Director of Accounting - Tradewater LLC

Tradewater is a B Corp and mission-based project development company that is in business to prevent catastrophic climate change. Our mission is to improve the environment and create economic opportunity through the collection, control, and destruction of potent, non-CO2 greenhouse gases. Tradewater believes that a company committed to cleaning up the environment can be just as successful – if not more so – than a company that achieves its goals without regard to environmental impact.  

Non-CO2 gases account for nearly half of all global warming from human activity since 1970.  Our work, referred to as “emergency brake solutions” by Project Drawdown, is essential to prevent catastrophic climate change. Our projects include the destruction of refrigerants and halon fire suppressants that are potent greenhouse gases and deplete the ozone layer. We also find, measure, and plug orphaned oil and gas wells that have no solvent operator and are leaking methane into the atmosphere. To date, we have permanently prevented over 7.8 million tons of CO2e from reaching the atmosphere and we are on a path to surpass 27 million tons of CO2e by the end of 2027.  

The Opportunity 

We are seeking a dedicated Director of Accounting to support our organization’s financial transactions and systems. This key position will serve as a strategic thought partner to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and the entire organization with a focus on enhancing processes to ensure integrity in financial reporting and compliance with financial regulations. 

This position serves as the organization’s financial accounting expert and is responsible for delivering 100% complete, accurate, and timely financial accounting statements to the Chief Financial Officer. To accomplish this, the Director must have a deep understanding of accounting principles, be able to communicate across the organization, and build effective relationships to understand the business. They will then implement operational efficiencies and document standardized procedures to support the ongoing and growing needs of the organization. 

While Tradewater is based in Chicago, we have offices and team members around the world.  There is a strong preference for the Director of Accounting position to be located in Chicago, Illinois. This role will be required to be at our office in the West Loop of Chicago as needed, which is estimated to be approximately 1-2 days per week. While not expected to be significant, candidates must also be willing and able to travel as needed. 

This position will report to the Chief Financial Officer and will supervise one position. 

If you are energized by the strategic impact that streamlined financial statements can have while excelling at the hands-on technical work, we’d love to talk! 

Applications for this position will be accepted through December 13, 2024. 

Key responsibilities include:  

• Financial Data Accuracy: Monitor the accuracy of financial data and ensure that all financial transactions are properly recorded. With the CFO’s guidance, lead the month-end close process, collaborating closely with all departments across Tradewater. Prepare financial statements for review with CFO. 

• Process Improvement: Identify opportunities to improve systems and processes. Collaborate with operations, IT, and other departments to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of transaction processing while strengthening internal controls. 

• Accounts Payable: Complete reviews for accuracy and complete payment after entry and approvals have been obtained. 

• Accounts Receivable: Manage and maintain the organization’s accounts receivable process. This includes accurately recording customer transactions, monitoring outstanding invoices, ensuring timely collection of payments, and the transfer and retirement of credits. 

• Budgeting and Fiscal Monitoring: Provide inputs for budget planning and goal setting. Monitor fiscal performance against the plan to ensure alignment with organizational objectives. 

• Project Management: Lead special projects of significant complexity or financial impact, including conducting research, data gathering and analysis, developing conclusions and recommendations, and guiding the formatting of results. Complete requests and finalize submissions for Know Your Customer requests. 

• Foreign Exchange Operations: Manage foreign exchange operations, monitor financial markets, and analyze currency trends to inform decision-making. Serve as Thailand entity relationship point of contact. 

• Leadership Support: Work closely with the CFO to take on leadership roles in projects. Tackle highly complex problems requiring collaboration across departments to develop innovative solutions. 

• Technical Expertise: Serve as the technical GAAP subject matter expert for critical areas. Act as the General Accounting department head in the CFO’s absence.  

• Compliance Enhancement: Ensure compliance with internal controls and take a proactive role in enhancing existing control procedures. This includes successful completion of tax filings, contractor management with the creation and processing of 1099s, and coordination of reviewed financial process. 

• Policy Development: Develop and implement financial policies and procedures to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations. 

• Guidance and Support: Provide financial guidance and support to department leads, ensuring that all financial decisions align with the organization’s strategic goals. 

Requirements:  

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field; Master’s degree or professional certification (e.g., CPA, CMA) preferred. 

• 10 years experience between professional services, public accounting, or other similar roles and responsibilities. Past experience in a start-up or fast-growing company is preferred.  

• Proven experience in roles of increasing responsibility in the areas of financial management, compliance, and systems improvement. 

• Past experience with leading month-end close processes. 

• Past experience working with organizations having global operations. 

• Prior experience running payroll. 

• Strong attention to detail, analytical, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage complex projects. 

• In-depth knowledge of GAAP and financial regulations. 

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams. 

• Past experience leading and managing others. 

• Proficiency in financial software and tools. Prior experience with Quickbooks Online and NetSuite preferred. 

• Thirst for learning and a drive to figure things out. 

• Excitement about Tradewater’s mission. 

The Application Process  

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all of our team members. Tradewater provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to sex, sex stereotyping, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, and medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), race, color, religion, ancestry or national origin, age, disability status, medical condition, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, political affiliation, protected military or veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.  

Tradewater is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals living with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual living with a disability and need assistance expressing interest online, please email humanresources@tradewater.us. If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the interview process. 

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