Application Guide
How to Apply for Controller
at Center for International Environmental Law
🏢 About Center for International Environmental Law
The Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) is a unique nonprofit that leverages legal expertise to drive global environmental policy and protect ecosystems. Unlike traditional environmental organizations, CIEL focuses specifically on using law as a tool for systemic change, working at the intersection of human rights, corporate accountability, and climate justice. This makes it an ideal workplace for finance professionals who want their technical skills to directly support groundbreaking environmental advocacy and international legal campaigns.
About This Role
As Controller at CIEL, you will oversee the entire finance function for a globally-focused nonprofit, ensuring financial integrity supports its mission-driven legal work. This role is impactful because you'll manage day-to-day operations, supervise a team of two accountants, and collaborate directly with senior leadership (CEO, CFO, COO) to align financial strategy with environmental advocacy goals. Your work will enable CIEL to maintain transparency, comply with complex US nonprofit regulations, and optimize resources for maximum environmental impact.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might start with reviewing accounts payable and receivable transactions, followed by a virtual check-in with your two accountants to prioritize monthly reconciliations and address any backlog issues. You could spend the afternoon collaborating with the CFO on budget analysis for an upcoming environmental legal campaign, then prepare audit documentation while managing vendor relationships via email or calls. The role balances hands-on financial oversight with strategic planning, all while ensuring CIEL's resources effectively support its global advocacy work.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Center for International Environmental Law Is Looking For
- Has 5+ years of senior financial management experience specifically within US nonprofits, with deep familiarity with GAAP and nonprofit compliance requirements.
- Is proficient with Sage Intacct or similar ERP systems and can leverage technology to streamline financial reporting and improve departmental efficiencies.
- Demonstrates proven experience supervising finance staff, providing constructive feedback, and managing vendor/bank relationships in a remote work environment.
- Combines technical finance expertise with a genuine interest in environmental law and sustainability, understanding how financial management supports advocacy work.
📝 Tips for Applying to Center for International Environmental Law
Explicitly highlight your experience with US nonprofit finances and GAAP in your resume, quantifying achievements like audit successes or process improvements in previous nonprofit roles.
Mention specific experience with Sage Intacct or another major ERP system in your application materials, as this is a stated requirement for the role.
Tailor your application to show how your finance skills can support CIEL's mission—for example, describe how you've managed finances for organizations with advocacy or legal focuses.
Since this is a remote role, emphasize your ability to manage a finance team and collaborate with leadership virtually, including examples of remote supervision or cross-departmental coordination.
Prepare to discuss how you've identified efficiencies or eliminated backlogs in previous roles, as this is a key responsibility mentioned in the job description.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your direct experience with US nonprofit financial management and compliance, specifically referencing GAAP and any work with environmental or legal nonprofits.', 'Examples of successfully supervising finance staff and improving departmental efficiencies, especially in a remote or hybrid work setting.', 'How your technical skills with Sage Intacct or similar systems have enabled accurate, timely financial reporting and supported organizational goals.', "Your motivation to contribute to CIEL's mission of using law for environmental protection, linking your finance expertise to their advocacy work."]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → CIEL's current campaigns and legal initiatives (e.g., climate litigation, plastic pollution, corporate accountability) to understand how finance supports their work.
- → The organization's structure and leadership team, noting the CEO, CFO, and COO roles you'll collaborate with.
- → CIEL's funding sources and financial footprint as a nonprofit, which may include grants, donations, or partnerships relevant to financial management.
- → Recent news or reports about CIEL's impact, such as legal victories or policy influence, to discuss how financial stewardship enables their success.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic application without mentioning nonprofit finance experience or GAAP compliance, as this is a core requirement.
- Failing to address remote work experience, especially in supervising teams or managing vendor relationships virtually.
- Overlooking the mission alignment—not demonstrating an understanding of or interest in CIEL's focus on environmental law and sustainability.
📅 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 Center for International Environmental Law!