Senior Accountant

Senior Accountant

The Senior Accountant is highly skilled and detail-oriented individual who will assist the Accounting Manager with the day-to-day operations of the accounting department of a dynamic 501(c)(3) public foundation. The Sr. Accountant possesses a strong background in non-profit accounting, demonstrates expertise in financial reporting, complex reconciliations, grant accounting, and fund management. This individual will play a pivotal role in ensuring the financial health and compliance of our organization while supporting our broader mission.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Financial Management
• Analyze and interpret complex financial data and reports to identify trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Provide strategic financial advice and consultation to senior management to support key business decisions.
• Oversee the end-to-end process of developing, monitoring, and optimizing organizational and operational budgets and forecasts.
• Provide support during the annual audit and assist with annual IRS Form 990 reporting requirements, working closely with internal and external auditors and the internal Tax Department ensuring audit readiness and resolution of findings.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive corporate financial policies and procedures.

GAAP Compliance & Financial Reporting

• Lead technical accounting research and memorandum preparation for complex areas, including revenue recognition (ASC 606), business combinations, and other non-routine matters.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on accounting policy interpretation and application and educate staff and organizational leaders on financial management practices and regulatory compliance.
• Ensure the organization maintains accurate and compliant financial records, policies, and practices, adhering to financial laws and reporting standards, to be in compliance with GAAP.
• Monitoring cash flow, managing fund transfers, and optimizing the use of cash reserves, often using advanced forecasting tools.
• Execute and record the annual repositioning of long-term and short-term investment funds in alignment with organizational policy.

Grant Management, Compliance & Financial Reporting

• End-to-End Grant Lifecycle: Manage new grant award setups, establish budget structures, track spending compliance (allowable/allocable costs), and execute timely fund drawdowns.
• Financial Reporting: Prepare and submit financial reports and reimbursement requests for government and private funders.
• Reconciliations & Close: Execute month-end/year-end closing entries, revenue recognition, and detailed grant and investment ledger reconciliations.
• Audit & Records: Maintain comprehensive compliance files and lead annual audit preparations for grant activities.

Daily Operations & Financial Reporting

• Oversee day-to-day AP, AR, and general ledger activities.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, committee agendas, and high-quality presentations for Senior Management, the Board of Directors, and Finance Committees.

Technology, AI & Process Innovation

• System Expertise: Leverage enterprise financial management software (e.g., Oracle, SAP, QuickBooks, Concur, Cognos) to optimize workflows.
• AI & Automation Integration: Partner with IT and leadership to evaluate and implement emerging technologies, including Generative AI, Robotic Process Automation (RPA), and blockchain.
• Data-Driven Decisions: Interpret AI-driven insights and predictive analytics to support strategic, data-driven decision-making.
• Drive process improvements and efficiencies, often through automation, to streamline accounting operations and enhance productivity.

Travel Information: 0%

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience required
• Work Experience: 4-7 years progressive accounting experience, with specific experience in non-profit/501(c)(3) accounting and fund accounting preferred
• Skills and Requirements: Ability to critically evaluate data, identify issues, and suggest solutions to improve the company's financial health and performance. Exceptional interpersonal skills to manage and mentor staff, provide real-time coaching, and effectively communicate complex financial findings to non-finance executives and cross-functional teams. Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills. Strong written and verbal communication abilities. Deep, demonstrable expertise in GAAP standards and financial reporting requirements. The ability to develop comprehensive financial policies and procedures and to continually educate both staff and, in some organizations, volunteer leaders on financial management practices and policy compliance.
• Other Requirements: As defined in IEEE Policies, individuals currently serving on an IEEE board or committee are not eligible to apply. PLEASE NOTE: This position is not budgeted for employer-sponsored immigration support, this includes all persons in F (both CPT and OPT), J, H, L, or O status. For information on work demands and conditions required for this position, please consult the reference document, ADA Requirements. This position is classified under Category I - Office Positions. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Job: Accounting

Primary Location: United States-New Jersey-Piscataway

Schedule: Full-time

Job Type: Regular