Director, Accounting (Controller Department)

Overview

The organization is seeking an experienced, collaborative, and proactive Accounting Director to join the leadership team within the Accounting department.

Reporting to the Senior Director, Accounting, this role oversees accounting operations, including the financial close, billing and revenue accounting, accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll accounting, financial reporting, and audit activities. The Accounting Director will ensure accurate and timely financial reporting, strong internal controls, and compliance with GAAP and applicable federal award requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead full-cycle accounting operations, including the general ledger, monthly and year-end close, reconciliations, accruals, allocations, and supporting documentation.
• Review significant and nonroutine transactions, estimates, and account analyses for GAAP compliance, appropriate documentation, and audit readiness.
• Direct billing and revenue accounting for government contracts and grants, foundations, and other funders; oversee invoice accuracy, timely billing, and resolution of billing issues.
• Review revenue recognition analyses under ASC 606 and ASC 958, including ASU 2019-08; lead and document analysis of complex or judgmental accounting matters.
• Oversee accounts receivable, cash application, aging, and collections; ensure appropriate reconciliation among funding agreements, projects, and the general ledger.
• Oversee accounts payable, payroll accounting, and information reporting, including Forms 1099, while maintaining effective internal controls and segregation of duties.
• Serve as the first comprehensive reviewer of financial statements, disclosures, account analyses, and other financial reporting.
• Lead accounting support for the annual financial statement audit, Single Audit, and funder or regulatory audits, including preparation and review of the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA).
• Support accounting and compliance for federal awards, including Uniform Guidance requirements, indirect cost recovery, and Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) matters.
• Serve as the first reviewer of Form 990 workpapers, including reconciliation to the general ledger and consistency of financial disclosures.
• Lead, coach, and develop accounting staff; establish clear ownership and accountability.
• Partner with Finance, Grants & Contracts, Human Resources, Technology & Data Science, and program teams to strengthen processes and data quality.
• Identify and implement opportunities to improve accounting, billing, ERP, payroll, and reporting processes, including responsible use of Microsoft Copilot and other approved automation tools to reduce manual work and improve efficiency.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field.
• At least 12 years of progressive accounting experience, including at least 5 years of accounting leadership experience managing and developing accounting professionals.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, including experience with financial close, general ledger accounting, financial reporting, and internal controls.
• Significant experience supporting annual financial statement audits and working effectively with external auditors; Single Audits experience is required.
• Strong knowledge of revenue recognition under ASC 606 and ASC 958, with experience evaluating and documenting complex or judgmental accounting matters.
• Significant nonprofit accounting experience and strong knowledge of federal award requirements, including Uniform Guidance, SEFA, indirect cost recovery, and experience working with NICRAs.
• Strong analytical skills, sound judgment, attention to detail, and ability to identify issues, recommend practical solutions, and clearly communicate accounting conclusions.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, including ability to develop staff and collaborate across Finance, Grants & Contracts, Human Resources, Technology & Data Science, program teams, and senior management.
• Proficiency with ERP/accounting systems and Microsoft Excel.
• Ability to use Microsoft Copilot and other approved technology and automation tools to improve accounting processes, analysis, and efficiency.
• Ability to organize and prioritize multiple responsibilities in a deadline-driven environment while maintaining accuracy, accountability, and appropriate documentation.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA or other relevant professional certification.

Compensation & Benefits

• Target salary range: $116,302 - mid $161,600 - $207,050.
• Salary offered is commensurate with experience and considers internal comparisons.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including:
  • Paid time off, including nine federal holidays and other leave benefits
  • Medical (including prescription), dental, and vision insurance
  • Transit benefits
  • 403(b) retirement plan participation immediately after hire
  • Generous employer contribution after six months of service and 500 hours, with immediate vesting
  • Health advocate, personal finance consulting, Employee Assistance Program, wellbeing program, credit union, and educational assistance for undergraduate and graduate degree programs

Location

• Opportunity for full remote work.