Director, Accounting

The National Endowment for Democracy (NED) is a 501(c)3, bipartisan organization that serves as America’s leading foundation for freedom, providing support for democratic activists, civil society organizations, and independent media throughout the world, as well as the NED core institutes: the National Democratic Institute (NDI), the International Republican Institute (IRI), the Solidarity Center, and the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE). Through nearly $300 million in grants annually to 1,800 partners in over 100 countries, NED is at the heart of supporting a global infrastructure for democracy.

We’re seeking a Director, Accounting to lead NED’s institutional strategy and integrated approach to grantmaking initiatives in this fast-evolving field, and help the NED family innovate in this complex fast-changing sphere.

Position Summary:

The Director of Accounting is a leadership role within the NED finance team, with oversight of all accounting and related reporting activities within a current organizational G&A budget of $58M+. Oversight includes supervision, guidance and development of staff who have functional responsibility over General Accounting, Accounts Payable and Procurement.

The Director of Accounting ensures that proper systems, procedures, and internal controls are consistently in place to support effective financial and accounting operations, maintain compliance with GAAP and federal requirements to achieve successful audits and efficient processes. The Director of Accounting provides leadership in maintaining strong internal communications with staff at all levels throughout the organization, promoting a positive and supportive work environment.

Responsibilities:

Financial Accounting & Compliance

Ensures the organization’s compliance with GAAP, federal regulatory, and other donor requirements, as well as NED’s own policies and procedures.
Supported by the team, provides review and control services within the accounting group for vendor, and employee disbursements.

Financial Reporting, Audit & Tax

Responsible for the timely preparation of monthly financial statements and year-end closing.
Responsible for oversight of account reconciliations, 1099s and 1042s
Reviews and/or prepares required schedules and analysis for annual audit and adhoc financial verification audits; acts as a main point of contact with external auditors.
Provides schedules for the annual IRS Form 990 tax information return and completes other tax/regulatory forms.

Team leadership, Training and development

Mentors and directs the daily work of a diverse team; ensures that all work is processed efficiently during peak workload periods by establishing individual and team priorities.
Manages training for NED staff on finance, travel and accounting policies and procedures

Supervisory and Administrative:

The level of responsibility and independence in assigned tasks will increase with experience. This role is both supervisory and hands on.

Other Responsibilities

Engages in special projects, system upgrades, system integrations and/or fulfills other duties as may be assigned by the CFO.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting; CPA preferred.
11+ years of progressive experience in GAAP accounting and/or auditing, with 3+ years of experience in a managerial role supervising multiple staff.
5+ years of experience in mission-driven, mid to large sized nonprofit organizations (Revenue over $50 Million) subject to federal grants rules and regulations compliance, including demonstrated working knowledge and practical application of OMB cost principles, audit, and administrative requirements.
Prior experience in large ERP systems. Microsoft Serenic Navigator preferred experience a plus.
Intermediate to advanced level working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and other Office products.
Demonstrated knowledge of nonprofit accounting principles and practices, accounting report generation and utilization, and financial analysis.
Experience in effectively communicating key data, including staff trainings and presentations to senior management.
Technology savvy with advanced knowledge of accounting and reporting software, and experience tailoring workflows and processes to meet the specific needs of the organization.
Fluency in spoken and written English; knowledge or fluency in additional languages is a plus.
Paramount professional integrity, honesty, initiative, confidentiality and dependability.
Commitment and ability to excel in a fast-paced environment; works effectively under time pressure and meets deadlines.
Highly professional demeanor, with strong interpersonal and customer service skills to effectively interact with all levels of staff.
Effective trainer for finance and non-finance personnel.
Employs team-building, mentoring approach to supervision and working style.
Ability to quickly learn new systems, processes and procedures.
Flexibility in approach to work processes and tasks.
Authorized to work in the U.S.

To Apply:

Apply Online. Applications must include a cover letter, resume, desired salary, and contact information for three professional references, of which one should be a supervisor. Please, no phone call inquiries.

Located in Washington, D.C., the salary range for this role is $ 103,000 -164,250 USD, plus benefits. The final offer for a successful candidate will be determined by a combination of factors, including, but not limited to, skill set, level of experience, education, and market considerations.

At NED, we recognize that our most important asset is our people. We value the diversity of skills and perspectives our team brings to our work. We believe an inclusive and supportive work environment fosters a culture of respect and appreciation for all individuals. NED is committed to creating a workplace that allows everyone to be their authentic selves and make meaningful contributions to our organization, our grantees, and our world.

NED strives to create a work experience that supports the well-being and healthy work-life balance of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package offers health insurance (includes no copay for mental health services), a generous retirement savings plan, paid parental, vacation, and sick leave, a hybrid workplace model, flexible work schedules, and wellness initiatives to ensure a positive work-life balance.

NED is dedicated to creating an environment of respect and collaboration where everyone is encouraged to participate and take ownership of their work. We offer flexible work schedules and, for most positions, the opportunity for weekly telework days. This hybrid approach allows our employees to balance their work and personal lives while still participating in the collaborative process at the heart of our mission.

The NED is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristics covered by applicable law. The NED is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation for all qualified individuals and bases all employment decisions on qualifications, merit, and business need. The NED believes that diversity and inclusion among our team members are critical to our success as an organization operating globally and seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool.

For more information, please visit our website at www.ned.org or careers@ned.org.