Employment

Job Title: Director of Finance & Administration 
Location: The Watershed Institute, Pennington, NJ    
Job Type: Full-Time  
Reports To: Executive Director      

The Watershed Institute, a dynamic and multifaceted nonprofit conservation organization, is seeking a full-time Director of Finance & Administration (DF&A). As a key member of the senior leadership team, the DF&A will provide full-cycle accounting and financial operations, including strategic financial guidance and operational oversight to support our mission. Reporting to the Executive Director and working closely with the Board of Trustees, this role is responsible for overseeing the finance and administration department, including preparing and maintaining all financial records, budgets, financial statements, risk, investments, compliance, IT and HR.  

The Watershed Institute is dedicated to keeping water clean, safe, and healthy, and pursues its mission through programs in environmental advocacy, watershed science, environmental education, and land conservation. The organization is headquartered at the LEED-Platinum Watershed Center on a 950-acre nature reserve near Pennington, New Jersey. The organization is supported by more than $22 million in endowment and other investments, a bold five-year Strategic Plan, and a new Campus Plan, which we expect to execute over the next several years.  

Key Responsibilities:    

Financial Management 

• Maintaining the accuracy and integrity of all financial information, records, and assets 

• Manage A/P, A/R, payroll, cash operations, and check processing 

• Monitor cash flow and liquidity to ensure operational stability 

• Maintain the G/L and Chart of Accounts 

• Prepare monthly (and yearly) closes and reconcile monthly financial statements. 

• Prepare regular financial reports for distribution to the Board of Trustees and senior staff 

• Develop policies and procedures and implement process improvements to enhance accuracy and efficiency of the department and organization 

• Conduct internal control reviews, risk assessments, and compliance audits for grants, endowments, and restricted funds, strengthening controls and reducing errors by updating procedures and aligning policies with GAAP 

• Supervise staff accountant, HR & IT staff 

• Manage relationships with external partners, including banks, auditors, investment managers, and other financial services providers 

• Ensure compliance with all financial and other regulations, including tax, audit, charity, real estate, and other. Preparing IRS Form 990 documentation, and property filings 

• Collaborate closely with senior team to execute strategic plans and goals that support the organization’s mission and vision 

Budgeting and Forecasting 

• Compile annual budget in conjunction with the department heads and provide monthly forecasts based on financial performance 

• Serve as liaison for the Finance committee, attend meetings, and maintain minutes 

Grants Reporting and Forecasting 

• Collaborate with Senior Director of Advancement to prepare grant reports, overseeing accounting, reimbursements, and compliance requirements 

Investment Management 

• Maintain relationship with external investment manager, and facilitate communications between manager and Finance Committee 

Financial Audit and Compliance 

• Oversee annual audit of financial statements. Serve as liaison and support to independent auditors 

• Oversee tax filings, including 990, tax-exempt and farmland assessment filings, and CRI related compliance documentation 

• Prepare and file annual federal and state returns and reports 

• Ensure compliance with nonprofit, labor, tax, grant, and charitable registrations. 

• Maintain non-profit and charitable organization status  

Property Insurance and Contracts 

• Monitor liability insurance coverage (general, D&O, property, auto, etc.). Maintain policies and coordinate renewals 

• Manage insurance requirements for Summer Camp 

• Review insurance claims and risk mitigation strategies 

• Coordinate legal review of contracts as needed 

• Oversee document retention and records management policies 

• Monitor cybersecurity, data privacy, and operational risk considerations 

• Assess risk and obtain permits as needed 

Leadership and Strategic Planning 

• Maintain organizational strategy and implementation 

• Provide financial and operational guidance to support mission-driven decision-making and ensure financial sustainability 

• Ensure alignment between financial resources and programmatic priorities 

IT and HR 

• Supervise and support IT staff  

• Oversee technology budgeting and planning 

• Support implementation and maintenance of software, hardware and databases 

• Evaluate technology needs to improve operational efficiency 

• Coordinate hardware and software procurement and lifecycle management 

• Assist HR staff with various tasks 

• Employee lifecycle, benefits insurance, 403b, compensation, background screenings, and staffing 

• Annual salary review and compensation planning 

• Employee payroll tax and compliance 

• Performance appraisals 

• Professional development 

Qualifications:    

• Strong expertise in GAAP-compliant nonprofit accounting, budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, grants and fund management, audit coordination, and internal controls, along with full ownership of month- and year-end close processes and reconciliation 

• Knowledge of financial statement preparation and GAAP accounting standards 

• Experience with computerized accounting systems (QBO) and spreadsheets 

• Proficient in Microsoft 365. 

• Ability to work well as a team player 

• Ability to meet deadlines 

• Passion for the environment  

• Strong interpersonal, presentation, and communication skills    

• Strong leadership and management skills 

• Excellent organizational skills, including multitasking, time management, and meticulous attention to detail    

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field 

• At least 7 years of nonprofit accounting and supervisory experience 

• CPA certification 

Compensation & Benefits:    

• Salary range: $95,000 to $105,000, commensurate with experience  

• Health, dental, vision, and Life insurance. 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution    

• Paid holidays, vacation, sick, and personal time  

• A collaborative and mission-driven work environment   

How to Apply:    

Submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references to jobs@thewatershed.org. Please include “Director of Finance & Administration” in the subject line.  

The Watershed Institute is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.