Finance Specialist

Overview Summary
Ecostudies Institute is looking for a detail-oriented individual with experience supporting the organization’s financial management and administrative operations, with a primary focus on grant billings, financial tracking, and compliance. The position will provide administrative support for monthly close-out tasks and be responsible for maintaining accurate financial records and ensuring grant and contract financial activities are properly documented. The ideal candidate should have previous experience using QuickBooks Online, Excel, Microsoft Word, and other programs and have a keen interest in conservation and a desire to support regional conservation goals through effective and efficient program administration. Experience with nonprofit operations is desirable but not required. The position serves a critical role in supporting Ecostudies’ administrative functions and, in turn, our on-the-ground conservation efforts.

Major Responsibilities

• Prepare and maintain financial documentation to support invoices and reimbursement requests.
• Assist in review and recording of general ledger activity and perform QA/QC checks to identify and resolve discrepancies, particularly related to monthly close-out.
• Support processing payroll and creating reports from QuickBooks to assist with grant and contract management.
• Reconcile bank accounts, credit cards, and balance sheet accounts to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Support year-end close and audit preparation, including gathering documentation and responding to requests.
• Follow organizational financial policies and procedures to strengthen internal controls.
• Contribute to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.

Required Knowledge and Skills

• Two to three years of experience in accounting/finance/bookkeeping.
• Experience with financial reporting requirements.
• Familiarity with GAAP and financial management, including invoicing, reimbursements, and compliance requirements.
• Initiative, ability to meet deadlines, attention to detail, strong analytical skills, excellent communication skills, and being a quick and continuous learner.
• Ability to respectfully work within a collaborative context and achieve objectives through team efforts.
• Working knowledge of accounting software (QuickBooks Online) and other common software applications (e.g., Word, Excel, Web browsers).
• Ability to manage time and diverse activities under deadlines while delivering quality results.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in accounting/finance/business.
• Experience with a non-profit organization.
• Familiarity with uniform cost principles and administrative requirements for federal awards (2 CFR § 200).
• Experience supporting month-end and year-end close processes, including reconciliations and audit preparation.
• Familiarity with payroll processing and related reporting requirements.
• Experience working with external accountants or auditors.

Working Conditions

• This position is based in Olympia, WA; remote work may be an option but will require the ability to meet with staff in Olympia on an as-needed basis.
• Work is performed in an office setting.
• Expected work schedule is 20-25 hours per week. Will be expected to adjust schedule as needed to meet business demands and deadlines.
• Travel is not expected.

About Ecostudies
Ecostudies Institute is a 501(c)(3) scientific non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of native species and their ecosystems. We achieve our mission through effective partnerships, sound scientific research, strategic land management, and ecological restoration. At the core of our mission is a cooperative conservation model that strives to realize improved conservation outcomes by developing shared goals and vision through partnerships. These partnerships, in turn, encourage information transfer, advances in cutting edge restoration techniques, and the development of integrated range-wide conservation approaches. Ecostudies currently employs over 40 permanent and seasonal staff.

Hiring Equity and Justice
It is well-documented that Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC), queer and transgender folks, women, and other marginalized groups often do not apply for jobs unless they feel they meet every qualification listed in the job description. We are most interested in finding the right candidate for the job and our organization. We encourage all passionate and interested candidates to apply and think broadly about your background and qualifications that could be transferable for the position. We are committed to working against the structural biases that continue to keep marginalized people excluded from the conservation, restoration, and wildland fire/prescribed fire fields, and to making sure our hiring practices are not reproducing those biases.

How to Apply
Qualified applicants should provide a detailed letter of interest, current résumé or curriculum vitae, and three professional references (names, affiliations, and contact information only). Application package should be combined into one file. All applications will be acknowledged. Email these materials to: kwillison@ecoinst.org with "Finance Specialist Application" in the subject line. Review of applications may begin as they are received until positions are filled; preference will be given to those submitted before May 1st, 2026.

Pay: $24.45 - $29.89 per hour

Expected hours: 20.0 – 25.0 per week

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Olympia, WA 98501