Application Guide

How to Apply for Senior Director, Finance and Accoungint

at American Rivers

🏢 About American Rivers

American Rivers is a leading national conservation nonprofit that combines evidence-based solutions with strategic partnerships to protect and restore rivers and clean water. Working here means contributing to a mission-driven organization that values both environmental impact and operational excellence, offering the flexibility of a remote role while being part of a dedicated team.

About This Role

As Senior Director of Finance and Accounting, you will oversee all financial operations for American Rivers and its affiliated Action Fund, ensuring compliance with GAAP and regulatory standards. This role is critical in enabling the organization to maximize its conservation impact by maintaining financial health, managing audits, and leading a team that supports mission-focused decision-making.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with reviewing cash positions and approving transactions, followed by a meeting with the finance team to track month-end close progress. You might then analyze financial reports for program directors, troubleshoot an accounting software issue, and end the day by preparing materials for the upcoming audit or board meeting.

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🎯 Who American Rivers Is Looking For

  • A CPA with a bachelor's degree in accounting or finance and 15+ years of progressive finance experience, including at least 10 years in the nonprofit sector.
  • Proven leader with 10+ years of supervisory experience, skilled in developing teams and fostering a collaborative culture.
  • Expert in Sage Intacct and other accounting software, with deep knowledge of nonprofit GAAP, tax laws for 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations, and internal controls.
  • Detail-oriented and strategic thinker who can manage month-end close, financial reporting, and audits while improving processes and training stakeholders.

📝 Tips for Applying to American Rivers

1

Highlight your experience with Sage Intacct specifically; mention any implementations or upgrades you've led.

2

Quantify your achievements in previous roles, such as reducing close time, improving audit results, or managing budgets over $10M.

3

Tailor your resume to show a clear progression of responsibility in nonprofit finance, emphasizing your familiarity with both 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) entities.

4

Include a cover letter that connects your financial expertise to the mission of river conservation, showing you understand how your role supports environmental impact.

5

Mention any experience with remote team management and your approach to maintaining communication and culture across distances.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your passion for the mission of protecting rivers and clean water, and how your financial stewardship can amplify that impact.', 'Specific examples of improving financial processes or leading audits in nonprofit settings, especially with dual entities.', 'Your leadership philosophy and how you have developed finance teams in remote or hybrid environments.', "Your expertise in Sage Intacct and how you've leveraged it to enhance reporting and internal controls."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review American Rivers' latest annual report and financial statements to understand their revenue streams and funding sources.
  • → Read about their current conservation campaigns and initiatives to see how finance supports programmatic goals.
  • → Familiarize yourself with the American Rivers Action Fund and its role in advocacy, and how it differs from the main 501(c)(3).
  • → Check recent news or press releases about their strategic plan or financial challenges to demonstrate awareness in interviews.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you ensure compliance with GAAP for both a 501(c)(3) and a 501(c)(4) organization?
2 Describe a time you improved the month-end close process; what steps did you take and what were the results?
3 How do you approach training non-finance staff on financial policies and budgeting?
4 What internal controls would you prioritize for a remote finance team?
5 Why are you interested in working for a conservation organization, and how does your background align with American Rivers' mission?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Failing to distinguish between the 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) entities in your application or interview; show you understand the different tax and reporting requirements.
  • Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't mention conservation or the specific challenges of nonprofit finance.
  • Overlooking the remote aspect; ensure you address how you manage teams and maintain accountability without in-person oversight.

📅 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 American Rivers!

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