Senior Accountant

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.)