Senior Financial Analyst

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.  

Overall Function

The Senior Financial Analyst is a key member in ensuring the successful operation of the budgetary and operational control systems for the Health program. He/she will develop, track and analyze program budgets and fundraising proposals and reports, will organize and present financial data for reporting, as well as review contracts and grants. He/she will oversee all financial processes for the program. This requires an interest and understanding of our program work, a willingness to engage with staff to create budgets that support our work, and deep integrity to uphold EDF's high financial standards. The Senior Financial Analyst will represent program finances as appropriate to other departments in the organization.  He/she will work with staff throughout the program and in other departments to ensure the production of timely, accurate and insightful financial information. The Senior Financial Analyst will report to the Assistant Vice President, Health and will work closely with EDF's finance department.

Key Responsibilities

• Works with AVP and program staff to develop annual $10M+ program budget.
• Monthly budget forecasting: work with Health program 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, and advise managers and finance staff on trends, opportunities for improvement, and issues of concern.
• Organize data and create clear and accurate presentations, including spreadsheets, charts, graphs and other insightful summary material that help program staff and management make decisions and gauge year-to-date spending. Present complex financial data to both financial and non-financial audiences.
• Grant/Donor Proposals and Reports: working with development and program staff, create budgets, financial proposals and reports for current and/or emerging program work. Ensure accuracy, identify variances in grant-level budget management, and advise program managers and project staff on solutions.
• Serve as Health's primary financial contact to ensure coordination of financial management efforts and timely resolution of issues.
• Review and approve program invoices, ensure the proper coding of expense items, and review other organizational and program-specific financial and operational processes.
• Assist in educating program staff on budget, operational, and financial policies and processes. Participate both in program meetings and finance departmental meetings and trainings.
• Perform ad-hoc financial analysis that will provide decision-making support on strategic initiatives.
• Coordinate the hiring of consultants, ensuring process and contracts are in accordance with EDF guidelines, with special attention to potential international issues.
• Participates in advancing EDF DEI 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 4-7 years of progressive experience in a financial analyst role or in Finance and Accounting department with a B.A., or an advanced degree with at least 2 years of experience. Non-profit experience is a plus.
• Proven knowledge of budgeting, forecasting, and reporting: the ability to perform complex financial analysis.
• Demonstrates self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across diverse cultures and backgrounds.
• Detail-oriented: the ability to spot trends and ensure accuracy, willingness to ask questions and understand numbers at a granular level.
• Big picture thinker: ability to comprehend how line item detail rolls up to achieve key program goals and milestones.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and diplomatic skills: the ability to effectively liaise with colleagues across programs and departments, offices, and time zones. Ability to discuss financial information without jargon for a non-finance audience.
• Intellectually curious: willingness to work with program staff, ask clarifying questions to understand their work.
• Demonstrated 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.

Location: Washington, D.C. preferred; option to be based out of any of our East Coast EDF offices (New York City, Boston, or Raleigh).

Environmental Defense Fund is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter on our careers site at: https://www.edf.org/jobs/senior-financial-analyst