<div><strong>ORGANIZATIONAL SUMMARY </strong></div><div> </div><div>Earthjustice is the nation's leading environmental law organization. We wield the power of law and the strength of partnership to protect people’s health, preserve magnificent places and wildlife, advance clean energy, and combat climate change. <em>We are here because the Earth needs a good lawyer</em>. </div><div> </div><div>Driven by a passion for justice, inclusion, partnership, and excellence, our core values lead us to seek a broad range of perspectives and backgrounds to achieve our mission and maintain an inclusive environment where all staff are valued and respected. </div><div> </div><div><div><strong>POSITION SUMMARY </strong></div><div> </div><div>Reporting to the Controller, the Associate Director, Operational Accounting oversees the accounts payable and payroll functions and is responsible for the accurate and timely management of related general ledger accounts, payroll and benefits accounting, and compliance activities, including the annual ERISA audit and ongoing 403(b) plan compliance. The Associate Director plays a key role in safeguarding the organization’s financial assets by ensuring strong operational controls, consistent application of accounting policies, and adherence to GAAP and applicable regulatory requirements. </div><div> </div><div>The Associate Director ensures that financial policies and procedures related to operational accounting are established, maintained, and enforced; that transactions are recorded accurately and in a timely manner; and that adequate controls are in place to mitigate risk and support audit readiness. The Associate Director partners closely with the Controller and cross-functional teams to support audits, resolve operational accounting matters, and drive continuous improvement of financial processes. </div><div> </div><div>The Associate Director is an organizational leader in operational accounting and compliance, serves on the Finance Leadership Team, and contributes to the overall effective functioning of the organization. The Associate Director ensures that staff receive appropriate training, guidance, and support to be successful and leads collaborative efforts to strengthen financial operations, while representing the organization’s values, mission, and commitment to justice and equity. </div><div> </div><div>The Associate Director, Operational Accounting is expected to work a full-time (37.5 hours/week) schedule, and can be permanently remote (in the U.S.). There is also opportunity to work from an Earthjustice office if located nearby and interested in working from an office space. </div><div> </div><div>This is a supervisory position.  </div><div> </div><div><strong>WHAT YOU’LL DO</strong></div></div><div><div><ul><li><strong>Payroll &amp; Accounts Payable (40%) </strong><ul><li>Lead and oversee payroll and accounts payable operations, including payroll processing and approvals, vendor payments, benefit and retirement plan transactions (403(b), 457(b)), and related operational accounting (e.g., rent and insurance), ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely resolution of discrepancies through regular reconciliations.</li><li>Strengthen controls, systems, and processes by assessing financial and operational risks, implementing and maintaining effective internal controls, and evaluating systems, workflows, integrations, and vendor pricing to improve efficiency, scalability, and data integrity.</li><li>Develop people and drive continuous improvement, ensuring teams have the tools, training, and resources to meet performance and compliance objectives, and documenting and enhancing procedures as needs evolve.</li></ul></li></ul></div><div><div><ul><li><strong>Partnership (20%)</strong><ul><li>Lead and support cross-functional operational accounting projects, partnering with internal stakeholders to address evolving business needs.</li><li>Manage relationships with departments across the organization, anticipating strategic needs that may require updates to financial policies, systems, workflows, or risk management practices.</li><li>Manage staff communications related to operational accounting priorities, deadlines, system changes, and process updates. </li></ul></li></ul></div><div><ul><li><strong>Audit &amp; Compliance (20%)</strong><ul><li>Manage retirement plan audits, filings, and compliance, including oversight of the ERISA audit for the 403(b) plan; coordination of audit timelines, internal responsibilities, and external auditors; preparation, review, and timely filing of Form 5500 and related schedules; ongoing plan administration in partnership with TPAs and internal teams; monitoring plan activity and regulatory compliance; and coordination of required nondiscrimination testing.</li><li>Support the financial statement audit by reviewing payroll and accounts payable audit schedules and supporting documentation for accuracy, completeness, and compliance; coordinating cross-functionally to gather audit samples; tracking auditor deadlines; reviewing materials prior to submission; and ensuring timely, accurate responses during audit fieldwork.