Reporting Accountant

About

Human Rights Watch (HRW) is an international human rights monitoring and advocacy organization known for its in‑depth investigations, incisive reporting, innovative advocacy campaigns, and success in influencing policies and practices of governments and international institutions. The Finance Division, led by the Chief Financial Officer and supported by the Global Controller, provides financial management, implements financial strategy, and maintains fiscal integrity for HRW’s 27 entities and branches outside the United States. This full‑time Reporting Accountant role will support the Global Accounting team and local Operations Administrators, reporting to the Associate Director in New York and working primarily from a US office (preferably New York or Washington DC).

Responsibilities

• Ensure that transactions are recorded and reported in accordance with US and local GAAP as well as IFRS.
• Review or prepare recorded/posted transactions of all HRW non‑US entities, in coordination with the Financial Operations team.
• Oversee the timely and accurate fiscal year closings for all HRW non‑US external reporting and coordinate with closings worldwide.
• Manage local annual fiscal audits for HRW non‑US entities as applicable.
• Establish and maintain relationships with vendors (accounting, payroll, pensions, banking and auditing) and negotiate rates for non‑US entities, in collaboration with the local Financial Operations team.
• Manage procedures for granting of funds between all non‑US charities and coordinate consistency with worldwide procedures while complying with local jurisdiction requirements.
• Work with Operations Administrators and, when needed, provide training on basic accounting concepts to assist in bank reconciliations, journal entries, analysis, and issue resolution.
• Propose changes to accounting policies and procedures for all non‑US based entities to the Global Controller and lead implementation and consistency worldwide.
• Work with Operations staff to ensure cash flow, budgeting and forecasting in all non‑US locations are budgeted and monitored appropriately.
• Strengthen HRW’s transaction mechanisms while ensuring required internal controls and compliance (e.g., IFRS, IAS, local regulations and taxation).
• Deliver outputs in a timely manner while maintaining consistency with the agreed strategy and priorities of the Finance Division.
• Prepare quarterly/annual financial statements and present statements at board meetings when required.
• Prepare quarterly tax reports as required.
• Produce reports and recommendations following internal audits or public‑sector audits.
• Support the Associate Director in reconciling revenue.
• Manage communications while maintaining strong and effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Identify, propose and develop opportunities and areas of interest for the department.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required.

Qualifications

Education

• Chartered Accountant, or a bachelor’s degree in Accounting, or equivalent qualification or work experience.

Experience

• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively complex accounting responsibility.

Related Skills and Knowledge

• Proven track record in all aspects of accounting (general ledger, journal entries, budgets, account analysis, financial statements, etc.).
• Solid understanding of statutory requirements, legal procedures (audits, taxes, etc.) and government regulations.
• Experience developing systems, policies, and internal controls related to accounting and finance.
• Experience managing accounting for an organization with a complex, multi‑global structure.
• High proficiency in a computer‑based accounting system and Excel; prior experience with not‑for‑profit software such as NetSuite is highly desirable.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and creative skills with sound judgment.
• Excellent time‑management and attention‑to‑detail abilities.
• Strong interpersonal skills; ability to communicate effectively at all organizational levels and with remote staff.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English; French language skills are desirable, as is proficiency in another language.
• Prior work experience in nonprofit/NGO financial operations is desirable.
• Valid US work authorization; no future sponsorship required.

Salary and Benefits

• Competitive compensation with a salary range of USD 80,000 – USD 88,000.
• Employer‑paid benefits package.