including preparations for quarterly reviews, monthly & annual closeouts, and fiscal year forecasting

Grant Management (30%): 

• Coordinate and processes documentation for project commitments (agreements, contracts, work authorizations, and purchase orders), independently
• Coordinate with the project management team on guidance for partner organizations and consultants to advise them on how to comply with subgrant and contract requirements in accordance with funder policies for progress and financial reports
• Support donor and grants management by keeping database software (Salesforce) and SharePoint folders up to date, including proposal fundraising opportunities
• Support project managers to understand deliverables and reporting requirements required by donors

Operations (10%): 

• Update and maintain new hire staffing information with operations
• Provide timesheet guidance to team members on a bi-weekly basis
• Support teams with financial management for conference and event logistics as needed with project managers, including participant travel. Financial management includes processing invoices and event contracts through ECM system
• Coordinate recruitment and support onboarding of new financial staff members
• Develop and complete various program, department, and organizational trackers to provide monthly updates for review with Program Directors and operations staff
• Assist project teams in project closeout process including turnover documentation and financial reconciliation.

What will you need:

• Education: You have completed a bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance, accounting, management, or a related field. You have a completed ACCA or CPA qualification
• Experience: You have 3+ years of relevant, full-time work experience, including in financial management, budgeting, administration, or nonprofit operations
• Experience in program management, financial management, grant management, budgeting, and writing
• Experience working within an international team
• Demonstrable interest in the mission and work of the WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities
• Demonstrable interest in electric mobility, transportation planning, and sustainable energy systems
• Demonstrable writing, database management, and proofreading skills
• Experience with international donors is desirable. Previous work with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) is a plus
• Experience working with Excel, experience with statistical analysis and budgeting software is desirable
• Languages: You are proficient in spoken and written English. Additional language skills are a plus, especially in Spanish, Portuguese, Mandarin, and/or Hindi
• Requirements: Existing work authorization is required where this position is based. WRI is unable to authorize visa work authorization.