Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
Human Rights Watch (HRW) is an international human rights monitoring and advocacy organization that has been operational for several decades. The organization is known for its rigorous investigations, incisive reporting, and high-profile advocacy campaigns aimed at influencing human rights policies and practices globally. HRW operates in multiple countries, with 27 entities and branches outside of the United States, showcasing its extensive international presence. The organization is committed to promoting human rights and ensuring accountability for violations, and it employs a diverse workforce dedicated to these principles.
Job Overview:
The Officer, Accounting position at Human Rights Watch is a full-time role within the Finance Division, primarily focused on supporting the Global Accounting team and local Operations Administrators. The successful candidate will be responsible for facilitating bank reconciliation processes, preparing monthly bank reconciliations, and ensuring compliance with GAAP and IFRS guidelines for both US and international entities. This role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including Finance & Operations Directors and the Revenue Manager, to maintain the fiscal integrity of the organization. The position is based in one of HRW's US offices, preferably in New York or Washington DC, and may require in-office work as needed. The role is critical in ensuring timely completion of reconciliations and supporting the overall financial management strategy of HRW.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The Officer, Accounting will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including but not limited to: preparing 80 monthly bank reconciliations and adjustments for individual bank accounts; partnering with Operations Administrators to resolve outstanding reconciliation issues; preparing and posting journal entries related to bank activity; providing training on bank pre-reconciliations; ensuring timely completion of reconciliations in line with close deadlines; conducting balance sheet and income statement GL account analysis; maintaining and updating the Global Fixed Assets register; liaising with IT to track capital work in progress; preparing depreciation schedules for local audits; calculating and posting monthly depreciation; acting as the main contact with auditors regarding fixed assets; managing data archiving in systems like Salesforce and SharePoint; supporting quarter and year-end close processes; assisting with accounts payable; and performing other administrative duties as required.
Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree or equivalent working experience in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field. A minimum of three years of experience in accounting or non-profit finance is required. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in general accounting functions, including journal entries, bank reconciliations, and account analysis. Familiarity with general ledger systems, policies, and internal controls is essential. Experience in a complex organizational structure across multiple global locations is highly desirable. Proficiency in computer-based accounting systems and Excel is mandatory, with prior experience in not-for-profit software such as NetSuite being a plus. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and creative skills are required, along with excellent time-management abilities and attention to detail.
Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field. Equivalent work experience may also be considered in lieu of a formal degree. Candidates should demonstrate a solid understanding of accounting principles and practices, as well as the ability to apply this knowledge in a practical setting.
Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of relevant experience in accounting or finance, particularly within a non-profit context. Candidates should have experience with general accounting practices, including journal entries, bank reconciliations, and financial reporting. Experience in managing financial operations within a complex organizational structure is highly desirable, as is familiarity with international accounting standards and practices.
Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with excellent oral and written communication skills required for effective interaction at all levels of the organization and with remote staff. While not mandatory, proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly in enhancing communication with diverse stakeholders.
Additional Notes:
This is a full-time position with a salary range of USD 66,000 - USD 68,000, along with competitive employer-paid benefits. Candidates must possess valid US work authorization and should not require future sponsorship. The application deadline is June 19th, 2026, and interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible by submitting their cover letter and CV through the HRW online job portal. Human Rights Watch is committed to diversity and encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) is an international human rights monitoring and advocacy organization that has been operational for several decades. The organization is known for its rigorous investigations, incisive reporting, and high-profile advocacy campaigns aimed at influencing human rights policies and practices globally. HRW operates in multiple countries, with 27 entities and branches outside of the United States, showcasing its extensive international presence. The organization is committed to promoting human rights and ensuring accountability for violations, and it employs a diverse workforce dedicated to these principles.
Job Overview:
The Officer, Accounting position at Human Rights Watch is a full-time role within the Finance Division, primarily focused on supporting the Global Accounting team and local Operations Administrators. The successful candidate will be responsible for facilitating bank reconciliation processes, preparing monthly bank reconciliations, and ensuring compliance with GAAP and IFRS guidelines for both US and international entities. This role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including Finance & Operations Directors and the Revenue Manager, to maintain the fiscal integrity of the organization. The position is based in one of HRW's US offices, preferably in New York or Washington DC, and may require in-office work as needed. The role is critical in ensuring timely completion of reconciliations and supporting the overall financial management strategy of HRW.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The Officer, Accounting will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including but not limited to: preparing 80 monthly bank reconciliations and adjustments for individual bank accounts; partnering with Operations Administrators to resolve outstanding reconciliation issues; preparing and posting journal entries related to bank activity; providing training on bank pre-reconciliations; ensuring timely completion of reconciliations in line with close deadlines; conducting balance sheet and income statement GL account analysis; maintaining and updating the Global Fixed Assets register; liaising with IT to track capital work in progress; preparing depreciation schedules for local audits; calculating and posting monthly depreciation; acting as the main contact with auditors regarding fixed assets; managing data archiving in systems like Salesforce and SharePoint; supporting quarter and year-end close processes; assisting with accounts payable; and performing other administrative duties as required.
Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree or equivalent working experience in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field. A minimum of three years of experience in accounting or non-profit finance is required. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in general accounting functions, including journal entries, bank reconciliations, and account analysis. Familiarity with general ledger systems, policies, and internal controls is essential. Experience in a complex organizational structure across multiple global locations is highly desirable. Proficiency in computer-based accounting systems and Excel is mandatory, with prior experience in not-for-profit software such as NetSuite being a plus. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and creative skills are required, along with excellent time-management abilities and attention to detail.
Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field. Equivalent work experience may also be considered in lieu of a formal degree. Candidates should demonstrate a solid understanding of accounting principles and practices, as well as the ability to apply this knowledge in a practical setting.
Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of relevant experience in accounting or finance, particularly within a non-profit context. Candidates should have experience with general accounting practices, including journal entries, bank reconciliations, and financial reporting. Experience in managing financial operations within a complex organizational structure is highly desirable, as is familiarity with international accounting standards and practices.
Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with excellent oral and written communication skills required for effective interaction at all levels of the organization and with remote staff. While not mandatory, proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly in enhancing communication with diverse stakeholders.
Additional Notes:
This is a full-time position with a salary range of USD 66,000 - USD 68,000, along with competitive employer-paid benefits. Candidates must possess valid US work authorization and should not require future sponsorship. The application deadline is June 19th, 2026, and interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible by submitting their cover letter and CV through the HRW online job portal. Human Rights Watch is committed to diversity and encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply.
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We are not liable for any decisions or actions taken by applicants in response to this job listing. By applying, you agree that all application processes, interviews, and potential job offers are managed exclusively by the listed employer or organization.
Beware of fraudulent job offers. Do not provide sensitive personal information or make any payments to secure a job.