Senior Accountant

Who We Are

The Clean Fight is a not-for-profit dedicated to accelerating the equitable adoption of climate solutions in New York State and beyond. Given that many of the technologies we need to solve the climate crisis already exist, it’s imperative that we ensure they are adopted quickly, equitably, and at scale. To enable this adoption, The Clean Fight designs and implements different models of adoption to identify and share the actionable strategies that can lead to the rapid deployment of decarbonization solutions, for all. Our programs focus on different parts of the clean energy economy, with practice areas that include buildings, energy storage, and food services.

The Clean Fight currently has three core programs. The accelerator program is New York State’s only accelerator focused on growth-stage companies, supporting innovative climate companies looking to move from initial deployment to broad market adoption. Our program is designed to help them quickly scale by collapsing the sales cycle through high-touch customer and capital partner matchmaking, technical assistance, and non-dilutive investments to help with initial deployments. Our second program, the Empire Technology Prize, is a $10M prize program focused on advancing the development and deployment of easy to adopt clean heating solutions for New York's tall buildings. By focusing the world’s best innovators on this issue, combined with the involvement of New York's leading real estate players as demonstration partners, we hope not only to collapse the time to market for these crucial  technologies, but to provide a blueprint for other markets in the US and globally to do the same.

Our latest program, the Energy Storage Capital Challenge, is designed to support innovative energy storage projects in need of capital to advance their deployment in New York State. This is a pivotal time for energy storage innovation in New York, with unprecedented Federal and State incentives, policy, and funding to support the deployment of projects. However, significant obstacles exist for innovators and developers to successfully deploy in New York’s unique market. The Energy Storage Capital Challenge is focused on one key need: Aligning capital to accelerate innovative energy storage projects.

We are supported by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), and New Energy New York (NENY). We are a chapter of New Energy Nexus, an international not-for-profit that strives to achieve a 100% clean energy economy for 100% of the population in the shortest time possible by supporting diverse clean energy entrepreneurs with funds, accelerators, and networks, operating programs in the US, China, India, Southeast Asia, and East Africa.

The Clean Fight is looking for a Senior Accountant as we prepare for continued growth and program expansion. You will work directly with our Director of Operations to support the full range of financial management functions required to deliver our world-class programs. The person in this role should bring experience in nonprofit financial management and federal grant reporting and compliance, and strong attention to detail and accuracy. You will be responsible for overseeing various accounting functions, ensuring accurate financial reporting and compliance, and providing strategic financial insights to support decision making.

If you have an interest in clean energy, enjoy process design and operational excellence, and take pride in enabling organizations and people to succeed, this position may be for you! This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to the growth of a dynamic organization at this critical moment. The team has an office in New York City and we are open to remote or hybrid arrangements. This is an outcomes-based position that could be structured as full- or part-time depending on the skills and qualifications of the right candidate. Unfortunately, relocation assistance is not available.

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for someone who combines accounting expertise with an interest in supporting the clean energy transition. This position requires a strong background in US GAAP accounting principles and non-profit accounting, experience managing federal government grants, solid background in budgeting and financial forecasting, and the ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.

The Senior Accountant will be responsible for a broad range of general accounting related duties. As such, the successful candidate will have a "roll-up-the-sleeves" attitude and be eager for a high-visibility, wide-ranging role that helps us strategize as our programming expands. They thrive in a start-up environment and are self-motivated, solutions-oriented, resourceful, and able to prioritize and multitask. Limited travel may be requested from time to time as is occasional availability after-hours for meetings with the global controllers team who work from various time zones.

Key Responsibilities

General Accounting and Financial Reporting

• Maintain the general ledger and ensure accuracy of financial records using QuickBooks.
• Manage AP/AR, expense reporting, bank transfers, and other bookkeeping.
• Ensure timely and accurate month-end and year-end closing processes.
• Manage vendor contracting.
• Make suggestions on money management and ensure cash accounts meet cash and FDIC deposit insurance requirements.
• Support external audits, including Federal Single Audits. 
• Oversee payroll, including PEO relationship (Emplicity), and ensure HR compliance in all regards. 
• Manage D&O, general liability, and other insurance policies. 

