Application Guide

How to Apply for Sustainability Reporting Manager

at Workiva

🏢 About Workiva

Workiva is a leading cloud-based platform that streamlines integrated ESG reporting, helping companies achieve transparent climate impact and compliance. Their focus on automating sustainability reporting with robust internal controls makes them a pioneer in the space, offering a unique opportunity to shape best practices in a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape.

About This Role

As the Sustainability Reporting Manager, you'll own the entire sustainability reporting process, from data collection to external assurance, ensuring compliance with emerging regulations like California SB 253 and SB 261. This role is impactful because you'll design internal controls, lead assurance engagements, and collaborate cross-functionally to drive accurate, auditable ESG disclosures.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with reviewing data submissions from various departments, validating emissions calculations, and updating control documentation. You could then meet with external auditors to discuss assurance scope, followed by a cross-functional sync with product and accounting teams to align on metric definitions. Afternoons often involve analyzing regulatory updates and refining internal control procedures to ensure compliance readiness.

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🎯 Who Workiva Is Looking For

  • A CPA with 5+ years in sustainability reporting or SEC reporting, who thrives on designing and testing internal controls over ESG data.
  • Deep expertise in GHG Protocol, SASB, TCFD, and California climate laws, with hands-on experience in limited or reasonable assurance engagements.
  • Highly analytical and data-savvy, able to manage large datasets in Excel and translate complex requirements into practical controls.
  • A collaborative communicator who can partner with sustainability, product, and accounting teams to align metrics and drive continuous improvement.

📝 Tips for Applying to Workiva

1

Highlight specific experience with California SB 253 and SB 261 compliance, including any direct involvement in assurance readiness.

2

Emphasize your CPA certification or active pursuit, and detail any work with ISSA 5000 or similar assurance standards.

3

Showcase your ability to design and document internal controls over sustainability data, using examples from past roles.

4

Tailor your resume to include keywords like 'GHG Protocol,' 'SASB,' 'TCFD,' 'limited assurance,' and 'reasonable assurance' to pass ATS filters.

5

In your cover letter, mention your experience partnering with external auditors and managing assurance engagements from limited to reasonable.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your proven track record in sustainability reporting and internal control design, specifically for GHG emissions and regulatory compliance.', 'Familiarity with California’s climate disclosure laws and how you’ve navigated similar frameworks to ensure accuracy and auditability.', 'Your CPA background and ability to bridge sustainability and financial reporting, ensuring data integrity and alignment with SEC standards.', 'Your collaborative approach to working cross-functionally, especially with product teams to embed controls into reporting systems.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read Workiva’s latest annual sustainability report and their ESG platform features to understand their current approach.
  • → Study the California SB 253 and SB 261 text to grasp specific compliance deadlines and reporting requirements.
  • → Review Workiva’s recent press releases or blog posts about ESG partnerships or product updates to see their strategic focus.
  • → Familiarize yourself with ISSA 5000 and how it applies to sustainability assurance, as it’s mentioned in the requirements.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk me through how you would design internal controls over scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions data collection.
2 Describe your experience with limited vs. reasonable assurance engagements. What were the key differences in control requirements?
3 How would you ensure compliance with California SB 253 and SB 261 while also aligning with GHG Protocol and SASB?
4 Tell me about a time you reconciled a large sustainability dataset. What tools did you use and how did you validate accuracy?
5 How do you stay updated on evolving ESG regulations, and how would you advise Workiva on adapting our reporting processes?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don’t focus solely on sustainability strategy without emphasizing internal controls and assurance experience—this role is controllership-heavy.
  • Avoid being vague about your experience with specific frameworks; mention GHG Protocol, SASB, and California laws explicitly.
  • Don’t overlook the importance of data management skills—be ready to discuss how you handle large datasets in Excel or other tools.

📅 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 Workiva!

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