Internal Comptroller

About Ecology Project International (EPI)

EPI is an international non-profit organization dedicated to addressing critical conservation issues through field-based partnerships between local experts and high school students. Across programs in the United States and Latin America, participants engage in hands-on science and conservation to protect threatened species and habitats while developing as the next generation of environmental leaders. Learn more at: www.ecologyproject.org

Position Summary
EPI is seeking a highly independent finance professional to lead the execution of its accounting operations, financial controls, and grant compliance across U.S. and international programs. This role is responsible for ensuring financial accuracy, regulatory compliance, and audit readiness while strengthening systems and processes as organizational needs evolve. As the organization’s primary hands-on finance lead, the Internal Comptroller translates financial strategy into reliable day-to-day operations. This is a high-autonomy role in a lean, mission-driven organization, offering the opportunity to take full ownership of financial operations and contribute to strengthening EPI’s financial systems over time.

Key Responsibilities

Accounting Operations

Lead full-cycle accounting, including month-end close, financial statements, and reconciliations 

Manage accounts payable/receivable and maintain the chart of accounts

Internal Controls & Compliance

Maintain and strengthen internal controls and financial processes 

Ensure compliance with GAAP, federal grant regulations (e.g., 2 CFR §200), and nonprofit standards 

Conduct internal reviews and identify areas for financial and operational improvement

Grant Financial Management

Track grant budgets and expenditures, ensuring compliance with donor requirements 

Prepare financial reports for funders and support program teams on restricted funding

Audit & Financial Advisory

Lead audit preparation and serve as primary liaison with external auditors 

Provide financial analysis and recommendations to leadership

Additional Duties

Participate in a shared emergency response system as needed

Other tasks as assigned by supervisor

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field, or equivalent experience

3+ years of progressive accounting experience, including full-cycle accounting and internal controls

Demonstrated ability to independently manage accounting operations with minimal oversight

Experience with GAAP and financial reporting

Strong proficiency in Excel and accounting software

Professional working proficiency in English (at least CEFR B2)

Ability to work effectively in a multicultural, distributed environment 

Commitment to EPI’s mission and values

Preferred Qualifications 

CPA or equivalent professional certification

Experience with grant compliance and reporting (e.g., 2 CFR §200 / Uniform Guidance)

Experience supporting audits and working with external auditors

Experience in nonprofit and/or multi-entity or international operations

Spanish–English bilingual

Key Competencies

Ability to identify risks and improve financial systems and controls 

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills 

Clear and effective communication with non-finance staff and leadership 

High attention to detail in complex, multi-program environments 

Self-directed and able to manage competing priorities independently

Reporting & Structure

Reports to: Finance and Administration Global Manager 

Provides functional oversight and guidance to staff with bookkeeping and accounting responsibilities, including coordination with shared services support 

Location & Schedule

Location: Must be able to work from one of EPI’s offices in: 

Missoula, Montana (USA) 

La Paz, Baja California Sur (Mexico) 

San José / Heredia (Costa Rica) 

Schedule: Full-time (40 hours/week), typically Monday–Friday 

Work arrangement: 

Year 1: primarily in-office with limited remote flexibility 

After Year 1: up to 80% remote, based on mutual agreement

Compensation

Local market-based starting salary according to working location and DOE: 

US - $71,870 annually ($5,989/Month Gross Salary)

MX - $638,080 MXN annually ($53,173 MXN/Mes Sueldo Bruto)

CR - $40,406 USD annually ($3,367 USD/Mes Sueldo Bruto) 

EPI offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

Employer-paid health insurance (employee coverage) 

Matching Retirement contributions of up to 3% (where applicable) 

Generous paid time off, holidays, and leave benefits 

Professional development support 

Flexible work arrangements over time 

While our salaries are positioned below some private-sector roles, EPI is committed to transparent pay structures, strong benefits, and consistent year-over-year salary growth as we work toward market alignment.

Application

We ask that all application materials be submitted in English to ensure full consideration. Please note that EPI is not able to provide visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States, Mexico, or Costa Rica at the time of application.

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.