What are the responsibilities and job description for the Accountant & Grant Compliance Lead position at Ecology Project International?
Accounting & Grant Compliance Lead
About Ecology Project International
EPI is an international non-profit organization dedicated to addressing critical conservation issues through field-based partnerships between local experts and high school students. We engage adolescent youth from local communities and youth and teachers from around the world in applied hands-on science and conservation as they learn about and help protect threatened species and habitats. Through EPI’s programs in five countries throughout the U.S. and Latin America, participants are inspired and empowered to engage in conservation efforts at home and worldwide to become the next generation of conservation leaders. More information can be found at www.ecologyproject.org
Job Summary
The Accountant and Grant Compliance Lead is responsible for ensuring the integrity and accuracy of financial data, managing grant compliance and reporting, and supporting core accounting functions for a Montana-based nonprofit with international operations. The role involves a strong understanding of nonprofit accounting standards (GAAP), federal grant compliance, and financial reporting requirements.
Key responsibilities and duties
Possesses strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills. The ideal candidate should demonstrate adaptability, problem-solving abilities, high attention to detail, and self-motivation.
Reports to
Finance Manager
Direct reports
Potential for supervision or mentorship DOE
Schedule & Location
Location: This position must be able to report to one of EPI’s offices in San Jose, Costa Rica, La Paz, Mexico, or Missoula, Montana. Individual hired must prove identity and authorization to work at the location to which they will be reporting. During the first year, this position allows for one day WFH, and the potential for up to 80% WFH after the first year.
Schedule: This position is full-time (40 hours/week), typically from 9am to 5pm
Physical Requirements: This position requires sedentary physical capabilities, focusing on using a computer and office equipment for extended periods.
Compensation
Compensation varies by country according to EPI’s internal “Compensation Policy.”
Only application documents submitted in English will be given full consideration.
EPI is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or age. All qualified candidates will be considered for employment regardless of these factors. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
About Ecology Project International
EPI is an international non-profit organization dedicated to addressing critical conservation issues through field-based partnerships between local experts and high school students. We engage adolescent youth from local communities and youth and teachers from around the world in applied hands-on science and conservation as they learn about and help protect threatened species and habitats. Through EPI’s programs in five countries throughout the U.S. and Latin America, participants are inspired and empowered to engage in conservation efforts at home and worldwide to become the next generation of conservation leaders. More information can be found at www.ecologyproject.org
Job Summary
The Accountant and Grant Compliance Lead is responsible for ensuring the integrity and accuracy of financial data, managing grant compliance and reporting, and supporting core accounting functions for a Montana-based nonprofit with international operations. The role involves a strong understanding of nonprofit accounting standards (GAAP), federal grant compliance, and financial reporting requirements.
Key responsibilities and duties
- Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP
- Manage accounts receivable and accounts payable processes
- Review monthly reconciliations prepared by site coordinators and prepare all balance sheet reconciliations quarterly
- Maintain the chart of accounts and support month-end closing
- Perform occasional internal audit of expense and income accounts and documentation to ensure organizational policies and procedures are being followed
- In coordination with the fundraising team, prepare financial grant reports for funders, ensuring compliance with terms
- Lead coordinators and program managers in tracking grant budgets, expenditures, and allowable costs
- Assist with audit preparation and support external auditors
- Maintain financial records for organizational and grant compliance
- Coordinate with program and development staff on restricted fund tracking
- Periodically serve as Duty Officer on the 24 hour/ERS cell phone
- Other tasks as assigned by supervisor
- Education or Experience: Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field or at least 3 years of GAAP-compliant accounting experience
- Skills: Proficiency with accounting or ERP software (e.g., QuickBooks) and Excel
- Languages: English (at least CEFR B2)
- Ability to work effectively in a multicultural and dynamic environment.
- Commitment to EPI's mission and values.
- Bachelor's degree in accounting preferred
- 3–5 years GAAP-compliant accounting experience, preferably in nonprofit organizations
- Demonstrated experience with grant compliance and reporting (federal and private)
- Proficiency in QuickBooks, SalesForce, Zapier, and Bill.com preferred
- Bilingual (Spanish-English) strongly preferred
Possesses strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills. The ideal candidate should demonstrate adaptability, problem-solving abilities, high attention to detail, and self-motivation.
Reports to
Finance Manager
Direct reports
Potential for supervision or mentorship DOE
Schedule & Location
Location: This position must be able to report to one of EPI’s offices in San Jose, Costa Rica, La Paz, Mexico, or Missoula, Montana. Individual hired must prove identity and authorization to work at the location to which they will be reporting. During the first year, this position allows for one day WFH, and the potential for up to 80% WFH after the first year.
Schedule: This position is full-time (40 hours/week), typically from 9am to 5pm
Physical Requirements: This position requires sedentary physical capabilities, focusing on using a computer and office equipment for extended periods.
Compensation
Compensation varies by country according to EPI’s internal “Compensation Policy.”
- United States (Missoula): Starting salary range is $63,900–$69,900 USD per year, DOE.
- Costa Rica: Compensation for this role follows local salary bands and ranges around a monthly gross salary range of $2,800-$3,100, DOE.
- México (La Paz, Baja California Sur): Compensation for this role follows local salary bands and ranges around a monthly gross salary range of $50,500 MXN - $51,900 MXN, DOE.
Only application documents submitted in English will be given full consideration.
EPI is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or age. All qualified candidates will be considered for employment regardless of these factors. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
Salary : $63,900 - $69,900