</li><li>Proactively assess compliance risks related to payroll, benefits, retirement plans, insurance, and accounts payable, recommending corrective actions as needed. </li></ul></li></ul></div><div><ul><li><strong>Management (20%)  </strong><ul><li>Set and lead the vision for operational accounting, managing payroll and accounts payable teams through clear communication, coaching, goal setting, performance evaluation, and development; and establishing clear roles, expectations, and opportunities for growth.</li><li>Uphold Earthjustice’s mission and values by fostering a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative work environment, providing clear direction and feedback, and promoting a culture of learning for all team members.</li><li>Oversee relevant administrative, budgeting, and personnel management of direct reports, ensuring that all organizational policies and standards are met. </li></ul></li></ul></div><div><ul><li><strong>Ongoing Learning</strong><ul><li>Actively pursue professional development and contribute to a culture of learning by building skills and sharing knowledge. </li></ul></li></ul></div><div>Please note that the percentage breakdowns provided above serve as a guideline and that other duties may be assigned as part of the job’s requirements. </div></div></div><div> </div><div><strong>WHAT YOU’LL BRING</strong></div><div><ul><li>Bachelor’s degree in related field. </li><li>Minimum of seven years’ experience of increasing complexity in accounting, preferably in a non-profit setting, including at least five years of management experience. </li><li>Retirement plan administration experience required. </li><li>Payroll experience with a medium- to large- sized, multi-state organization required. </li><li>Knowledge of and experience applying GAAP in organizational settings. </li><li>Proficiency with accounting packages, payroll software and Office365. </li><li>Effective verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to translate complex financial information. </li><li>Strong judgment and analytical problem-solving skills, with a proven ability to assess organizational needs, identify issues proactively, and implement effective policies and solutions while upholding integrity and financial objectives. </li><li>Demonstrated commitment to Earthjustice’s values of Justice, Excellence, Inclusion, and Partnership. </li><li>Skill in leading diverse teams with emotional intelligence and cultural competence; fosters growth through mentorship, effective communication, and constructive feedback while hiring and developing team talents to align with organizational needs. </li></ul><div><strong>PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS</strong></div><div><div> </div><div>This role may require the ability to: </div><ul><li>Sit for extended periods with occasional standing and walking  </li><li>Type, file, and/or handle office equipment  </li><li>Lift and carry materials  </li><li>Read documents, conduct computer work and document review  </li></ul></div><div><strong>SALARY &amp; BENEFITS</strong> </div><div><div>We offer a competitive salary and excellent, comprehensive benefits. We also offer a casual and congenial work environment. </div><div>Salaries at Earthjustice are determined by working location and are commensurate with the experience required. </div><div><ul><li>Salary range in San Francisco, CA and New York, NY: $165,200 - $183,600</li><li>Salary range in Washington, D.C., Chicago, IL, Seattle, WA, and Los Angeles, CA: $157,100 - $174,500</li><li>Salary range in Denver, CO and Philadelphia, PA: $148,800 - $165,300</li><li>Salary range in Miami, FL, Bozeman, MT, and New Orleans, LA: $140,500 - $156,100</li><li>Remote salary range will vary depending on specific location: $140,500 - $183,600</li></ul></div><div><strong>TO APPLY </strong></div><div><div>Interested candidates should submit the following materials via Jobvite. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the role is filled. Incomplete applications will not be considered. </div><ul><li>Resume</li><li>Cover letter</li></ul><div>Information about our hiring process and tips for success can be found at <a href="https://earthjustice.org/about/jobs/hiring-process"></a><a href="https://earthjustice.org/about/jobs/hiring-process">https://earthjustice.org/about/jobs/hiring-process</a>. Please reach out to <a href="mailto:jobs@earthjustice.org">jobs@earthjustice.org</a> if you are having technical difficulties submitting your application.  </div><div> </div><div><div><strong>PLEASE NOTE</strong> </div><div>The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for personnel so classified. </div><div> </div><div><strong>EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT</strong> </div><div><em>As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to employment practices that ensure that employees and applicants for employment are provided with equal opportunities without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information or any other factor that is not related to the position. </em></div><div> </div><div><em>For positions located within the City and County of San Francisco: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.  <br> <br>For positions located within the City of Los Angeles: We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.  </em></div></div></div></div></div>

