Director of Finance and Administration

POSITION TITLE: Director of Finance and Administration

STATUS: Full Time, exempt

REPORTS TO: CEO

POSITIONS REPORTING TO THIS POSITION: Accounting Manager, Staff Accountant, HR Manager

SALARY: Starting at $105,000/year DOE

LOCATION: Reno, Nevada (hybrid) with travel to WBC's ranches in Smith, Nevada and other locations within the Walker Basin.

About Walker Basin Conservancy

Walker Basin Conservancy leads one of North America’s most ambitious restoration efforts: saving Walker Lake while supporting the communities, agriculture, and wildlife that depend on the Walker River. With roughly 30 full-time and 15 seasonal employees, the Conservancy manages water rights acquisitions, creates public access and provides environmental education, stewards and protects public lands, and operates a native‐plant nursery and seed farm. The Opportunity As Director of Finance & Administration (DFA), you will provide financial insight, modernize systems, elevate financial strategy, and guide business operations for a fast-growing, mission-driven organization. Partnering closely with the CEO and program leads, you will translate real-time data into sound decisions and ensure we scale sustainably.

Core Responsibilities

1.Financial Strategy & Leadership

• Serve as the Conservancy’s principal advisor on finance and administration, partnering with the CEO and leadership team on strategic planning, scenario modeling, and long-range forecasting.
• Develop and maintain multi-year operating and capital financial plans aligned with organizational goals and funding realities.
• Provide the Board of Directors and Finance Committee with clear, timely analysis and recommendations to support governance and strategic decision-making.

2.Accounting, Reporting & Audit

• Maintain accounting and grant billing processes in compliance with CFR, GAAP, and financial policies.
• Oversee the general ledger, deferred revenue, monthly close, reconciliations, and consolidation of all entities and programs. Review and approve all journal entries and invoices.
• Produce accurate, insight-focused monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP.
• Lead the preparation and successful completion of annual financial and Uniform Guidance audits, ensuring unqualified opinions and the timely resolution of any findings.
• Coordinate the preparation and filing of the Form 990 and any state charitable registrations.

3.Budgeting, Cash Management & Treasury

• Direct the annual budgeting process, collaborating with program managers to develop realistic, mission-driven budgets.
• Monitor cash flow, manage banking relationships, and execute prudent investment and treasury strategies to safeguard liquidity.
• Establish and monitor appropriate reserves and restricted-fund schedules; advise on financing strategies for major initiatives.

4.Systems, Processes & Internal Controls

• Evaluate, select, and implement upgrades to the accounting, ERP, payroll, and payments ecosystem to improve accuracy, efficiency, and scalability.
• Design, document, and enforce internal controls, policies, and standard operating procedures that mitigate risk and support audit readiness, including procurement, credit card policy, and AP/AR.
• Champion data integrity by developing dashboards and KPIs that provide real-time insight to program and executive leaders.

5.Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including OMB Uniform Guidance and other grantor requirements where relevant.
• Manage organizational insurance portfolio (general liability, D&O, property, vehicle, workers’ comp) and oversee annual renewals and claims.
• Maintain corporate filings, licenses, and real-estate / water-rights documentation incoordination with legal counsel.

6.Administration & Operations

• Supervise Accounting Manager, Staff Accountant, and HR Manager.
• Review and approve bi-weekly payroll.
• Oversee outsourced HR services (payroll, benefits, employee relations) and ensure compliance across multi-state employment jurisdictions (NV and CA).
• Negotiate and manage major service contracts, leases, and procurements in conjunction with program leads.

7. Team Leadership & Culture

• Directly lead and mentor the Accounting Manager, Staff Accountant, and Operations Manager, setting clear goals, providing feedback, and fostering professional growth.
• Model and promote WBC’s core values—Make a Difference, Ensure Excellence, Own It—across the finance and administration functions.
• Encourage a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and customer service orientation toward internal stakeholders.

8. Board, Donor & External Relations

• Present financial results and projections at board meetings; prepare materials for the Finance Committee and other board working groups.
• Serve as the primary contact for auditors, bankers, investment advisors, grantor financial officers, and key vendors.
• Support development staff with budget narratives, financial sections of grant proposals, and expenditure reporting to funders.

Qualifications

Required

• Five or more years’ progressive experience in accounting and finance, with at least two years leading a team.
• Experience managing federal funds and familiarity with OMB Uniform Guidance.
• Demonstrated fluency in GAAP and a record of clean audits.
• Knowledge of government contract and grant accounting, including restricted funds.
• Understanding of nonprofit tax and compliance requirements (Form 990, state registrations, etc.).Success in upgrading financial systems or designing new processes for a growing organization.
• Advanced analytical skills and proficiency with Excel and business-intelligence tools.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication, adaptable to executives and field staff alike.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field (CPA, CMA, or MBA a plus)

Employee Benefits

• Employer paid health, dental, and vision plans
• Generous vacation, personal time, and sick leave
• 403(b) plan with 6% employer contribution after 6 months
• Employer paid professional development

To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume to careers@walkerbasin.org.