Senior Accountant - Southern Environmental Law Center : Job Details

The Southern Environmental Law Center has a new position for a Senior Accountant to join the Finance team in our Charlottesville, VA headquarters office. Reporting to SELC's Controller, this individual will help SELC refine and advance accounting systems and finance processes, collaborating with team members and other stakeholders throughout the organization. This is an excellent opportunity to join a highly successful, nationally recognized organization that is effectively addressing some of the most pressing and challenging environmental issues throughout the South and the nation.

SELC has a hybrid work model that offers employees the flexibility to work remotely up to two days per week. This is a full-time, exempt position and employees must reside in our region. Employment is contingent on successful completion of a background check and employment credit check.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Manage the general ledger, ensuring timely and accurate posting of all transactions.
• Assist in the preparation of financial statements, departmental budgets, and reports for the management team and board of directors.
• Work with the Accounting Manager and AP Coordinator to ensure accurate and timely revenue and expense recognition.
• Work with the Controller to maintain and oversee the closing process, including reconciliations of accounts and adjustments.
• Assist in maintaining and updating financial policies and procedures to ensure adequate controls and best practices are followed and to maintain compliance with GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards.
• Work with the HR Information Systems Manager on recording payroll, reporting, and audit support.
• Support investment transaction monitoring, management, and reporting
• Support the Controller in preparing for the annual audit and tax filings, including providing accurate and complete audit schedules and documentation.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field required.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant accounting experience, with at least 2 years in a nonprofit organization; familiarity with nonprofit accounting standards (GAAP, IFRS) is essential.
• Proficiency in accounting software, Microsoft Excel, and financial reporting tools.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to present financial information clearly and concisely to both financial and non-financial stakeholders.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail, particularly in managing complex accounting processes and reconciliations.
• Ability to identify inefficiencies and recommend improvements to financial processes and controls.
• A genuine interest in and commitment to helping SELC create and foster a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. You engage in ongoing learning and are eager to contribute to our organizational efforts in this area.

Desired Qualifications:

• CPA designation or working towards CPA certification is strongly preferred.
• Advanced Excel expertise in Power Pivot and query editor to support financial modeling.
• Experience with non-profit accounting related to restricted funds.
• Experience managing or supporting financial projects such as implementing new accounting systems or process improvements.

About SELC:

The Southern Environmental Law Center is one of the nation's most powerful defenders of the environment, rooted in the South. With a long track record, SELC takes on the toughest environmental challenges in court, in government, and in our communities to protect our region's air, water, climate, wildlife, lands, and people. Nonprofit and nonpartisan, the organization has a staff of over 200, including more than 130 legal and policy experts, and is headquartered in Charlottesville, VA, with offices in Asheville, Atlanta, Birmingham, Chapel Hill, Charleston, Nashville, Richmond, and Washington, DC.

At our core, we are place-based, rooted in our region, and connected with the communities and clients we serve. We believe in an equitable and inclusive workplace that reflects the rich racial and cultural diversity of our region and allows diverse perspectives to come to the forefront. We approach our work with the highest level of integrity, holding ourselves to high standards with an emphasis on honesty, accountability, and thoughtfulness. We value collaboration and camaraderie, realizing we are strongest when we work together and knowing that everyone has a critical role to play. We strive for impact through a strategic, bold, pragmatic, and ambitious outlook that is dedicated to achieving powerful results. We believe in these values and in the power of SELC. We hope you consider joining us.

Compensation & Benefits:

SELC offers salaries competitive with other leading environmental nonprofits nationally and provides an excellent benefits package. The starting salary range for this position is $90,000- $100,000 commensurate with experience. For more details about our benefits package, please visit our Careers page.

SELC is a PSLF (Public Service Loan Forgiveness) eligible employer.

SELC will also provide relocation reimbursement for those relocating for an SELC position, up to a specific dollar amount and contingent on the move being at least 50 miles from the current primary address.