The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
Senior Accountant - National Academy of Engineering
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Job Description Summary:
Founded in 1964, the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) is a private, independent, nonprofit institution that provides engineering leadership in service to the nation. The NAE advances the welfare and prosperity of the nation by providing independent, objective advice to the U.S. government whenever called upon to do so, and by promoting a vibrant engineering profession and public appreciation of engineering.
The NAE operates within the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, an independent, nonprofit organization chartered by Congress to provide objective analysis and advice to the nation on matters of science, technology, and health. While the National Academies manage administrative, operational, and financial infrastructure across its constituent academies, the NAE also benefits from the dedicated support of the National Academy of Engineering Fund (NAEF) - a separate legal entity established to manage endowments that fund the NAE’s independent work. The NAEF ensures long-term financial sustainability and provides critical support for strategic initiatives, member engagement, and programs that advance engineering’s role in society. Together, this integrated structure and the flexibility afforded by the NAEF enable the NAE to fulfill its unique mission through a combination of institutional alignment and philanthropic investment.
The selected candidate works as part of a small team to prepare various complex accounting transactions, statements, and reports. Responsible for monthly closes and financial statement preparation. Review and verify the accuracy of journal entries and accounting classifications assigned to various endowment and working funds. Areas of activity may include accounts receivable, accounts payable, cash receipts, investments, general ledger entries, financial report preparation and reconciliation, bank statements, and treasury. Build relationships within NAE departments as well as with other units in the Academies. Working under general supervision, incumbent applies specific and professional-level knowledge to perform responsibilities requiring the identification and analysis of complex factors to determine best course of action. Use independent judgment and discretion but may receive guidance or expertise from supervisor or higher-level staff on more complex problems. Establish processes and/or procedures to ensure the effective and efficient operation of assigned functions. May be a specialist in one or more areas of accounting. Serve as a resource and may provide work leadership to junior staff.
Job Description:
Essential Job Duties
Accounting Operations and Controls
- Enter all transactions into the Blackbaud Financial Edge system.
- Prepare, review, and approve journal entries, bank transfers, and donor stock gifts, as assigned.
- Set up and maintain accounting records and fiscal controls.
- Reconcile and monitor endowment, program, and working funds in the General Ledger.
- Ensure accounting records are complete, accurate, and compliant with accepted accounting policies and principles.
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Financial Reporting and Close
- Process month-end financial statements and ensure timely, accurate financial reporting.
- Manage year-end cash-basis and accrual closings.
- Review and guide monthly reconciliations of asset, liability, revenue, and expense accounts.
- Support the annual independent audit by preparing documentation and responding to auditor requests.
- Identify potential issues or improvement opportunities and recommend practical solutions.
Investment and Cash Management
- Review, analyze, and reconcile monthly or quarterly investment manager statements, including investment performance and current market value.
- Review, analyze, and reconcile NAEF bank accounts.
- Work with the supervisor to expand automation and apply accounting best practices for investment activity.
Customer Support and Process Improvement
- Research and respond to internal and external accounting inquiries.
- Maintain direct communication with internal customers, including program financial management staff, regarding expenses, billing, and financial reporting.
- Create and maintain documentation for account-maintenance processes and procedures.
- Recommend and support improvements to systems, workflows, and procedures affecting monthly and year-end close activities.
Staff Guidance and Confidentiality
- Provide work direction to staff accountants and accounting assistants, as assigned.
- Coach less experienced accounting staff and assist with resolving accounting issues.
- Maintain appropriate confidentiality when handling secure, privileged, sensitive, or confidential information.
- Access confidential information only for authorized, work-related purposes and in accordance with organizational policies and procedures.
- Securely store, transmit, and dispose of privileged, sensitive, or confidential information in accordance with institutional guidance.
Nonessentiel Job Duties
- Related duties and special projects as assigned.
Job Specifications
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Comprehensive knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles.
- Ability to make daily decisions concerning the accounting treatment of financial transactions and recommend solutions to complex accounting problems.
- Ability to apply advanced mathematical concepts and accounting procedures.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and presentation skills.
- Proficiency in MS Office.
- Prior experience with financial accounting systems such as Blackbaud’s Financial Edge.
- Ability to manage and maintain privileged, sensitive, and confidential information and matters appropriately.
- Must be reliable.
- Strong work ethic.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Ability to be proactive and follow up.
- Strong attention to detail and highly organized.
- Ability to operate with substantial latitude for independent judgment and action.
- Supervisory skills may be required.
- Experience working in complex environments with a high degree of organizational effectiveness.
- Ability to work successfully in a team environment.
- Ability to develop relationships with co-workers and employees in other National Academies' departments through effective communication.
- Excellent communication skills with a proven ability to effectively interact with all levels of employees.
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Minimum Education/Training Requirements
- Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or related field, or equivalent knowledge.
Minimum Experience
- Five years of related professional experience.
Physical Capabilities
- Ability to work at a computer for extended periods of time.
Required Licenses, Certification or Registration
- None.
Supervisory Responsibilities/Controls
- Reports to NAE Finance Director. General direction is provided.
Work Environment
- Hybrid Office/Telecommute environment, expected onsite percentage 60%, with occasional travel between National Academies’ facilities and to off-site meeting/sponsor locations.
Compensation & Benefits
- An estimated compensation range for this position is $73,760 - $92,190. Compensation offered to the selected candidate will be based on the candidate’s relevant knowledge, skills, and work experience, commensurate with compensation of current employees in comparable positions with similar knowledge, skills, and work experience, and subject to budget parameters. Note it is not typical for a candidate to be hired at the higher end of the range. This is a benefits-eligible position. Our Benefits Plan offers competitive and comprehensive benefit options, including medical, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, disability coverage, retirement and savings benefits, leave benefits such as paid holidays and paid personal leave, transportation subsidies, and education assistance. For more information, please click here.
Equal Opportunity Employer
- It is the policy of the National Academies to recruit, hire, transfer, compensate, and promote people in all job categories and to administer all other personnel actions, terms and conditions of employment in a manner that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws. It is also the institution's policy to recruit, hire, promote, and provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and covered veterans who are otherwise qualified.
- Any qualification to be considered equivalent, in lieu of stated minimum, requires the prior approval of the Office of Human Resources.
Job Family
- ACCT
Employee Type
- Employee
Scheduled Weekly Hours
- 37.5
City/State
- Washington, District of Columbia
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