<p>Earthjustice is the premier nonprofit environmental law organization. We take on the biggest, most precedent-setting cases across the country. We wield the power of law and the strength of partnership to protect people&rsquo;s health; to preserve magnificent places and wildlife; to advance clean energy; and to combat climate change. We partner with thousands of groups, supporters, individuals, and communities to engage the critical environmental issues of our time, and bring about positive change. We are guided by a passionate, ambitious vision for the future for people and our planet: until justice stands for all, we will never rest. We are here&nbsp;<em>because the earth needs a good lawyer</em>.</p>
<p>Founded in 1971, Earthjustice has a distinguished track record of achieving significant, lasting environmental protections. We achieve this by hiring people who share a passion for justice and a healthy environment. Our headquarters are in San Francisco with offices in Anchorage, Juneau, Los Angeles, Tallahassee, Miami, Honolulu, New York, Philadelphia, Denver, Seattle, Bozeman, Chicago, and Washington, D.C.</p>

Associate Director, Operational Accounting

<div><strong>ORGANIZATIONAL SUMMARY </strong></div><div> </div><div>Earthjustice is the nation's leading environmental law organization. We wield the power of law and the strength of partnership to protect people’s health, preserve magnificent places and wildlife, advance clean energy, and combat climate change. <em>We are here because the Earth needs a good lawyer</em>. </div><div> </div><div>Driven by a passion for justice, inclusion, partnership, and excellence, our core values lead us to seek a broad range of perspectives and backgrounds to achieve our mission and maintain an inclusive environment where all staff are valued and respected. </div><div> </div><div><div><strong>POSITION SUMMARY </strong></div><div> </div><div>Reporting to the Controller, the Associate Director, Operational Accounting oversees the accounts payable and payroll functions and is responsible for the accurate and timely management of related general ledger accounts, payroll and benefits accounting, and compliance activities, including the annual ERISA audit and ongoing 403(b) plan compliance. The Associate Director plays a key role in safeguarding the organization’s financial assets by ensuring strong operational controls, consistent application of accounting policies, and adherence to GAAP and applicable regulatory requirements. </div><div> </div><div>The Associate Director ensures that financial policies and procedures related to operational accounting are established, maintained, and enforced; that transactions are recorded accurately and in a timely manner; and that adequate controls are in place to mitigate risk and support audit readiness. The Associate Director partners closely with the Controller and cross-functional teams to support audits, resolve operational accounting matters, and drive continuous improvement of financial processes. </div><div> </div><div>The Associate Director is an organizational leader in operational accounting and compliance, serves on the Finance Leadership Team, and contributes to the overall effective functioning of the organization. The Associate Director ensures that staff receive appropriate training, guidance, and support to be successful and leads collaborative efforts to strengthen financial operations, while representing the organization’s values, mission, and commitment to justice and equity. </div><div> </div><div>The Associate Director, Operational Accounting is expected to work a full-time (37.5 hours/week) schedule, and can be permanently remote (in the U.S.). There is also opportunity to work from an Earthjustice office if located nearby and interested in working from an office space. </div><div> </div><div>This is a supervisory position.  </div><div> </div><div><strong>WHAT YOU’LL DO</strong></div></div><div><div><ul><li><strong>Payroll &amp; Accounts Payable (40%) </strong><ul><li>Lead and oversee payroll and accounts payable operations, including payroll processing and approvals, vendor payments, benefit and retirement plan transactions (403(b), 457(b)), and related operational accounting (e.g., rent and insurance), ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely resolution of discrepancies through regular reconciliations.</li><li>Strengthen controls, systems, and processes by assessing financial and operational risks, implementing and maintaining effective internal controls, and evaluating systems, workflows, integrations, and vendor pricing to improve efficiency, scalability, and data integrity.</li><li>Develop people and drive continuous improvement, ensuring teams have the tools, training, and resources to meet performance and compliance objectives, and documenting and enhancing procedures as needs evolve.</li></ul></li></ul></div><div><div><ul><li><strong>Partnership (20%)</strong><ul><li>Lead and support cross-functional operational accounting projects, partnering with internal stakeholders to address evolving business needs.</li><li>Manage relationships with departments across the organization, anticipating strategic needs that may require updates to financial policies, systems, workflows, or risk management practices.</li><li>Manage staff communications related to operational accounting priorities, deadlines, system changes, and process updates. </li></ul></li></ul></div><div><ul><li><strong>Audit &amp; Compliance (20%)</strong><ul><li>Manage retirement plan audits, filings, and compliance, including oversight of the ERISA audit for the 403(b) plan; coordination of audit timelines, internal responsibilities, and external auditors; preparation, review, and timely filing of Form 5500 and related schedules; ongoing plan administration in partnership with TPAs and internal teams; monitoring plan activity and regulatory compliance; and coordination of required nondiscrimination testing.