Senior Accountant
About Climate Central:
Climate Central is an independent group of scientists and science translators who research and report the facts about our changing climate and how it affects people’s lives. We use science and tech to generate thousands of local storylines and compelling visuals that make climate change relevant and show what can be done about it. We address climate science, sea level rise, extreme weather, energy, and related topics. We collaborate with journalists, TV meteorologists, and other respected messengers, reaching broad audiences through local voices in the US and 150 nations. Our research and visuals appear in thousands of TV spots and tens of thousands of other news stories each year, and our impact is growing.
Mission Statement
Climate Central communicates climate change science, effects, and solutions to the public and decision-makers.
Vision Statement
At Climate Central, we envision a world where public will to address the climate challenge is robustly deep, broad and sustained– where it becomes a core element of culture everywhere.
About the role:
Climate Central seeks an experienced Senior Accountant to support our Finance and Administration department. Reporting to the Vice President for Finance, this person will play a critical role in ensuring the financial integrity and operational efficiency of Climate Central. The Senior Accountant will oversee core accounting functions, financial reporting, and grant compliance – all while driving process improvements, new system implementations and supporting strategic decision-making. The ideal candidate for this role has proactive and strong analytical skills, strong attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate with leadership and key stakeholders.
Financial Reporting and Analysis (30%)
Oversee the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes
Prepare and analyze monthly reconciliation schedules, management reports, and support financial reporting for grant proposals, grant reporting and board reports
Assist in developing projections, budgets, and financial modeling to support strategic decision-making
General Accounting and Accounting Compliance (30%)
Maintain and ensure the accuracy of general ledger, reconciliations, and journal entries
Ensure compliance with accounting standards, internal controls, and grants
Serve as the key liaison for audits
Process Improvement & Efficiency (30%)
Identify opportunities to streamline accounting processes, enhance reporting capabilities, and improve financial systems
Implement best practices for financial operations, ensure scalability and efficiency
Cross-Functional Collaboration (10%)
Partner with departments to provide financial insights and ensure alignment with organizational goals.
Support grant accounting and restricted funds management, ensuring proper allocation and compliance.
Assist with special projects, including financial strategy initiatives, policy development, and system upgrades
Other tasks as assigned by the Vice President for Finance
Required Skills and Experience:
Accounting skills and experience. You have knowledge of and experience with financial and accounting practices and principles. You know how to oversee and track financial transactions, perform accounts payable functions, maintain a general ledger, reconcile accounts, maintain records, develop financial reports, and comply with nonprofit financial requirements with high precision and accuracy. You are highly comfortable with financial management and are committed to implementing best-in-class systems.
Excellent communication and relationship skills. You exhibit courtesy, respect and clarity when communicating in writing and verbally with internal and external parties. You communicate directly and authentically, build lasting relationships, and work effectively across differences. You listen deeply, have high emotional intelligence, are committed to collaboration, and work to learn from others.
Excellent organizational skills and systems. You demonstrate exceptional organizational skills. You manage and track multiple work streams and easily shift between tasks during the day. You have a high level of attention to detail.
High level of personal responsibility. You take your commitments seriously and follow through on the commitments you make. You have a proven ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced work environment, keep colleagues abreast of progress on and status of tasks and know when to flag issues or ask questions for clarification. You manage up well, regularly providing status updates to your manager and exhibiting good judgment about when to get help.
Strong technology skills. You are comfortable and adept with technology. You are a fast learner with technology and have experience with QBO, BILL, banking software, Microsoft Office (Excel), Google Suite (Mail, Sheets, Docs, Calendar, etc.) and at least one major CRM software.
Preference will be given to candidates who have:
Experience with PEO systems
Experience with nonprofit organizations
Compensation: The expected base salary range for this position is $75,000-$85,000. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Climate Central offers generous benefits including:
Medical benefits
Dental/ Vision benefits
More than 7 weeks of paid vacation and holidays available annually
12 weeks of paid family leave
401k with up to 12% matching
Partial college tuition for children of employees who qualify
Location and employment eligibility: This position can be mostly remote, in accordance with Climate Central organizational policy. Presence at headquarters or other U.S.-based locations is required for periodic team and organizational meetings, events and retreats. Climate Central’s headquarters are in Princeton, N.J., operating under standard U.S. Eastern time business hours. Candidates must be eligible for employment in the United States.
Equal Employment Opportunity at Climate Central: Climate Central is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and promotes a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate against any applicant for employment or employee on the basis of race, color, religious creed, gender, age, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other classification protected by applicable discrimination laws.
How To Apply: Please apply via this link. The application deadline is Tuesday, April 1, 2025
Please note that our application process requires the submission of a resume only. We are intentionally not asking for a cover letter, so please do not send one with your application.
When including your education history in your resume, please remove the name of your school from your resume. You may leave your degree (e.g., “B.A. Communication”), but please remove any undergraduate or graduate school names. This is one part of our effort to assess candidates against the essential qualifications for this role and to mitigate bias in the decision making process.
Due to the volume of employment applications and queries received, Climate Central is unable to respond to each application individually. Applicants will be contacted directly if selected as a candidate.