Senior Accountant

About RRI 

The Rights and Resources Initiative (RRI) is a global coalition of over 150 organizations dedicated to advancing the forest, land, and resource rights of Indigenous Peoples, local communities, Afro-descendant Peoples, and in particular the women within these groups. RRI’s members capitalize on each other’s strengths, expertise, and geographic reach to achieve solutions more effectively and efficiently. RRI leverages the power of its global coalition to amplify the voices of local peoples and proactively engage governments, multilateral institutions, and private sector actors to adopt institutional and market reforms that support the realization of rights.  
If you are passionate about working with Indigenous Peoples, local communities, and Afro-descendant Peoples in the Global South to strengthen their rights, development, and environmental efforts, this could be the place for you. For more information, check out our current openings. 
Studies show people of color, people from Indigenous and local communities, women, and LGBTQ+ persons are less likely to apply for positions unless they meet every qualification. RRI strongly encourages candidates to apply even if they don’t meet every required qualification as all applications will be accepted, reviewed, and evaluated equally. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. 

 
 
Senior Accountant 

The Senior Accountant is responsible for accounts payable, supervising contract processing and payments, and assisting with the financial aspects of grant reporting. The Senior Accountant will undertake the duties detailed below systematically and precisely, handling details carefully without compromising attention to big‐picture goals. The Senior Accountant will manage one accountant and work in a highly dynamic environment, ensuring the work is completed within established deadlines. The Senior Accountant will also demonstrate trustworthiness, ethical practices, and a commitment to transparency and accountability. 
This is a full-time position based in Washington, DC, with the option of teleworking two days per week (Mondays and Fridays). Candidates must be legally eligible to work in the US and located in the DC metro area prior to the start date.  This position is classified as exempt under the US Federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and, therefore, is not subject to overtime compensation. 

 
Primary Responsibilities:  
Accounts Payable: 

• Manage the import process for vendor invoices and staff payment requests.
• Perform daily financial transactions, including verifying, classifying, computing, posting, and recording accounts payable and banking data.
• Verify discrepancies and resolve payment issues.
• Generate reports detailing accounts payable status. 

 Contract Management: 

• Maintain database of active contracts issued by RRI.
• Working closely with program teams, monitor spending against contracts in line with the approved RRI budget.
• Review financial reports submitted by subgrantees to ensure compliance with the contract requirements and financial policies.
• Provide cash flow information to the Finance team. 

Grant Reporting: 

• Contribute to grant-related post-award functions, including:
  • Financial reporting 
  • Reconciliations 
  • Grant closeout functions. 

• Work with the Grants Administrator to prepare accurate and timely financial reports on grants and grant forecasts for internal management purposes.
• Work with the Grants Administrator to maintain the life of grant schedules. 

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance (or proven equivalent working experience as an accountant) or closely related field plus 3-5 years of relevant work in the non-profit sector. Additional certification (CPA or CMA) is a plus.
• Knowledge of accounting regulations and procedures, including accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP).
• Ability to analyze, evaluate, and summarize financial records for accuracy and conformance to procedures, rules, and regulations.
• Previous supervisory experience required.
• Strong analytical, presentation, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Capable of managing numerous simultaneous projects.
• Advanced knowledge and demonstrated experience with MS Office package software applications, specifically Microsoft Excel.
• Hands-on experience with accounting software like Microsoft Dynamics NAV a plus.
• Ability to effectively communicate financial information to non-financial managers, comfortable liaising with diverse consultants, collaborators, and stakeholders from across the globe.
• Flexibility and willingness to proactively embrace a range of duties as organization needs require.
• Must be fluent in English; professional fluency in Spanish and/or French (preferred) is a plus.
• Courteous and professional manners, with respect for other cultures and ability to work in teams.
• A passionate interest in social justice, equity, and human rights. 

Other duties as assigned. 

 
Salary Range: $64,400-$84,500 Yearly.

 
Benefits:  Rights and Resources recognizes the value of benefits to employees and their families. We take great pride in offering our dedicated and committed employees a competitive benefits package. Our comprehensive benefit programs provide you with a reliable, effective, and affordable array of choices that will meet your needs and those of your family.  

•  Medical, dental, and vision insurance; dependents and domestic partners eligible
• 100% coverage of employee premiums for the following: short-term/long-term disability insurance, life insurance, travel insurance, and the employee assistant program
• If eligible, 401(k) retirement plan (US) with employer match
• 25+ days of PTO, in addition to paid holidays
• Flextime and teleworking options
• Tuition reimbursement up to $1,500 per year after 1 full year of employment
• Dynamic growth opportunities with merit-based promotion philosophy 

Rights and Resources is committed to creating and maintaining a workplace in which all employees have an opportunity to participate and contribute to the success of the organization and are valued for their skills, experience, and unique perspectives.  As an Equal Opportunity Employer, RRI makes all employment-related decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, political affiliation or belief, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, personal appearance, family responsibilities, matriculation or any other category protected by applicable law.