Budget Manager

American Farmland Trust is the only national organization that takes a holistic approach to agriculture, focusing on the land itself, the agricultural practices used on that land, and the farmers and ranchers who do the work.

Since our founding in 1980, AFT has helped permanently protect over 6.5 million acres of agricultural lands, advanced environmentally-sound farming practices on millions of additional acres, and helped thousands of farm families make a go of it (primarily through programs that increase farm viability and/or enhance farmland access). Long a pioneering leader, AFT is now riding a new wave of growth, driven by agriculture’s most pressing needs and opportunities. 

Position Overview

Reporting directly to the CFO and VP of Finance & Administration, the Budget Manager is responsible for collaborating with various teams to prepare accurate budgets to meet the needs of the organization.  

 As an integral part of the AFT finance team, the Budget Manager is responsible for various finance functions including but not limited to, preparing the annual budget as well as reforecast budget and ensuring the integrity of financial information.  

What You’ll Be Working On

• Prepare annual budget as well as interim reforecast budgets.  
• Work closely with staff with budget oversight responsibility to build their budgets and identify variances. 
• Implement budget policies and guidelines. 
• Create and uphold the budgeting timelines. 
• Develop model or suggestions for expenditures to optimize budget adherence. Manage and project cash flows for the organization.
• Responsible for communications with colleagues re financial updates. 
• Review expense contracts for budget feasibility and ensure procurement guidelines are followed. 
• Establish procedures and systems necessary to maintain proper records and to afford adequate financial controls and services.
• Recommends benchmarks for measuring financial and operating performance of AFT.
• Oversees daily operations and timelines of the finance team. Designs, establishes and maintains an organizational structure and staffing to effectively accomplish the department's goals and objectives.? 
• Provides assessment and recommendations for selection and implementation of automated financial, purchasing and management information systems.
• Assist with the annual financial statement audit.

The ideal candidate is familiar with budget management and grants in nonprofits, highly detail oriented and organized, exudes leadership, feels confident reviewing reconciliations, analyzing statements and coaching staff, and possesses:   

• Highly detail oriented and organized.
• Staff management experience. 
• Thorough understanding of all accounting functional areas. Experience with accounting computer systems, software, and applications, such as Intacct and Martus.
• Should be familiar with Office365–Excel, SharePoint & Teams. Dynamics365 experience would be a benefit. 
• Customer service skills will be invaluable in this position. 
• Strong, verbal, written, analytical and organizational skills.
• High level of ethics, integrity, transparency, and trustworthiness. 
•  Keeps commitments, maintains confidentiality.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with individuals, teams, and committees. 
• Ability to translate financial concepts to individuals at all levels in the organization – including non-finance employees.
• Must have familiarity with federal & foundation funding arrangements and related items such as match requirements and overhead limitations. 
• Self-starter who takes initiative to problem solve. 

Education & Experience 

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance or Business Administration required.  
• 5+ years’ experience in a non-profit organization working with federal grants.

Why you should apply

• Be a part of a purpose-driven, committed, knowledgeable, high-performing, experienced and fun team
• A diverse and inclusive work environment
• A cause and mission you can be proud of
• Competitive compensation & Benefits
• Remote work opportunities
• Flexible scheduling

We believe diversity drives innovation. We are inclusive. We embrace differences. We recognize and respect the fundamental value and dignity of all our employees. We celebrate the unique traditions, heritages, and experiences our employees bring to the workplace. We are committed to creating and sustaining an inclusive culture that promotes and values diversity, and where everyone feels empowered to bring their authentic selves to work every day.

We provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, expression or identity, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, American Farmland Trust complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which we have facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.