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 in coordination 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)