Conservation Resource Alliance (CRA) is seeking a Finance Manager to lead the organization’s day-to-day financial operations and ensure CRA’s long-term financial health. Reporting to the Executive Director, this full-time position leads accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, compliance, and related operational systems that support CRA’s mission to restore Michigan’s rivers and habitats through collaborative, on-the-ground conservation. The role requires strong financial management, sound judgment, and the ability to translate financial information into clear insights for decision-making. The successful candidate must be comfortable handling both day-to-day accounting tasks and higher-level financial oversight in a small, hands-on nonprofit environment. This role is a good fit for someone who values mission-driven work and enjoys collaborating with program staff to ensure strong financial stewardship of conservation projects.

Primary Responsibilities

Bookkeeping & Accounting

• Manage all day-to-day bookkeeping, including accounts payable/receivable, payroll, general ledger, and bank reconciliations
• Prepare and submit required payroll, sales, and other federal and state tax filings
• Maintain audit-ready financial records
• Work with CRA’s contracted accounting firm to complete an annual audit and required filings, including Form 990

Grant Management

• Use Salesforce and coordinate with staff to track grants
• Manage grant reimbursement requests including cost tracking, documentation, and compliance with federal, state, and private funding requirements
• Track restricted vs. unrestricted funds and ensure proper allocation across projects
• Prepare and submit financial reports required by grant funders
• Maintain required grant compliance systems and registrations (e.g., SAM.gov, NICRA)

Budgeting & Financial Reporting

• Lead the budgeting process in collaboration with the Executive Director and relevant staff
• Develop and manage the organization’s labor allocation plan, aligning staff time and personnel costs across grants and funding sources
• Support grant budgeting, financial reporting, and invoicing across numerous grants
• Prepare and present quarterly and year-end financial reports to the Finance Committee

Operations & HR

• Maintain and strengthen internal controls to ensure financial integrity and reduce organizational risk
• Administer employee benefits, including health, retirement, and incentive programs
• Support the Executive Director in ensuring compliance with employment laws and personnel policies
• Provide financial analysis to support planning and decision-making

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business or related field; equivalent experience considered
• Minimum five years of financial management experience, preferably in the nonprofit sector
• Strong knowledge of fund accounting, payroll, and cash management
• Proficient in QuickBooks and Excel, with an advanced level preferred
• Experience using Salesforce or comparable CRM software
• Understanding of nonprofit compliance and reporting requirements
• Grant management and reporting experience
• Experience supporting and presenting to a Board of Directors
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and judgment skills
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• High level of attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment
• Commitment to unwavering integrity and confidentiality
• Ability to work occasionally outside normal business hours for board meetings or events
• Must be able to pass a background check

Location and Schedule

This full-time position is based out of CRA’s office in Traverse City, MI. CRA offers a flexible Monday through Friday work schedule, with occasional evening and weekend work required.

Compensation and Benefits

The base salary range for this position is $75,000 - $85,000, commensurate with skills and experience. CRA offers a competitive benefits package, including group health insurance, a SIMPLE IRA with an employer match, a generous paid time off package, an incentive compensation plan, and flexible work arrangements.

Learn more about Conservation Resource Alliance's work here.