</li><li>Support the financial statement audit by reviewing payroll and accounts payable audit schedules and supporting documentation for accuracy, completeness, and compliance; coordinating cross-functionally to gather audit samples; tracking auditor deadlines; reviewing materials prior to submission; and ensuring timely, accurate responses during audit fieldwork.</li><li>Proactively assess compliance risks related to payroll, benefits, retirement plans, insurance, and accounts payable, recommending corrective actions as needed. </li></ul></li></ul></div><div><ul><li><strong>Management (20%)  </strong><ul><li>Set and lead the vision for operational accounting, managing payroll and accounts payable teams through clear communication, coaching, goal setting, performance evaluation, and development; and establishing clear roles, expectations, and opportunities for growth.</li><li>Uphold Earthjustice’s mission and values by fostering a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative work environment, providing clear direction and feedback, and promoting a culture of learning for all team members.</li><li>Oversee relevant administrative, budgeting, and personnel management of direct reports, ensuring that all organizational policies and standards are met. </li></ul></li></ul></div><div><ul><li><strong>Ongoing Learning</strong><ul><li>Actively pursue professional development and contribute to a culture of learning by building skills and sharing knowledge. </li></ul></li></ul></div><div>Please note that the percentage breakdowns provided above serve as a guideline and that other duties may be assigned as part of the job’s requirements. </div></div></div><div> </div><div><strong>WHAT YOU’LL BRING</strong></div><div><ul><li>Bachelor’s degree in related field. </li><li>Minimum of seven years’ experience of increasing complexity in accounting, preferably in a non-profit setting, including at least five years of management experience. </li><li>Retirement plan administration experience required. </li><li>Payroll experience with a medium- to large- sized, multi-state organization required. </li><li>Knowledge of and experience applying GAAP in organizational settings. </li><li>Proficiency with accounting packages, payroll software and Office365. </li><li>Effective verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to translate complex financial information. </li><li>Strong judgment and analytical problem-solving skills, with a proven ability to assess organizational needs, identify issues proactively, and implement effective policies and solutions while upholding integrity and financial objectives. </li><li>Demonstrated commitment to Earthjustice’s values of Justice, Excellence, Inclusion, and Partnership. </li><li>Skill in leading diverse teams with emotional intelligence and cultural competence; fosters growth through mentorship, effective communication, and constructive feedback while hiring and developing team talents to align with organizational needs. </li></ul><div><strong>PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS</strong></div><div><div> </div><div>This role may require the ability to: </div><ul><li>Sit for extended periods with occasional standing and walking  </li><li>Type, file, and/or handle office equipment  </li><li>Lift and carry materials  </li><li>Read documents, conduct computer work and document review  </li></ul></div><div><strong>SALARY &amp; BENEFITS</strong> </div><div><div>We offer a competitive salary and excellent, comprehensive benefits. We also offer a casual and congenial work environment. </div><div>Salaries at Earthjustice are determined by working location and are commensurate with the experience required. </div><div><ul><li>Salary range in San Francisco, CA and New York, NY: $165,200 - $183,600</li><li>Salary range in Washington, D.C., Chicago, IL, Seattle, WA, and Los Angeles, CA: $157,100 - $174,500</li><li>Salary range in Denver, CO and Philadelphia, PA: $148,800 - $165,300</li><li>Salary range in Miami, FL, Bozeman, MT, and New Orleans, LA: $140,500 - $156,100</li><li>Remote salary range will vary depending on specific location: $140,500 - $183,600</li></ul></div><div><strong>TO APPLY </strong></div><div><div>Interested candidates should submit the following materials via Jobvite. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the role is filled. Incomplete applications will not be considered. </div><ul><li>Resume</li><li>Cover letter</li></ul><div>Information about our hiring process and tips for success can be found at <a href="https://earthjustice.org/about/jobs/hiring-process"></a><a href="https://earthjustice.org/about/jobs/hiring-process">https://earthjustice.org/about/jobs/hiring-process</a>. Please reach out to <a href="mailto:jobs@earthjustice.org">jobs@earthjustice.org</a> if you are having technical difficulties submitting your application.  </div><div> </div><div><div><strong>PLEASE NOTE</strong> </div><div>The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for personnel so classified. </div><div> </div><div><strong>EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT</strong> </div><div><em>As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to employment practices that ensure that employees and applicants for employment are provided with equal opportunities without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information or any other factor that is not related to the position. </em></div><div> </div><div><em>For positions located within the City and County of San Francisco: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.  <br /> <br />For positions located within the City of Los Angeles: We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.  </em></div></div></div></div></div>

Associate Director, Operational Accounting

About the Job

About the Company

Earthjustice

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