Senior Chapter Accounting Support Analyst

Job Title:  Senior Chapter Accounting Support Analyst

Department: Finance

Location: Flexible, Oakland, CA or Washington DC 

Reports To: Director of Chapter Finance

Supervises: N/A 

Context: At the Sierra Club, we believe in the power of interdependence. Together, we remain committed to the fight for a healthy climate built on a foundation of environmental, racial, economic, and gender justice – a future where all people benefit from a healthy, thriving planet and a direct connection to nature. As the climate crisis and deeply entrenched systemic racism all fuel injustice, we will continue to fight for a bold, transformational agenda that recognizes the interconnectedness between our planet, our humanity, and our future. By recognizing that our destinies are tied, we continue to name that all things are fundamentally connected, and the overlap between ecology, race, gender, and representative government will move to either advance our collective humanity or to oppress it. Sierra Club has close to 800 staff across the country and a network of 64 local chapters that are led and fueled by thousands of volunteers. We are also proud to be a unionized employer, with three labor unions representing more than half of our employees.

Scope: Responsible for assisting the Director of Chapter Finance in managing daily Chapter accounting operations of Sierra Club, and the preparation and maintenance of the General Ledger, in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Manages daily accounting operations of affiliated entities. Assists the Director of Chapter Finance in adapting policies and procedures to ensure proper internal controls for all Chapter and Group entities. Assists the Director of Chapter Finance in the management of central accounting functions for the Chapters and Groups, including payables, receivables, cash receiving, payroll, tax reporting, and for preparation of financial reports and statements.  Responsible for data integrity of the Club’s financial system, and monthly closings and preparation of General Ledger reports. Assists the Deputy CFO in supervising the preparation and evaluation of Chapter prepared audit schedules and related consolidation. Provides information, reports and assistance to Chapter staff and volunteers in a variety of accounting matters. 

• Ensures that Chapter financial transactions and journal entries are recorded timely and accurately in accordance with organization policies, GAAP and governmental regulations.
• Responsible for review and oversight of financial transactions and journal entries affecting Chapters on the National ledger.
• Establishes and monitors internal controls at the Chapter level. Analyzes accounting functions to determine propriety and effectiveness. Recommends changes to accounting procedures and assists in development of new procedures.
• Assists Deputy CFO in planning, organizing and overseeing annual audit of select Chapters and other internal audits as identified.
• Responsible for monthly reconciliations including investments, fixed assets and leases. 
• Leads Chapter transition to NetSuite. Ensure appropriate controls are in place and correct beginning balances. 
• Leads year-end reporting and consolidation efforts for Chapters and Groups.
• Acts as a subject matter expert (SME) by providing support and making recommendations to Chapter Finance personnel, other departments, chapters and other volunteer entities.
• Maintains the general account ledger with the responsibility for handling a wide variety of funds or maintains subsidiary ledgers. 
• Ensures appropriate accounting treatment for all Chapter leases.
• Assists in troubleshooting accounting-related errors on reports distributed to Chapters.
• Maintains controls and performs balancing operations on a large number of accounting activities.  
• Anticipates needs, evaluates alternatives, makes recommendations, develops procedures, and works with other departments on special projects with accounting or financial implications.
• Trains and supports Chapters in creating balanced annual budgets.
• Reviews and approves Chapter expenses, direct payments, and reimbursements through Concur and NetSuite.  Corrects coding errors and ensures appropriate c3/c4 compliance.
• Work closely with the Chapter Treasurer Assistance Support Team (CTAST) to provide training, support, and resources to volunteer Chapter and sub-entity treasurers. In collaboration with CTAST and Compliance, provides online and in person training courses to Chapter staff and volunteers responsible for financial accounting, reporting and budgeting. 
• Participates in special task forces, committees, and teams that relate to Chapter Finance and funding

• Commitment to the organization’s values of equity, justice, and inclusion.
• Thorough understanding of nonprofit accounting and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Significant experience managing finance at non-profit organizations or political organizations along with proven experience using technology to improve financial management systems.
• Detail oriented with excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Significant experience with multi-segment reporting and related consolidations.
• Adept at presenting complex financial information in a clear manner to various levels of financial literacy including senior management, staff members and others
• Committed to evolution. You are committed to continuously deepening and evolving your own understanding of systems of oppression through study, openness, and humility. And you easily recognize your own relationship to privilege and power, examining and shifting your behaviors as appropriate.
• Uplifting and additive. You see mistakes as opportunities for growth; problems as catalysts for solutions, and inspire others along the journey. You carry a constructive approach, can-do attitude, a sense of humor, and authentic kindness wherever you go.

• CPA or equivalent experience.
• Experience with system implementation/conversion.
• Interest in continuous process improvement.
• Interest in both leadership and team development.

To Apply

The Sierra Club provides equal employment and advancement opportunities to all staff members. Employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, lived experience and skills. The Sierra Club does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, immigration status, socioeconomic status, ancestry, age, size, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, familial status, veteran status, disability, AIDS/HIV status, medical condition, prior conviction, arrest history, traits historically associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The Sierra Club values applicants who are people that identify as Black, Indigenous, and other minoritized groups; women; queer, transgender, gender non-conforming, and gender fluid people.

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