Associate Accountant

The Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law is a nonpartisan law and policy institute that seeks to improve the systems of democracy and justice in the United States. We work to hold our political institutions and laws accountable to the twin American ideals of democracy and equal justice for all. The Brennan Center’s work ranges from voting rights to campaign finance reform, from ending mass incarceration to preserving constitutional protections in national security policies. Part think tank, part advocacy group, part cutting-edge communications hub, we start with rigorous research. We craft innovative policies. And we fight for them — in Congress and the states, in the courts, and in the court of public opinion. 

Position Overview: 

We are hiring an Associate Accountant to support the management of all accounting processes for the organization including AR/AP input, GL reconciliation, and month end close. The ideal candidate will combine a solid understanding of basic accounting principles, with strong analytical and problem-solving skills. They should be highly organized and detail-oriented and possess the ability to effectively work both independently or in a team setting. The Associate Accountant will report to the Controller/Senior Accountant as a member of our six-person Finance/Accounting team. 

Note: The position is based at our headquarters in New York City.   

Responsibilities:

• Process accounts receivable transactions 

• Process accounts payable transactions 

• Process journal entries 

• Analyze accounts to ensure accurate payments, respond to inquiries, resolve billing issues and maintain contact information 

• Perform monthly bank and accounting reconciliations 

• Assist with weekly ACH/check runs 

• Assist departments with reviewing and processing of expenses 

• Assist with monthly and quarterly close 

• Assist in annual audit and filing of 1099’s 

• Assist with special projects as necessary 

• Perform other tasks as assigned 

Qualifications: 

• 1-3 years of experience in accounting, which may include internships, academic accounting projects, or relevant coursework, preferably in the nonprofit sector

• Bachelor’s degree with a major in accounting or finance 

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills 

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in work 

• Resourceful and efficient 

• Ability to work independently and in a team environment 

• Experience exercising discretion and maintain confidentiality with regard to company accounts 

• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, including VLOOKUPs and pivot tables 

• Experience using Abila MIP (nonprofit) accounting software preferred

• Basic understanding of US GAAP and accounting principles

We are committed to considering a wide range of candidates, including those with diverse experiences and backgrounds. Whether you are new to the nonprofit law and policy sector, returning to work after a gap in employment, looking to make a career transition, or seeking to advance your professional path, we welcome your application.   

If you’re uncertain about meeting 100 percent of our qualifications, we encourage you to apply anyway. In your cover letter, please describe your interest in the position and what you hope to contribute to the role.  

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage interested applicants to apply early, as the position will be filled once a qualified candidate is identified. 

Application Instructions: 

To apply, please visit >> this link << ( and upload the following documents: (1) a cover letter, (2) resume, and (3) contact information for three references.

Please, no phone calls or faxes; it is strongly preferred that you apply on our website. If you have difficulty uploading these items as one document, e-mail them to View email address on click.appcast.io with “Associate Accountant” in the subject line.   

Compensation and Benefits:  

The Brennan Center is a fantastic workplace! We offer competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package that is regularly assessed based on workplace trends and employee feedback.   

The salary range assigned for this role is $68,000 – $73,000 and has been determined based on market competitiveness. We determine our salary ranges based on market competitiveness and internal equity for each job. The salary offered a selected candidate will be contingent upon the candidate’s experience, qualifications and internal equity considerations. Additionally, we offer generous time off program, 401k plan, comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, and vision), and wellness and office perks.  

In addition, this position is part of a bargaining unit represented by the National Organization of Legal Services Workers, UAW local 2320.    

The Brennan Center for Justice is committed to a workplace based on equal opportunity and a strong belief in the increased effectiveness that comes from a diverse workforce. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, ethnicity, gender identity, socioeconomic identity, sexual orientation, national origin, previous incarceration, disability, military veteran/status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. To this end, we welcome all qualified applicants to apply.

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