Director, Finance and Accounting

JOB TITLE: Director, Finance and Accounting


POSITION CLASSIFICATION: Director II

SALARY BAND: Band B

REPORTS TO: Sr. Director, Finance & Accounting
LOCATION: HQ (hybrid) or Remote

About American Rivers

American Rivers is a national conservation organization working to make every river clean and healthy for people and wildlife. We combine evidence-based solutions with enduring partnerships to safeguard the 4.4 million miles of rivers and streams that are essential to our nation's clean drinking water, extraordinary wildlife, and the strength of our communities. For more than 50 years, our staff, supporters, and partners have been driven by a common belief: Life Depends on Rivers.

The beauty of rivers is that they connect all people and communities - including within our organization. The life experiences, knowledge, innovation, and talent that different people bring to our work provides perspectives, experiences, and competencies which are critical to our effectiveness in protecting wild rivers, restoring damaged rivers, and conserving clean water for people and nature.

JOB SUMMARY

American Rivers is seeking a strategic, hands-on, and collaborative Director, Finance & Accounting to serve as a key leader within the Finance & Accounting team and primary deputy to the Senior Director of Finance & Accounting. This position is responsible for managing accounting operations, financial reporting, audit coordination, statutory reporting, internal controls, finance systems administration, and process improvement initiatives while supervising accounting staff and supporting the organization's financial stewardship.


The Director, Finance & Accounting will ensure the integrity of financial reporting, oversee compliance and audit activities and support the continuous improvement of finance processes and systems, maintain strong internal controls, lead develop the accounting team and collaborate with other departments. The ideal candidate combines strong technical accounting expertise with operational leadership, systems aptitude, and a continuous improvement mindset.


PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Financial Reporting & Accounting Operations

• Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual close activities.
• Review journal entries, accruals, allocations, reconciliations, and supporting schedules prepared by accounting staff.
• Review monthly financial statements and management reporting packages.
• Maintain accounting policies and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, organizational policies, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Monitor accounting operations and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, consistency, and accuracy.
• Provide technical accounting guidance to staff.

Audit, Compliance & Statutory Reporting

• Coordinate annual financial statement audits and other external examinations.
• Coordinate preparation of Forms 990 and 990-T.
• Coordinate Charitable registration and regulatory filings.
• Coordinate Census Bureau surveys, Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting, workers' compensation, retirement plan, and other required reporting.
• Support compliance with donor, grant, regulatory, and organizational reporting requirements.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen compliance processes and internal controls.

Internal Controls, Policies & Risk Management

• Development, maintain and monitor internal controls across accounting and finance processes.
• Monitor compliance with established accounting policies and procedures.
• Identify financial and operational risks and recommend improvements.
• Lead documentation of control activities and finance procedures.
• Support organizational compliance and risk management initiatives.
• Promote consistency and accountability across finance operations.

Finance Systems, Automation & Process Improvement

• Support administration of finance systems and coordinate system enhancements and improvements.
• Lead implementation and optimization of workflows, forms, approval processes, and system integrations.
• Develop and maintain finance process maps, standard operating procedures, and training materials.
• Identify opportunities to automate manual processes and improve operational efficiency.
• Coordinate testing, implementation, and enhancement of accounting and operational systems.
• Develop user-friendly financial procedures, templates, and guidance materials.

Accounting Team Leadership & Staff Development

• Supervise, coach, and develop accounting staff.
• Manage performance, workload allocation, and professional development activities.
• Review work performed by accounting staff and provide guidance on accounting and reporting matters.
• Foster collaboration and knowledge sharing across the Finance & Accounting team.
• Support succession planning and staff development initiatives.

Cross-Functional Partnership & Organizational Support

• Work collaboratively with program, development, operations, and People & Culture teams to support organizational financial management.
• Provide guidance to non-finance staff regarding financial procedures, coding, approvals, purchasing, and expense management.
• Support leadership requests for financial information, analyses, and operational recommendations.
• Serve as primary backup to the Senior Director of Finance & Accounting.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in accounting, financial reporting, audit, compliance, or operational finance.
• Strong understanding of month-end close, reconciliations, accrual accounting, and financial reporting processes.
• Experience supporting audits and regulatory reporting requirements.
• Experience reviewing accounting transactions, reconciliations, and financial statements.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including pivot tables, lookups, and financial analysis functions.
• Experience working with ERP systems and finance applications.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and collaborate effectively across teams.

Candidates who are unsure if they meet all minimum qualifications or who have transferrable skills and experience beyond the conservation sector are encouraged to apply.

LOCATION Remote or hybrid.

COMPENSATION
American Rivers offers marketable compensation that reflects the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate. The salary for this position is $104,600 -$127,800 annually, depending on experience and qualifications. We provide a comprehensive Total Rewards package to our full-time, regular employees, including:

• Health and Wellness: Medical, dental, vision, long-term and short-term disability, and life insurance.
• Financial Security: After one year of service, American Rivers begins contributing a 3% employer contribution. There is no vesting schedule for employer contributions as employees are 100% vested upon participation.
• Time Off: Four weeks of paid leave, eleven paid holidays, three floating holidays, and sick leave.

At American Rivers, we are committed to supporting our employee's well-being, professional growth, and financial security, ensuring they can thrive both at work and in life.

COMMUNITY AND OPPORTUNITY

• At American Rivers, our core values drive everything we do - we Lead with Collaboration and Trust, Infuse Equity and Justice, Deliver Results, and Ensure Staff and Volunteers Thrive. We are committed to fostering a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to make a difference.

• Our culture prioritizes work-life thriving through Focus Fridays (no internal meetings), professional development opportunities, a home office stipend and our comprehensive leave policies, including sabbatical leave (every seven years) and paid parental leave (six weeks w/ one year of service).

• We also ensure leadership stays connected to staff needs through an internal advisory group, fostering open communication and continuous improvement.

• At American Rivers, our people are our strength, and we are dedicated to building a thriving, inclusive workplace where everyone can grow and contribute to our mission.

American Rivers is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to request reasonable accommodation, please contact the Human Resources department at View phone number on click.appcast.io or View email address on click.appcast.io. Please note that one week's advance notice is preferred.

Applicant must be legally allowed to work as an employee in the United States. American Rivers is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Candidates of all personal and professional backgrounds are encouraged to apply.