The Justice Climate Fund (JCF) is a purpose-built, non-profit corporation created to lead a national coalition to deliver on its successful application for the Clean Communities Investment Accelerator program (CCIA), a program of the EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF).
The Justice Climate Fund will maximize its $940 million award to achieve the GGRF’s goals of rapidly reducing greenhouse gas emissions, transforming low-income and disadvantaged communities through increased benefits (environmental, energy, climate, health, and economic), and attracting matching private capital for investment into qualified projects. The CCIA program specifically awarded funds for JCF to:
- Develop and administer training to build green financing capacity for CDFIs.
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Provide other technical assistance services to assist in building demand for qualified green lending projects.
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Grants to qualified community lenders to a) enable the design, development, and launch of new green financing programs and b) capitalize these qualified community lenders to build demonstration portfolios and attract additional private capital.
While JCF is a new organization, it is supported by and draws from the experience of its founding members, who represent a broad cross-section of environmental justice, community development finance, impact investing, and other organizations. JCF’s coalition includes over a dozen technical assistance partners who will not only help deliver technical assistance services to community lenders but also help reach community lenders that are best positioned to serve low-income and disadvantaged communities across the country and already serve 84% of Justice40 communities.
JCF is a selectee of the CCIA Program, part of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF), to affordably finance clean energy projects that promise to deliver healthier air, greener transportation, cleaner water, and better-paying jobs to communities across the country. With its award, JCF will stand up a Community-Based Green Lender Certification Program to ensure that community lenders – especially U.S. Treasury-certified Community Development Financial Institution Banks (CDFI Banks), Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs) small and large CDFI loan funds directly serving communities that the program targets receive funding.
To move JCF to its next level of success, JCF seeks a full-time Controller with extensive experience in technical accounting within the nonprofit and government sectors. Reporting to the CFO, the Controller is responsible for leading JCF's accounting operations, including the quarterly close process, annual financial reports, annual audit process, treasury and tax operations, ongoing maintenance of an adequate system of accounting records, and a comprehensive set of controls to mitigate risk. This is a key role in helping develop new internal processes and systems, coaching and mentoring support staff, and having meaningful partnerships with senior leadership.
Financial Accounting
- Oversee and assist with all general accounting functions, including the general ledger and select balance sheet account reconciliations, financial close processes, cost accounting, and accounting operations, ensuring accurate and efficient transaction processing and compliance with GAAP, CAS, FAR, and JCF’s policies
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Oversee the operations of the accounting department, including optimizing controls and processes to achieve the department's objectives
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Develop recommendations to automate processes or other opportunities to improve the effectiveness of the department and inspire adoption throughout the organization
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Monitor grant compliance and reporting deadlines
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Design, implement, and maintain effective internal controls
Budgeting & Audit
- Prepare quarterly budgets, forecasts, and management reports.
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Provide oversight and stewardship of spending versus budget/forecasts to senior leaders and the EPA
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Oversee year-end audit activities, prepare audit schedules and provide audit support to external auditors
Stakeholder Engagement
- Manage external finance relationships, including banking partners, outsourced financial support organizations, coalition finance teams, investment partners, and other vendors
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Work with key internal stakeholders to ensure timely reporting and explain core KPIs
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting and/or finance, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
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15+ years of progressive and relevant accounting and supervisory experience
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Must be deeply aligned with JCF’s mission, demonstrating a genuine passion for environmental justice and community lending
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Government contracting or grant accounting experience
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Strong knowledge of GAAP, CAS, and FAR
- Familiarity with Department of Energy (DOE), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), or other Federal agencies
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Strong financial analytical skills and extensive knowledge of nonprofit financial accounting and reporting requirements
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Experience with budgeting, forecasting, monitoring KPIs
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Experience in affordable housing, lending, or climate mitigation strongly preferred
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Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills
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Ability to think strategically and adapt to changing business environments
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Entrepreneurial mindset and passion for building and growing businesses
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CPA required
- Competitive salary
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Comprehensive health benefits package (commencing July 2024)
- Flexible work arrangements
- Professional development funds and opportunities
- Collaborative and inclusive organizational culture
Justice Climate Fund (JCF) is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and as an organization committed to diversity, we consider applicants equally without regard to age, race, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, marital status, national origin, on the basis of genetic information, political affiliation, pregnancy, or veteran status.