Federal Grants Compliance and Contract Management

• Ensure requirements for all grants and contracts are systematically captured and met.
• Ensure program, processes, and policies conform to all federal government requirements. 
• Develop reports and forecasting models to calculate incurred costs and indirect rates; analyze indirect cost drivers.
• Ensure cost allocations are accurate and program budgets stay on track.
• Ensure proper time tracking protocols are followed and staff time allocations are appropriate.
• Ensure organization is up-to-date on all new rules and regulations as they pertain to grants, contracts, and financial management activities.
• Coordinate with federal agencies and navigate federal government submission portals 
• Scale compliance capabilities and integrate related systems, as needed.

Budgeting and Forecasting

• Serve as project budgeting expert on the team, providing guidance, training, tools and templates.
• Assist in the preparation and monitoring of annual budgets and forecasts in collaboration with relevant staff.
• Build integrated budgeting and reporting workflows that satisfy multiple reporting objectives.

Grants Management

• Provide administrative support across the full grants life cycle. This includes database management of pre/post award processing, contracting, tracking payments, reviewing milestone submissions, and regular communication with grantees. 

• Produce standard and ad hoc reports on program expenses and grant making activities.
• Support program team in the evaluation, analysis, or due diligence of projects or proposals for grant funding; assist in the coordination of grant program logistics,. 

Process Improvement

• Identify opportunities for process enhancements to streamline accounting procedures.

• Create and maintain financial management documentation, including policy and controls and an annual calendar of activities. 
• Support the organization as we build tools and competencies for data management and analysis; Conduct training sessions to improve the team's skills and knowledge.

Requirements

• CPA or equivalent certification. Advanced degree in accounting, finance, or related discipline is a plus.
• 7-10+ years of progressively responsible experience in financial accounting or controller management positions. Significant track record of progressively responsible experience in budgeting and forecasting.
• Deep working knowledge of NFP accounting, TRNA restricted grant budget management and reporting, and audit. Advanced knowledge of GAAP and accounting concepts.
• Working knowledge of Federal Cost Principles (2 CFR 200) and Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR); experience with DOD, USAID, DOE, NIH, DoC, EDA contracts strongly preferred.
• Experience working in a non-profit organization that receives and manages US federal government grants. 
• Experience with independent audits, Single Audits, or other program audits.
• Familiarity with cost allocation methodologies.
• Experience creating and managing complex, dynamic, multi-program budgets, staff time allocations, and cash-flow projections with clear audit trails. 
• Ability and patience to read and comprehend complex contracts and regulations and design and support smart workflows and controls beyond standard organizational processes.
• Tech-savvy with the ability to quickly become a team “expert” on SaaS tools (Asana, Google apps, Microsoft Office, Airtable, Hubspot, etc.)
• Excellent written and verbal skills to communicate finance and accounting information to non-finance colleagues and board members. 
• Experience with HR compliance, payroll, filings, minimum wage rules, and FLMA, is a plus.
• Experience with ESG, mission related investments, impact investments, venture capital, accelerators, or other related activities is a plus. 
• Experience developing board materials, finance committee policies/procedures, and internal control documents is a plus. 

• Experienced bookkeeper (QuickBooks).
• Expert level in Excel.
• Ability to be nimble in a constantly changing environment; ability to navigate ambiguity and find solutions for concurrent conflicting challenges.

• Experience in the climate, clean energy, and/or sustainability world is helpful but not required.

Benefits

Competitive compensation ($110-140k) and generous benefits including, fully paid medical, dental, vision, and parental leave; 401k with company match; and unlimited PTO. 

How to Apply

We value and celebrate diversity among our employees and in our movement. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer - all qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, family/marital status, or veteran status. 

To be considered, please submit your resume and a cover letter that shows how your background has prepared you for the role. Your cover letter should clearly state why you are interested in working at The Clean Fight and explain how your experience is relevant. All applications must be submitted through Workable: https://apply.workable.com/newenergynexus/j/78F9C7043D/

Application deadline is April 22, 2024