Senior Accountant - Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc.

Overview

NRDC is a non-profit environmental advocacy organization. We use law, science, and the support of 3.1 million members and online activists to protect the planet's wildlife and wild places and to ensure the rights of all people to clean air, clean water, and healthy communities. NRDC was founded in 1970 and our people helped write some of America's bedrock environmental laws, including the Clean Water Act and many of the implementing regulations. Today, our team of more than 700 lawyers, scientists, economists, policy advocates, communications experts, and others work across the United States and the globe from our offices in Beijing; Chicago; New Delhi; New York; San Francisco; Santa Monica; and Washington, D.C. 

NRDC is seeking a Senior Accountant to work with the Accounting & Finance team in any of our U.S. based offices.

Position Summary 

This position supports the team in achieving a timely and accurate financial close process, which aids senior leadership in strategic decision-making. The ideal candidate will possess strong technical and written skills, attention to detail, ability to lead the full close cycle, and a commitment to upholding professional standards. 

The position you are applying for is part of the bargaining unit represented by The Washington Baltimore News Guild (WBNG / The Newsguild-CWA Local 32035).  

Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the following essential functions: 

Close Process (50%): Review and prepare monthly account reconciliations for assigned accounts, including:

• Review and prepare monthly account reconciliations for assigned accounts, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Independently investigate and resolve discrepancies, initiating follow-ups as necessary.
• Maintain and manage the general ledger to ensure the integrity and timeliness of financial data.
• Ensure all assigned tasks on the monthly closing checklist within established deadlines.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure accurate and timely postings to the general ledger.
• Prepare journal entries, accruals, and adjustments in accordance with GAAP.
• Perform variance analysis on financial accounts to identify trends, anomalies, or errors.

Financial Reporting & Compliance (30%): Prepare schedules and documentation for NRDC audits, as well as 990 filings, as assigned. 

• Prepare audit schedules, account reconciliations, and supporting documentation for annual audits and other compliance-related reviews.
• Assist in the preparation of tax filings, including IRS Form 990 and state filings, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Monitor compliance with internal policies, procedures, and external reporting requirements.
• Support the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports for internal and external stakeholders.

Other Areas (20%):  

• Identify and propose process improvements to enhance efficiency and accuracy in financial operations. 
• Participate in and provide support for system upgrades, implementations, and integrations. 
• Contribute to special projects and organizational initiatives, including the development of financial models, analyses, or ad hoc reporting. 
• Develop and document accounting policies, workflows, and procedures to strengthen internal controls. 
• Assist in training and mentoring junior accounting staff, fostering professional growth and knowledge-sharing. 
• Stay informed on emerging accounting standards, regulations, and best practices to ensure ongoing compliance and improvement. 

The above list of duties is not comprehensive but generally demonstrates the types of assignments expected of this role. Other duties may be assigned depending on the needs of the department. 

Qualifications

Minimum Education & Experience:   

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting; master’s degree in accounting, finance, or MBA is a plus 
• CPA is a plus 
• Minimum of 6 years of progressive accounting experience, with at least 2 years in a senior or lead role.
• Candidates with at least 2-3 years of experience in the audit function of public accounting are strongly preferred.
• (Applicants without public accounting experience will also be considered if they have demonstrated experience in the following areas: compiling financial statements for multiple entities (including cash flows), testing or developing internal controls, and leading audit preparation work.) 

Skills, Abilities, Competencies  

• Substantial analytical skills and ability to manipulate large amounts of data 
• Robust writing skills with ability to create clear and detailed process documentation 
• Strong communication and teamwork skills, with attention to detail and the ability to prioritize in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment 
• Unwavering professional and ethical standards with a strong sense of responsibility and ownership 
• Comprehensive knowledge of US GAAP, with the ability to research and apply ASUs to assigned tasks. 
• Understanding of internal controls and related financial statement assertions, and ability to design controls to mitigate identified risks. 
• Prior experience with cloud-based accounting systems and applications required; familiarity with Microsoft Dynamics Business Central and Coupa is a plus. 
• Ability to travel to NRDC U.S. based offices, approximately 10-15% annually 
• Commitment to NRDC’s mission, values, and DEI principles 

NRDC is committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, both in our work and in our workplace. We believe that celebrating and actively welcoming diverse voices and perspectives is essential to solving the planet's most pressing environmental problems, and we encourage applications from candidates whose identities have been historically under-represented in the environmental movement. 

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.  

We offer competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and a supportive working environment. Salary is based on a nonprofit scale and is commensurate with skills and experience. Internal equity will be reviewed and considered to determine a final offer. For this position, the salary range is $97,000 to $112,000.  

NRDC operates under a hybrid work model. Employees are required to come to the office 8 days per month. 

As a science-based organization, NRDC aims to do our part to help contain the COVID-19 public health crisis. For the sake of health, safety, and equity, we ask that people be vaccinated unless they have an approved medical or religious accommodation or other exemption in accordance with state and local law. We consider a person to be vaccinated two weeks after receiving one full course of a CDC-approved vaccine. In accordance with state or local law, new hires will be asked to attest to vaccination, those wishing to do so may request medical or religious accommodations or other exemptions via NRDC Employee Relations. NRDC treats all vaccine-related data confidentially, in keeping with local, state, and federal laws. 

To apply, visit www.nrdc.org/careers and upload your résumé and cover letter. Please mention where you saw this posting and upload any additional materials that showcase your abilities. Due to the high volume of applications, we will contact only those candidates we would like to interview. Please no phone calls, emails, or in-person résumé drop-offs. 

If you experience technical problems while applying or if you are a person with a disability and need assistance applying online, please reach out to iCIMS Customer Care at 1-800-889-4422. 

For more about NRDC, visit www.nrdc.org.