Application Guide

How to Apply for Staff Accountant

at Outward Bound USA

🏢 About Outward Bound USA

Outward Bound USA is unique as a national nonprofit that uses outdoor experiential education to foster personal growth in young people. Working here means contributing to an organization that expands access to transformative learning experiences while supporting a network of schools across the country. This role offers the chance to support meaningful educational work while enjoying remote flexibility.

About This Role

As Staff Accountant, you'll ensure financial accuracy and integrity for an organization that transforms young lives through outdoor challenges. You'll directly support Outward Bound's mission by managing accounts receivable/payable, completing monthly closes, and maintaining vendor relationships—all critical for funding educational programs. This role impacts the organization's ability to deliver life-changing experiences to students nationwide.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day involves processing accounts payable for outdoor equipment vendors, reconciling accounts receivable from program fees, and collaborating remotely with school administrators on budget questions. You might analyze financial data in Excel to support monthly reporting, update vendor records, and ensure timely payment processing to maintain strong relationships with suppliers supporting outdoor education programs.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Outward Bound USA Is Looking For

  • Has 5+ years of accounting experience with specific exposure to nonprofit financial reporting and compliance requirements
  • Is proficient in QuickBooks or Sage Intacct and can demonstrate experience with nonprofit-specific financial systems
  • Possesses advanced Excel skills for financial analysis and reporting in a remote work environment
  • Understands the unique financial needs of educational nonprofits, including grant tracking and restricted funds

📝 Tips for Applying to Outward Bound USA

1

Highlight any nonprofit accounting experience in your resume, especially with educational or youth-focused organizations

2

Mention specific experience with QuickBooks or Sage Intacct in your application materials

3

Demonstrate how your skills align with supporting a distributed network of schools (mention remote collaboration if applicable)

4

Research Outward Bound's specific programs and mention one that resonates with you in your cover letter

5

Prepare examples of how you've ensured financial accuracy in previous roles, particularly with monthly close procedures

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your experience with nonprofit accounting and understanding of restricted funds/grant reporting', 'Specific examples of managing accounts receivable/payable in a mission-driven organization', "How your skills with financial systems (QuickBooks/Sage Intacct) can support Outward Bound's distributed school network", "Why you're drawn to supporting outdoor education and youth development through financial management"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Outward Bound's specific educational programs and the populations they serve
  • → The organization's network of schools and how they operate nationally
  • → Recent news or initiatives from Outward Bound USA
  • → Nonprofit accounting standards and compliance requirements relevant to educational organizations
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How you've handled monthly close procedures in previous nonprofit roles
2 Your experience managing vendor relationships and purchasing card programs
3 Specific examples of ensuring financial accuracy and integrity in your work
4 How you would approach supporting a remote team across multiple Outward Bound schools
5 Your understanding of nonprofit financial reporting requirements and compliance
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Failing to demonstrate nonprofit accounting experience or understanding of restricted funds
  • Not mentioning specific financial systems like QuickBooks or Sage Intacct
  • Generic applications that don't reference Outward Bound's mission or programs

📅 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 Outward Bound USA!

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