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Staff Accountant

5 days ago
Full time role
Hybrid · New York, NY, US... more

Who we are: First Street is the industry standard for physical climate risk data. We use transparent and peer-reviewed methodologies to calculate the past, present, and future climate risk for every property in the world. We started nine years ago by working with the world’s leading climate scientists to create groundbreaking, climate-adjusted, property specific models and haven’t stopped. 

Our mission: We exist to connect climate risk to financial risk.

Our data: We create physics-based, deterministic models of flooding, wildfire and hurricanes, and advanced statistical models of extreme heat, air quality, drought, hail, severe convective storms, winter storms, and more. All of this data is used to create property-level financial risk metrics and macroeconomic variables to quantify the impacts of climate change. 

Our customers: We empower governments at the highest levels to make sound decisions, businesses to make smart investments, and everyday Americans to understand their personal risk from climate change. We are relied on every day by:

  • Agencies ranging from the U.S. Department of Treasury to Fannie Mae

  • The world's biggest banks such as Bank of America and Wells Fargo 

  • Institutional investors like Nuveen and Blackstone 

  • Millions of users on Zillow, Redfin, Realtor.com, Homes.com, and more 

We believe:  Our work needs to match the pace and scope of the climate problem. This is why we have invested tens of millions of dollars into our science, data, people, and products and have raised tens of millions more to move even faster.  Read more about our culture here and see what Climate Risk Financial Modeling is all about here.

Come join us and use your talents to create solutions to address humanity's biggest challenge.

As a Staff Accountant, you will play a crucial role in maintaining accurate financial records and ensuring compliance with accounting standards. You will collaborate with internal teams and auditors as needed to ensure that First Street is in good financial health. 

What you’ll do: 

  • Finance Operations:

    • Manage and optimize financial operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, and billing.

    • Partner with the People team to ensure payroll processing runs smoothly.  

    • Oversee daily cash flow and liquidity management, reconciling bank statements and accounts to ensure accuracy.

    • Coordinate with banks and financial institutions to manage corporate accounts effectively.

  • Compliance and Risk Management:

    • Develop and maintain internal controls to safeguard company assets.

    • Collaborate with external auditors for annual audits and reviews.

    • Collaborate with external tax accountants for annual business income tax filings.

    • Manage W9 submissions from vendors and file 1099s on an annual basis.

  • Financial Reporting and Analysis:

    • Perform monthly close and annual close processes of the accounting records/system. 

    • Prepare timely and accurate financial statements, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements.This also includes maintaining financial records, including journal entries, reconciliations, and general ledger maintenance.

    • Conduct in-depth financial analysis to provide insights into the company's financial performance, trends, and potential areas for improvement.

    • Prepare the financial reports for senior management, investors, board of directors and other stakeholders. Present to executive management. 

  • Budgeting:

    • Monitor budget vs. actual performance and provide variance analysis on a monthly + quarterly basis.

    • Support budget and forecasting activities. 

What you’ll need: 

  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; CPA designation preferred, working towards CPA will be acceptable. 

  • Proven experience (2-4+ years) in accounting roles, with a focus on startups or venture-backed companies.

  • Strong understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and financial reporting.

  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.

  • Advanced proficiency in accounting software and Microsoft Excel.

  • Effective communication and presentation skills.

  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

What will make you stand out: 

  • A strong passion for climate change.

  • Self starter who is excited to support an early stage startup and get their hands dirty  

  • Understanding of the Canadian tax system. 

  • Experience with Xero, or a similar accounting software 

  • Experience with Ramp, or a similar card / expense management software

How we work: 

  • Impact: We only focus on things that move the needle 

  • Drive: We are driven by the role we play in connecting climate change to financial risk 

  • Ownership: This is our company and we act accordingly

  • Urgency: We move quickly because the world depends on it 

  • Resilience: We have a growth mindset in all that we do

What we offer: 

  • Competitive salary commensurate with experience 

  • Ownership interest in the company via Employee Stock Option Plan 

  • Hybrid Schedule with in-office work days on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 

  • 15 vacation days along with 13 company holidays and 10 sick days 

  • Health benefits covered at 100% for employee or a significant contribution for family plans 

  • Vision and dental benefits with partial employee contribution

  • 12 weeks of paid parental leave 

  • Access to One Medical, Teledoc, HealthAdvocate, Kindbody, and Talkspace

  • Company 401k program 

  • Commuter benefits 

  • Life Insurance

  • Tech startup environment 

  • Weekly team meals and an office stocked with coffee and snacks 

  • Working on the world’s biggest issue with other passionate professionals 

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

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