Application Guide

How to Apply for Manager, Finance and Accounting (US)

at Regulatory Assistance Project

🏢 About Regulatory Assistance Project

The Regulatory Assistance Project (RAP) is a global, non-profit team of experts dedicated to accelerating the transition to a clean, reliable, and equitable energy future. RAP is unique because it operates at the intersection of policy, regulation, and finance, working directly with government officials and regulators to design practical solutions. Employees are drawn to RAP's mission-driven culture, intellectual rigor, and the opportunity to make a tangible impact on climate and energy policy worldwide.

About This Role

As the Manager, Finance & Accounting (US), you will own the day-to-day accounting and financial management for RAP's U.S. entity, ensuring accurate recording of transactions, timely reconciliations, and robust financial controls. You will also play a key role in budgeting, forecasting, and preparing financial reports for management and the Board, directly supporting RAP's program teams and global finance leadership. This hands-on role is critical for maintaining the financial integrity that enables RAP's mission-driven work.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve reviewing and approving journal entries, reconciling balance sheet accounts, and meeting with program managers to review budget-to-actual reports. You might also analyze financial data to prepare a monthly management report, troubleshoot a grant compliance issue with the Grants & Contracts team, and join a call with global finance colleagues to align on reporting deadlines. The role balances detailed accounting work with strategic discussions to support RAP's mission.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Regulatory Assistance Project Is Looking For

  • Has 5+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience, with a strong grasp of US GAAP, general ledger accounting, month-end close, and reconciliations, ideally in a non-profit or mission-driven organization.
  • Is a hands-on professional who can independently manage routine accounting processes while also stepping back to analyze financial data and communicate insights to non-finance colleagues.
  • Demonstrates experience with budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis, and is comfortable preparing reports for senior leadership and Board members.
  • Possesses excellent interpersonal skills and can collaborate effectively with global finance, grants & contracts, HR, and program teams in a remote work environment.
  • Is highly organized, detail-oriented, and proficient with accounting software and ERP systems (e.g., Sage Intacct, NetSuite, or similar), as well as advanced Excel skills.

📝 Tips for Applying to Regulatory Assistance Project

1

Highlight your experience with non-profit accounting and fund accounting, as RAP likely deals with restricted grants and donor reporting. Mention specific systems you've used (e.g., Sage Intacct, QuickBooks) and how you've improved processes.

2

Emphasize your ability to work remotely and collaborate across time zones. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed accounting close and reporting cycles in a distributed team.

3

Showcase any experience with international entities or multi-entity consolidations, as RAP has a global presence and this role supports the U.S. entity but works with global finance.

4

Demonstrate your ability to translate financial data into clear, actionable insights for program staff and leadership. Use your cover letter to describe a time you helped a non-finance colleague understand a budget or financial report.

5

Tailor your resume to include keywords from the job description such as 'general ledger,' 'reconciliations,' 'financial controls,' 'budgeting,' 'forecasting,' and 'Board reporting.' Use quantifiable achievements where possible.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your passion for RAP's mission and how your accounting skills can support climate and energy policy work. Be specific about why you want to work for a non-profit focused on clean energy.", 'Your hands-on experience with full-cycle accounting, including month-end close, reconciliations, and financial statement preparation, and your ability to maintain strong internal controls.', 'Your experience collaborating with program teams and budget owners to develop budgets, forecasts, and financial reports that aid decision-making. Provide a concrete example.', 'Your ability to work independently in a remote setting while coordinating with a global finance team, and your comfort with occasional travel.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Explore RAP's website, especially their 'About Us,' 'Our Work,' and 'Publications' sections, to understand their key initiatives in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and utility regulation.
  • → Research RAP's funding sources and structure. Are they primarily funded by foundations, government grants, or both? Understanding this will help you speak to restricted fund accounting and donor reporting.
  • → Look up RAP's leadership team and recent news or press releases to get a sense of their current priorities and global projects. This can inform your questions during the interview.
  • → Investigate the regulatory and energy policy landscape in the U.S. at both federal and state levels, as RAP often works with state public utility commissions. Familiarity with key issues will demonstrate genuine interest.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk us through your month-end close process. How do you ensure accuracy and timeliness? What controls do you put in place?
2 Describe a time you identified a financial discrepancy or inefficiency and how you resolved it. What was the outcome?
3 How do you approach budgeting and forecasting for a non-profit with multiple programs and restricted funds? Give an example of how you worked with program managers.
4 Tell us about your experience preparing financial reports for a Board of Directors. How do you make complex financial information accessible to non-financial stakeholders?
5 How do you stay current with US GAAP and non-profit accounting standards? Describe a time you had to research a technical accounting issue and apply it.
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Avoid using generic language about 'making a difference' without connecting it to RAP's specific mission and the finance role. Show you understand how accounting supports advocacy and policy work.
  • Do not neglect to mention non-profit accounting experience if you have it. If you don't, avoid pretending you do; instead, highlight transferable skills and a willingness to learn non-profit fund accounting.
  • Avoid focusing only on technical accounting skills and ignoring the collaborative and communication aspects of the role. RAP values teamwork and the ability to explain financial concepts to non-finance colleagues.

📅 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:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Regulatory Assistance Project!

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