Now Hiring: Director of Accounting and Finance

Job Title: Director of Accounting and Finance
Reports To: Chief Financial Officer
Location: Washington, DC Metropolitan Area

ABOUT THE JOINT CENTER

The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies (Joint Center), America’s Black think tank, provides compelling and actionable policy solutions to eradicate persistent and evolving barriers to the full freedom of Black people in America. For more than 50 years, the Joint Center has been the trusted forum for leading experts and scholars to participate in major public policy debates and promote ideas that advance Black communities. The Joint Center uses evidence-based research, analysis, convenings, and strategic communications to support Black communities and a network of allies.

Founded in 1970 to support newly elected Black officials who were moving from civil rights activism into governance, the Joint Center quickly evolved into America’s Black think tank. Currently, the Joint Center focuses on the future of work in Black communities, the impact of economic policies on Black communities, technology policy and Black communities, congressional staff diversity, and Black presidential appointments.

For more information about the Joint Center, please visit jointcenter.org.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Accounting and Finance: 

• Manage all accounting operations, including accounts payable and receivable, payroll, general ledger, and financial reporting. 

• Ensure accurate and timely recording of all financial transactions in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and relevant non-profit accounting standards. 

• Oversee the closing process and prepare financial statements, including balance sheets, income, and cash flow statements. 

• Manage and maintain internal controls to safeguard the organization’s assets and ensure data integrity. 

• Reconcile bank statements and other financial accounts monthly. 

• Prepare and submit all required tax filings on a timely basis. 

• Build the association’s annual budget in partnership with senior management, track performance, and provide timely financial projections to make informed decisions. 

• Conduct variance analysis and recommend corrective actions as needed. 

• Develop and implement accounting policies and procedures. 

• Oversee accounts payable processing, ensuring timely and accurate payments to vendors. 

• Manage payroll processing, including calculating salaries, deductions, and taxes, and ensuring timely and accurate employee payment. 

• Manage external auditors during the audit process. 

• Manage bookkeeper and consulting accounting support. 

Audit and Finance Committee Support: 

• Prepare financial reports and presentations for the Finance Committee and Board of Directors, including monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, budget reports, and variance analyses. 

• Attend and participate in Finance Committee and Board meetings, providing financial updates and answering questions. 

• Assist the Finance Committee and Board in understanding complex financial information and making informed financial decisions. 

• Develop and maintain financial policies in collaboration with the Finance Committee and Board.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in finance from an accredited college or university; CPA strongly preferred. Or ten years of accounting and finance work experience. 

• Minimum five years of finance and accounting experience. Minimum of eight years in nonprofit accounting. 

• Minimum three years of supervisory experience preferred. 

• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential information securely and make difficult decisions when necessary. 

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. 

• An effective communicator, externally and internally, within all levels of the organization. Strong oral and written skills and a willingness to share information. 

• A hands-on collaborator with integrity and a desire to work in a dynamic environment. 

• Strong analytical skills and experience interpreting a strategic vision into an operational model. 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Commensurate with experience, the salary for this position is $110,000-$130,000. Benefits include 100% employer-sponsored healthcare, dental, and vision; retirement contributions; and generous paid time off.

The Joint Center is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant based on age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status.

TO APPLY

Please submit a resume and cover letter to recruiting@jointcenter.org. Please ensure the subject line includes the title of the position and your full name.