Finance Manager

•  Reporting to the Controller, the Finance Manager will be responsible for the oversight of all accounting and associated external and internal reporting activities of the NRDC Beijing Representative Office (BRO).
• The Finance Manager will lead all day-to-day accounting operations, including functional responsibility over accounts payable, accounts receivable/funding, payroll, tax, and the accounting aspects of inventory management, fixed-assets and grants administration.
• The Finance Manager will take ownership and accountability of current and future BRO accounting systems, ensuring that BRO has appropriate systems, processes, and procedures in place to support an effective internal control framework and facilitate the annual audit.
• The Finance Manager will work closely with Finance, program and/or functional unit leaders and their staff, not only to educate them regarding accounting procedures, but also to explore how the Accounting and Finance Department, as a unit, can support their priorities and operations through effective collaboration and financial program reporting.

Accounting Leadership (80%)

• Oversee all accounts, ledgers, and reporting systems for the BRO; ensure compliance with Chinese GAAP and applicable regulatory requirements, including tax compliance and reporting.
• Implement consistent accounting policies, practices, and procedures across all programs. Ensure work is accurate and processed in a timely manner and in accordance with NRDC’s policies and procedures.
• Maintain current knowledge base about existing, new, and forthcoming legislation and updates to accounting guidance relevant to NRDC.
• Maintain and enforce internal controls and safeguards pertaining to funding, costs, and program budgets and actual expenditures, and timely manage the month-end and two different year-end accounting close processes (for head office and BRO) with reconciliations, including all internal and external financial reporting requirements.
• Manage monthly, quarterly, and two year-end reconciliations using annual audit requirements and budget versus actual expenditure considerations.
• Coordinate all external audit activities (e.g., financial statement and compliance audits), as applicable, and oversee the preparation of all required tax forms and such other regulatory reports/audits that might be required to ensure all reporting deadlines are met.
• Provide inputs for financial planning processes such as budgeting and financial forecasting, cash flow projections and grant management. Coordinate with US Accounting and Finance to support US GAAP compliance.

Team Leadership (20%)

• Serve as an integral member of the leadership of the Accounting & Finance team and a key manager of BRO, and contribute to the culture and effectiveness of the larger Accounting & Finance function and Operations.
• Act as A&F resource to Operations to disseminate policies, explain standard operating procedure, and encourage alignment with NRDC deliverables to stakeholders.
• Help to clarify Accounting and Finance policy, develop and implement training programs, and promote NRDC initiatives to support DEI.
• Present BRO financial reports and performance to senior leadership.

Education/Training/Experience:

• 5 to 10 years of accounting and finance experience, including working within an accounting firm.
• Minimum of a bachelor degree in accounting or finance; CPA preferred.
• Experience coordinating audit activities and managing reporting, accounts payable and receivable, general ledger, payroll, fixed assets, and nonprofit accounting components.
• Demonstrate a familiarity with accounting and reporting software platforms.
• Chinese and English language proficiency.

Knowledge and skill requirements:

• Understanding of and commitment to NRDC’s mission as well as a demonstrated desire to contribute meaningfully to organizational culture.
• Exhibits a strategic mindset and a strong institutional orientation; ability to develop a strategic plan and execute effectively
• Ability to connect and build strong relationships with others, demonstrating strong collaborating skills and the ability to work across cultures and communicate clearly and persuasively.
• Personal qualities of integrity and credibility; a proactive, hands-on strategic thinker who will own, as appropriate, the responsibility for BRO accounting operations and leadership.
• Strong knowledge of internal controls and compliance coupled with good risk judgment.
• Strong stakeholder engagement, interpersonal and communication skills; experience in effectively communicating key data, including presentations to senior accounting management or other outside partners; ability to collaborate and partner with other functional leaders.
• Ability to build and maintain a strong function.
• Commitment to diversity and an appreciation for different perspectives, experiences, and traditions; passionate about creating an organizational culture that reflects equity, diversity, and inclusion in action.

Management responsibilities:

•  People Management: Directly manage the Admin & Finance Coordinator.
• External Management: Manage BRO’s external banking relationships, accountants, and auditors.
• Department Management: As a member of the Accounting & Finance management team, contribute to the overall setting of strategic priorities and the management of the department.