Senior Accountant

Background

Friends of the Columbia Gorge was founded in 1980, with members in Oregon, Washington, and beyond dedicated to preserving, protecting, and stewarding the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. With offices in Portland and Hood River, Oregon and Washougal, Washington, the organization uses an array of tools (advocacy, litigation, land acquisition, and public education) to ensure the Columbia Gorge remains a wondrous and vibrant place. In 2005, Friends launched the Friends of the Columbia Gorge Land Trust, a 509(a)(3) supporting organization to acquire spectacular landscapes within the Columbia Gorge

Summary of position

The Senior Accountant will support the organization by playing a critical role in managing Friends of the Columbia Gorge and Friends of the Columbia Gorge Land Trusts financial operations with a fiscal year running from July - June. This role requires an experienced accounting professional with a deep understanding of nonprofit accounting principles, an eye for detail, the ability to manage multiple tasks while maintaining deadlines, and a desire to make a positive impact. As a department of one responsibility include the full cycle of accounting, monthly combined financial reports, budget preparation, and working closely with the philanthropy department. Staffing the finance committee and supporting the treasurer in reporting to the organization's boards are included in the scope of work. The Senior Accountant will ensure that the organization’s financial records are accurate, compliant, and up to date, while supporting the organization’s work to protect, preserve, and steward the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.

Activities & Responsibilities

Financial Management

• Maintain accuracy and integrity of the general ledger, accounts payable, and accounts receivable
• Reconcile bank, investment, and credit card accounts along with multiple balance sheet accounts
• Managing cash flow while assuring invoices are paid on time
• Analyze transactions for correct department and account coding

Compliance & Reporting

• Review Key Performance Indicators for monthly board reports
• Advise treasurer for board meeting reporting of financials
• Implement and monitor internal control policies and procedures
• Point of contact for preparation and gathering documentation for working with external auditors annually
• Reconcile monthly, quarterly, and annually with philanthropy deposits from CRM

Budgeting & Analysis

• Lead annual budget process, working closely with program directors and executive director
• Create budgets with Grant Writer for applications
• Monitor and analyze budget-to-actuals monthly, reviewing with directors as needed

Required qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in accounting or a related field
• Five years of experience working as a full-cycle accountant
• Comprehensive knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), FASB accounting standards, record keeping, reporting, and internal controls
• Proficiency in QuickBooks and Excel
• Resourcefulness in setting priorities, with acute attention to detail, ability to work independently, solve problems analytically, and follow through on multiple tasks
• Ability to maintain accurate, confidential records, and information in an organized manner
• Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written
• Experience in preparing and analyzing financial statements
• Desire to participate in ongoing organization DEIJ training and initiatives
• Dedication to professional growth and continuous learning

Compensation & Benefits

Salary range is $80k – $90k, commensurate with experience and education. Excellent benefits include generous vacation time and holidays, generous health insurance for employee and dependents along with an employer matched retirement plan.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ) work and organizational culture

The Columbia Gorge has been home to Indigenous peoples since time immemorial, stewarding the land and waters of this region long before European colonization and the western idea of environmentalism. Friends is dedicated to ensuring the Columbia Gorge remains a place of wonder for generations to come. Whether it is the land, water, wildlife, people, Tribes, or communities, each is dependent upon the others for the Gorge to truly thrive. This is not possible without representing and engaging tribal as well as other diverse communities and individuals who share a connection to this special place. Read our full DEIJ statement here.

Read our full DEIJ statement.

EEO Policy

Friends is an equal opportunity employer and does not unlawfully discriminate based on race, religion, gender, age, disability, national origin, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected status in accordance with local, state, and federal law.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoffs, recalls, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Working Environment

Full time hybrid between office and home. Minimum of one day in the office per week and the last business day of the month. Other hours include three required Friends events, board meetings, land trust meetings, and finance committee meetings. Office is primarily desk work with a sit/stand option in open shared desk setting, using a computer extensively, and occasional trips to the bank or investment office.

Application

Please send cover letter and resume to careers@gorgefriends.org with "Senior Accountant" in the subject line and where you saw the posting. Deadline for applications is Sunday, December 8, 2024.
 

About Friends of the Columbia Gorge

Ensuring the Gorge remains a vibrant, living place—wondrous, wild, and open to all—is at the core of what we do. Friends of the Columbia Gorge works to protect, preserve, and steward the Columbia Gorge for future generations.

We are the only conservation organization entirely dedicated to protecting and enhancing the scenic, natural, cultural, and recreational resources of the Columbia Gorge. For over four decades, we have successfully advocated to protect the Gorge from irresponsible development, purchased scenic and sensitive lands for long-term preservation, and worked with community partners to foster a larger culture of Gorge stewardship by connecting thousands of students and volunteers to the Gorge’s wonders.

Friends of the Columbia Gorge is an equal opportunity employer.
Women, people of color, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.