Accounting Associate
Protect Democracy
Job description
Protect Democracy is seeking an Accounting Associate to join our small, collaborative, and committed Finance team and help scale and strengthen the financial operations of a growing nonprofit. The ideal candidate for this role is passionate about our mission, oriented towards solutions, and adaptable amidst uncertainty.
Protect Democracy was formed in late 2016 with an urgent and explicit mission: to prevent our democracy from declining into a more authoritarian form of government. Our mission is non-partisan and it is our north star. Since 2016, we have since assembled a team of 130+ experts who have served under Democrats and Republicans, and in the senior ranks of other nonprofit, political, or media organizations.
Joining our organization as the Accounting Associate is an excellent opportunity to make a positive impact on our democracy, playing a critical role in ensuring Protect Democracy’s financial excellence and adherence to US GAAP. As an Accounting Associate, you will perform various monthly accounting close processes, prepare accounting reconciliations and journal entries, and review and process employee reimbursements and third-party vendor payments.
The priority application deadline for the Accounting Associate role is February 15th, 2026; we will review applications received after that date on a rolling basis. This is a remote position based in the United States.* Final candidates will be required to satisfactorily complete a pre-offer background check.
At Protect Democracy, we believe that diversity isn’t just a strength—it’s a necessity for tackling the complex challenges facing our country today. A broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, and lived experiences strengthen our ability to analyze problems, craft solutions, and drive meaningful change. We strongly encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds and from across the political and ideological spectrum to apply.
The Accounting Associate will:
Perform monthly accounting close work, including cash and other balance sheet reconciliations, and prepare related journal entries;
Ensure third-party vendors, partners, and employee reimbursements are paid accurately and on time;
Help maintain the Organization’s compliance with US GAAP and applicable 501c rules and requirements across three separate entities;
Contribute to the preparation of the Organization’s annual financial audits;
Collaborate with the Finance team and other teams across the organization to provide financial reporting and accounting guidance;
Support financial process and system improvements for more robust reporting and synergy across Org-side teams.
Job requirements
The ideal candidate brings:
A bachelor’s degree or equivalent and 2+ years of professional experience in accounting;
Rigorous attention to detail and the highest standards for excellence in execution.
Facility with Microsoft Excel and Google Suite;
Strong writing, research, communication, and diplomatic skills;
Flexibility and comfort working in a fast-paced environment and pivoting to solutions as the organization grows;
Ability to work independently and manage tasks across multiple priorities, while collaborating closely with a small, distributed team;
The ability to foster collaborative relationships and work in a team environment with people with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives;
Growth mindset and enthusiasm for giving and receiving feedback up, down and sideways;
Commitment to and passion for protecting and improving our democracy.
Pluses, but not requirements:
Experience with non-profit accounting;
Knowledge of Sage Intacct.
Compensation
The starting salary range for this role is $72,300 - $81,000, commensurate with the candidate’s relevant experience, capabilities and skills and in alignment with internal equity.
About Protect Democracy
*Flexible location. We are a remote-first organization based exclusively in the United States, meaning our staff work within the US and primarily virtually. We also offer shared workspaces for those who enjoy working in an office environment. We are established for remote work in many states across the country, and while candidates based anywhere in the United States are welcome to apply, we may not be able to offer employment in your current location. If you proceed in the hiring process, we will discuss where you currently live and what is possible in our initial interview. All staff are also required to travel at least two times per year to team retreats, and this role also requires periodic travel. (Accommodations to this requirement will be made only in exceptional circumstances.)
Commitment to an inclusive workplace. Protect Democracy is an equal opportunity employer. We believe that a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, and lived experiences strengthens our ability to analyze problems, craft solutions, and drive meaningful change. Protect Democracy encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.
Phenomenal benefits. Our benefits package includes generous sick leave and a flexible vacation policy where we encourage team members to take 4-5 weeks every year, along with 12 paid holidays, 6 weeks of paid family medical leave, and 18 weeks of paid parental leave. We also offer a 401(k) plan with up to 6% employer match that vests immediately. Additionally, we cover employee medical premiums at 100% (with up to 95% coverage for dependents depending on plan selection), and employee and dependent’s dental/vision at 100%. All employees have access to long-term disability and life insurance, fertility benefits, a home office stipend, and bonuses at the discretion of the Executive Director.
Ample opportunities for personal & professional development. Candidates who do not meet all listed criteria should still apply, as our organizational structure focuses on providing mentorship and opportunities for professional growth.
The priority deadline to apply for this role is February 15th, 2026. To apply for this position, please complete the application linked below. You will be asked to upload your resume as a PDF and answer some screening questions. Cover letters are optional. Applications missing any of the required materials will be considered incomplete and not reviewed. Interviews will begin at or around the application deadline.
Important Notes
Contact hiring@protectdemocracy.org if you require specific accommodations at any point in the hiring process.
Keep an eye on your promotions/spam folders to avoid missed communication.
We are unable to provide status updates for each application we receive. If you reach out and do not hear back, please know it is not for lack of appreciation or interest, but simply for lack of staff capacity to respond to individual inquiries.
The application will include a voluntary EEO survey so that we can monitor the applicant pool as a whole for representation and equal employment opportunities, and to evaluate our progress as an organization toward a diverse and inclusive workforce, which we believe is a pillar of a thriving democracy. The categories used by the EEO survey are limited and may not reflect your lived experience; please feel free to opt out of any of the questions. Your responses to this survey are entirely separate from your application materials, are not accessible to those responsible for hiring decisions, and will not affect your candidacy in any way.
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