Associate Accountant

The Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law is a nonpartisan law and policy institute that seeks to improve our systems of democracy and justice. We work to hold our political institutions and laws accountable to the twin American ideals of democracy and equal justice for all. Among our core priorities, we fight to protect voting rights, end mass incarceration, strengthen checks and balances, and preserve Constitutional protection in the fight against terrorism. Part think-tank, part advocacy group, part cutting-edge communications hub, we start with rigorous research. We craft innovative policies. And we fight for them — in Congress and the states, the courts, and in the court of public opinion. 

We are hiring an Associate Accountant to support the management of all accounting processes for the organization including AR/AP input, GL reconciliation, and month end close. The ideal candidate will combine a solid understanding of basic accounting principles, with strong analytical and problem-solving skills. They should be highly organized and detail-oriented and possess the ability to effectively work both independently or in a team setting. The Associate Accountant will report to the Assistant Controller as a member of our five-person Finance/Accounting team. 

Note: Brennan Center employees adhere to a hybrid schedule that is subject to change, with employees currently required to work in the office a minimum of three days per week, on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.  While most employees follow this in-person schedule, there may be some positions that require additional in-office days. The position is based at our headquarters in New York City.   

Responsibilities Include:   

• Process manual checks, ACH payments, grant receivables and pledges 

• Oversee vendor relationships: analyze accounts to ensure accurate payments, respond to inquiries, resolve billing issues and maintain contact information 

• Enter accounts payable invoices into the Abila MIP system  

• Maintaining accounts payable, ensure timely payment of invoices, confirming validity of the debt and gathering appropriate approvals 

• Assist other departments with reviewing and processing of expenses 

• Identifying and reporting any financial discrepancies or irregularities 

• Process accounts receivable 

• Organize weekly ACH/check runs 

• Process journal entries  

• Perform monthly bank and accounting reconciliations 

• Assist with monthly and quarterly close 

• Assist in annual audit and filing of 1099’s 

• Review data to ensure that proper procedures are being followed 

• Assist with special projects as necessary 

• Perform other tasks as assigned 

Qualifications: 

• 1-3 years of experience in accounting, preferably in the nonprofit sector 

• Bachelor’s degree with a major in accounting or finance 

• Experience using Abila MIP (nonprofit) accounting software preferred  

• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, including VLOOKUPs and pivot tables 

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills 

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in work 

• Resourceful and efficient 

• Ability to work independently and in a team environment 

• Experience exercising discretion and maintain confidentiality with regard to company accounts 

• Sense of humor 

The Brennan Center is committed to advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the workplace.  We continuously work with our staff to find new ways to increase diversity and to build and cultivate an inclusive and equitable work environment, where everyone can be their true self and feel a strong sense of belonging.   As such, we seek to hire employees who have a commitment to and/or experience with diversity, equity, and inclusion.  In addition, we expect employees to participate/contribute with DEI initiatives or activities with recruitment, retention, and workplace culture.   
 
Application:
To apply, please visit [this link] and upload the following documents: (1) a cover letter, (2) resume, and (3) contact information for three references. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, and decisions will be made as soon as an appropriate candidate is identified. We prefer applications to be submitted through our website. If you have difficulty uploading these items as one document, e-mail them to [email protected] with “Associate Accountant” in the subject line.   
 
Compensation and Benefits:   
The salary range assigned for this role is $62,000-$67,000 and has been determined based on market competitiveness. We determine our salary ranges based on market competitiveness and internal equity for each job. The salary offered a selected candidate will be contingent upon the candidate’s experience, qualifications and internal equity considerations. Additionally, we offer a very robust and competitive array of benefits such as a generous time off program, 401k plan, comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, and vision), and wellness and office perks.  
 
In addition, this position is part of a bargaining unit represented by the National Organization of Legal Services Workers, UAW local 2320.    
 
Note: The Brennan Center is committed to public health and to the safety and wellbeing of our colleagues and visitors.  As such, we have adopted a policy requiring all employees working in the New York and Washington, DC offices to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or to meet the legal guidelines for an exemption.  

The Brennan Center for Justice is committed to a workplace based on equal opportunity and a strong belief in the increased effectiveness that comes from a diverse workforce. To this end, Brennan Center

• Welcomes applicants with disabilities and applicants of all races, ethnicities, gender identities, socioeconomic identities, sexual orientations, and national origin or citizenship, including people who have been previously incarcerated;
• Hires diverse candidates and works to improve our recruitment practices to allow for such
• Creates a workplace where true diversity is fostered and different perspectives are valued and freely exchanged;
• Ensures that all members of the Brennan Center community feel welcome and respected, and have equal opportunities to thrive and advance within the institution; and
• Is committed to supporting low-income communities and communities of color particularly affected by social inequities.