As a key member of the Finance team, the Senior Accountant will be responsible for developing and maintaining accounting records and processes and enhancing financial reporting practices and procedures to ensure accurate and timely financial reporting in compliance with US GAAP.  This position manages a variety of accounting activities including general ledger preparation and reconciliation, financial reporting, year-end audit preparation and provides support for the annual budget/planning process.  The Senior Accountant will report to the Director of Accounting and Administration.

Outcomes

The Senior Accountant will be responsible for achieving the following outcomes within the first year:

• Accounting processes (such as invoice approval and travel expense reporting) are maximized for efficiency and accuracy for both staff users and the accounting department. Internal controls have been evaluated across the organization and all deficiencies have been addressed.
• Within 3 months, all new and/or discrete programs or initiatives have the proper accounting infrastructure and processes in place to support the activities.   
• Within 30 days of accounting software launch, 100% of staff users are trained on new accounting software.
• Audit process is efficient and no material adjustments to the financial statements are required.
• Form 990 and related documentation is filed accurately and adequately reflects the activities of the Foundation.
• Construction accounting is maintained separately and recorded accurately.  
• Construction in progress and fixed assets are supported and properly reported.  
• Accounts are reconciled monthly by the 10th business day.
• Within six months, the structure of the financial statements reflect best practices for exempt organizations and helps ensure donors, stakeholders and third party evaluators (e.g., Charity Navigator) maintain a positive view of the Foundation’s financial statements.

Responsibilities

The ultimate aim of the Senior Accountant is to achieve the outcomes listed above. In order to achieve those outcomes, we imagine that the Senior Accountant will spend their time in the following ways:

• Assists with the preparation of monthly, quarterly and year-end financial statements ensuring transactions are accurately recorded and financial statements are in compliance with GAAP
• Supervises the accounting coordinator
• Oversees account reconciliations and ensures discrepancies are investigated and resolved in a timely manner
• Works closely with the Development team to record incoming pledges and donations, ensuring they are properly reflected in the financial statements   
• Works closely with the Development and Program departments on grant management and reporting tasks
• Participates in the software evaluation and implementation of a new accounting system, payroll software, expense reporting software and corporate card platform  
• Responds to inquiries from the senior staff regarding accounting and financial reporting issues
• Provides accounting guidance to the organization by researching and interpreting accounting policy
• Executes the proper accounting treatment for new initiatives and programs  
• Participates in the annual budgeting and planning process
• Evaluates business processes and accounting policies to maintain and strengthen internal controls
• Works closely with the Construction team to accurately record construction-related transactions
• Provides training and mentoring to staff accountants
• Supports the payroll function
• Performs all other job duties as assigned by the finance leadership team  

Qualifications

• Strong working knowledge of US GAAP, internal controls and financial reporting, required; must have excellent math skills and attention to details
• Exceptional communication skills, written and verbal
• Track record of communicating effectively with financial and non-financial (e.g., department heads) audiences
• Ability to work collaboratively with all departments and levels of the organization
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities without compromising quality
• Uses time, energy and resources in an effective and efficient way to consistently meet deadlines and achieve established goals
• Committed to our mission of inspiring, empowering, and connecting people to change their world
• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or Finance; CPA is a definite plus
• Minimum of five (5) years’ experience in accounting at large not-for-profit organizations; public accounting experience is a definite plus

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Foundation is committed to creating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. The Foundation does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, parental status, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable laws. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply. If you are a qualified candidate with a disability, please email us at careers@obama.org if you require a reasonable accommodation to complete this application.