Application Guide
How to Apply for Accountant | Remote in the United States (Central or Eastern Time Zones Only)
at Cultural Survival
🏢 About Cultural Survival
Cultural Survival is an Indigenous-led NGO with a 50+ year history of advocating for Indigenous Peoples' rights and self-determination. Working here means contributing to a mission-driven organization that values cultural preservation and political resilience, with a global impact through programs like the Bazaar events.
About This Role
As the Accountant, you'll oversee full-cycle accounting operations, from AP/AR to financial reporting and audit preparation. This role is impactful because your financial stewardship directly supports Indigenous communities' empowerment and the organization's sustainability.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might start with reviewing bank reconciliations and processing AP/AR transactions remotely, followed by a team check-in on grant reporting deadlines. You might also prepare monthly financial statements, assist with budget monitoring, or coordinate with the audit team. During Bazaar seasons, you'd travel to manage on-site cashier operations and vendor payouts.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Cultural Survival Is Looking For
- Has 3+ years of progressive nonprofit accounting experience, including fund accounting and grant reporting.
- Is bilingual in English and Spanish (fluent) and ideally has familiarity with an Indigenous language.
- Proficient in Sage Intacct or similar ERP, with strong skills in Excel and financial analysis.
- Comfortable with occasional on-site event finance leadership at Bazaar events (travel required).
📝 Tips for Applying to Cultural Survival
Highlight your nonprofit accounting experience explicitly, including fund accounting and grant compliance.
Mention any experience with Sage Intacct in your resume and cover letter, as it's preferred.
Demonstrate Spanish language proficiency by submitting a bilingual cover letter or mentioning it prominently.
Show specific examples of internal controls you've developed or audits you've facilitated.
Tailor your application to emphasize alignment with Indigenous rights and cultural sensitivity.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your commitment to Indigenous rights and cultural preservation, and why Cultural Survival's mission resonates with you.", 'Your specific nonprofit accounting experience, especially with grant reporting, audits, and internal controls.', 'Your bilingual Spanish-English skills and any experience with Indigenous languages or communities.', 'Your ability to handle both remote accounting duties and on-site event finance management.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Read about Cultural Survival's Bazaar events and their role in supporting Indigenous artisans.
- → Review their financial reports or annual reports to understand their funding sources and grant structure.
- → Familiarize yourself with key Indigenous rights issues and the organization's advocacy work.
- → Learn about the Indigenous languages they work with, especially if you have any proficiency.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't mention Indigenous rights or nonprofit accounting.
- Overlooking the Spanish language requirement – ensure your proficiency is clear.
- Failing to address the on-site event finance component; show willingness to travel.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Cultural Survival!