Financial Analyst, Economics & Global Climate Cooperation

With world attention on both the environment and the economy, Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) is where policymakers and business leaders turn for win-win solutions. By focusing on strong science, uncommon partnerships and market-based approaches, we tackle urgent threats with practical solutions. We are one of the world’s largest environmental organizations, with more than two million members and a staff of approximately 700 scientists, economists, policy experts, and other professionals around the world. We operate in 22 geographies with unique projects running across four programs. You will be part of a vibrant workplace where innovation and results are a way of life.

EDF envisions a world in which people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected to the environmental challenges we face and are engaged in creating durable, equitable solutions. We seek talented candidates who share our Core Values of Respect, Results, Innovation, Optimism, and Integrity, and support our Commitment to Diversity.  

Locations: New York, Boston, Raleigh, Remote - US, Washington, D.C.

Overall Function

As a key member of the Economics & Global Climate Cooperation (EGCC) unit and of EDF’s core Operations group, the Financial Analyst will help develop, track and analyze Program budgets and fund-raising proposals, will organize and present complex financial data for reporting and decision-making, and will oversee financial processes for the program. This requires organizing the data, building spreadsheets and financial reports, reviewing contracts and grants, performing financial analysis and projections, reconciling variances, and resolving any issues. S/he will pursue continuous improvement in reporting and processes used to monitor budgets, and present complex financial data for decision-making to both financial and non-financial audiences.

The position will report to the Senior Manager of Operations, Economics & Global Climate Cooperation and will work very closely with EDF’s Finance Department and other cross-programmatic Finance and Operations teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Organize data and create clear and accurate presentations, including spreadsheets, graphics, and insightful summary material
• Support Program and Department staff to produce timely month-end reports of actual vs. budget results, ensuring accuracy and completeness; investigate, analyze and explain variances from budget for income and expense line items
• Assist in the preparation of budgets and financial reports for various stakeholders, including internal management, funders, etc.; identify variances and issues in budget management
• Work with program management, program staff, finance staff and development staff to assist in the development of department annual budget submissions
• Assist in financial operations including those related to invoices, coding of expense items, and review of organizational and department-specific financial and operational processes
• Provide day-to-day financial management, including expense reclasses, managing the movement of expenses and revenue between entities, submitting revenue allocation requests to Development.
• Conduct analyses that support regular (weekly and monthly) review of financial performance
• Participate in process improvement initiatives across the organization as it relates to finance
• Participate in departmental meetings and trainings with both the Enterprise Operations and Economics and Global Climate Cooperation teams
• Perform ad-hoc financial analytics that will provide decision-making support on strategic initiatives
• Assist in educating staff on budgetary, operational, and financial policies and processes.  Participate both in program meetings and finance departmental meetings and trainings. Assist in rollout of EDF’s ERP.
• Identify and advise on the reallocation of resources as appropriate. Coordinate with the Senior Manager of Operations on the proper allocation of resources to meet the program’s operational priorities.
• Coordinate the hiring of consultants, ensuring process and contracts are in accordance with EDF guidelines, with special attention to potential international issues.
• Work on special projects as assigned by the Senior Manager of Operations.
• Participates in advancing EDF diversity, equity and inclusion goals in which people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected, included, and empowered to address the environmental and organizational challenges in alignment with EDF values.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, or Accounting
• Minimum 2-4 years of progressive experience in a Finance and Accounting department within a non-profit organization with a B.A., or advanced degree with at least 2 years’ experience. International non-profit experience is a plus. Experience in fund accounting is a plus.
• Demonstrated thorough understanding of non-profit accounting principles and grants management, familiarity with GAAP requirements
• Reporting experience with Government grants, foundations, and private donors is a plus
• Proven knowledge of budgeting, forecasting, and reporting; the ability to perform complex financial analysis and to create insight from a large-scale general ledger
• Detail-oriented: the ability to spot trends and ensure accuracy
• Experienced in MS Office Suite, with expertise in Excel: the ability to develop formulas, pivot tables, charts and spreadsheets that clearly present data to facilitate decision-making by management
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and diplomatic skills: the ability to effectively liaise with colleagues in a diverse environment
• Demonstrates self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across diverse cultures and backgrounds
• Solid organizational and problem-solving skills: the ability to be flexible under pressure with changing priorities, and perform well in a fast-paced team environment
• Self-motivated: the ability to work productively and independently
• Experience with forecasting, budgeting, and reporting SAAS is required; experience with NetSuite is a plus.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.