Director, Finance & Accounting

Job Description

Job Description

The Director, Accounting & Finance (Controller) leads NABA’s accounting operations and is responsible for the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of the organization’s financial records and reporting. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, this hands-on leader oversees the general ledger, month-end and year-end close, internal controls, audit coordination, tax compliance, and nonprofit and fund accounting.

The Director leads and develops the accounting team, strengthens financial processes, and ensures compliance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), donor restrictions, grant requirements, and organizational policies. The role also supports the CFO with budgeting, forecasting, cash-flow planning, and financial analysis.

Essential Functions

General Accountabilities:

Accounting Operations and Financial Reporting — 40%

• Lead accounting operations, including the general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, day-to-day cash management, and month-end and year-end close.
• Ensure the accuracy, integrity, and timely delivery of financial statements, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules.
• Maintain the chart of accounts and ensure transactions are properly recorded, classified, supported, and reported in accordance with GAAP, nonprofit accounting requirements, and organizational policies.
• Oversee accounting for contributions, restricted funds, grants, chapters, and other designated funds.

Internal Controls, Compliance, Audit and Tax — 20%

• Establish, maintain, and continuously improve internal controls, accounting policies, and financial procedures to safeguard organizational assets.
• Ensure adherence to donor restrictions, grant requirements, applicable laws and regulations, and financial record-retention requirements.
• Lead the annual financial statement audit process and coordinate requests from external auditors.

• Oversee the preparation of IRS Form 990 and other tax and regulatory filings and communicate material risks and recommended corrective actions to the CFO.

Team Leadership and Cross-Functional Partnership — 20%

• Lead, coach, and develop accounting staff, establishing clear expectations and promoting accountability, accuracy, and continuous improvement.
• Evaluate team responsibilities, capacity, and workflows to ensure the effective and timely delivery of accounting services.
• Partner with departments and chapters to strengthen financial policies and improve the quality and timeliness of financial information.
• Provide guidance and training on accounting procedures, internal controls, grant requirements, and related policies.

Financial Analysis and Process Improvement — 20%

• Support the CFO in coordinating annual budgeting, periodic forecasting, cash-flow planning, and related financial analysis.
• Prepare budget-to-actual reports, variance analyses, and other financial information, identifying material trends, risks, and issues for the CFO.
• Define finance-related business requirements and partner with Technology and Business Systems staff on improvements affecting accounting workflows, controls, and reporting.
• Identify opportunities to improve the efficiency, accuracy, documentation, and scalability of financial processes.

REQUIRED JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Experience Requirement(s):

• At least 10 years of progressively responsible accounting and financial management experience, including at least five years in a leadership role.
• Demonstrated Controller-level experience overseeing accounting operations, financial reporting, internal controls, external audits, and regulatory compliance.
• Significant experience with nonprofit and fund accounting, restricted contributions, grants, month-end and year-end close, endowments and GAAP financial reporting.
• Demonstrated experience supporting budgeting and forecasting, improving financial processes, and leading and developing accounting professionals.
• Experience partnering effectively with organizational leaders, departments, and other cross-functional stakeholders.
• A passion for working with people, an unshakable belief in their potential, and a strong commitment to NABA’s mission.

Education and Credentials:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required.
• One of the following is required:
• Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field; or
• CPA or CMA designation.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work for prolonged periods at a computer.
• Ability to communicate and exchange information effectively in a remote work environment.
• Ability to occasionally move files, equipment, or materials weighing up to 25 pounds, if genuinely required.
• Ability to travel domestically approximately 10–20%, including occasional travel outside the employee’s home region.

DIVERSITY STATEMENT:

As an equal opportunity employer, NABA is committed to a diverse, multicultural work environment. NABA does not discriminate in employment based on age, race, creed, gender, religion, marital status, veteran’s status, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, and other protected status as required by applicable law.

ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND:

NABA’s mission is to address the professional needs of its members and to build leaders who shape the future of business with an unwavering commitment to inspire the same in their successors.

NABA’s vision is for unlimited opportunities and growth for leaders across all related business professions.

BENEFITS:

This position offers a competitive compensation package, including full medical and dental benefits; disability insurance; life insurance; and retirement fund options.