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Senior Accountant

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How You’ll Contribute

Who We Are
The Finance team is a valued thought partner at the forefront of decision making, providing timely and accurate financial information, deriving meaningful insights from data, and empowering the organization with innovative solutions which are agile and nimble to grow and adapt quickly to change.

How You’ll Contribute
Job Description Summary

Responsible for the accounting of following areas including fixed assets, construction in progress and other assigned revenue generating and corporate activities. Responsibilities include oversight of cost center financial reports, preparation of monthly journal entries, financial analysis, balance sheet and expense reconciliations for the Society and NGSP and maintaining related policies and procedures. Assist with accounting for other cost center areas as assigned. Ensure the Society books and records are maintained in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Participate in special projects as instructed by management including assistance with audit preparation and other tasks.

Your Impact

Responsibilities Include:

Responsible for maintaining the Society's Fixed Asset subledger, including construction in progress and related accounting to include maintenance of subsystem, monthly journal entries, month end reconciliations, year-end audit preparation and prepare budget/projection estimates. Responsibilities include ensuring compliance with GAAP and the Society’s capitalization policy as well as the tracking, monitoring and reporting of capitalized projects/assets including building renovations and leasehold improvements, leases in accordance with the new accounting guidance, systems, and website development. (40%)
Responsible for assisting with the monthly closing of the books for assigned areas including journal entry preparation and subsequent account analyses/balance sheet reconciliations related to assigned cost centers. Maintain the integrity of all accounting records in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and company policies. Maintain all written policies and procedures within assigned area of responsibility. (30%)
Responsible for the financial reporting of assigned cost centers and corporate functions and front-line responsibility to record and review corporate, operations, and technology allocations, prepaid contracts, real estate tax schedules, royalties, expense reclassifications, and related coordination with the Finance & Planning team and project managers. (20%)
Develop positive relationships with the managers and staff members of assigned cost centers, providing them with necessary financial results and analyses, explanation of Society's accounting policies and procedures and other general business guidance. Communicate with Finance Division management, both verbally and in writing, on matters involving assigned cost centers. (10%)

What You’ll Bring

Minimum Education Required

Bachelor's degree in Accounting. CPA preferred.

Minimum Years and Type of Experience

Minimum of 4 years of experience in a non-profit accounting environment, or equivalent experience in public accounting with not-for-profit experience.

Necessary Knowledge and Skills

Knowledge of GAAP for not-for-profits (FASB ASC 958) accounting and reporting
Strong demonstrated accounting skills, experience with GAAP for Not-For-Profits accounting and reporting and ability to perform technical GAAP research
Ability to identify problems, develop solutions and take action to resolve issues in assigned areas of responsibility
Accurate and detailed oriented, ability to perform in-depth research, account analysis and reconciliation.
Strong oral and written communication skills
Motivated and dependable, and able to work with limited direction and supervision
Strong organization skills
Advanced PC skills including, Microsoft Office applications with advanced excel and enterprise GL solutions
Ability to prioritize workload, multi-task, manage time efficiently, and meet required deadlines
Knowledge of Workday is a plus

Desired Qualifications

Motivated and dependable, and able to work with limited direction and supervision.
Manage time effectively and consistently meet required deadlines.
Ability to prioritize workload, manage time efficiently, and meet required deadlines.
Strong oral and written communication skills
Strong organization skills

Supervision

No direct reports.

Salary Information

The National Geographic Society offers a competitive and holistic total rewards package. Our compensation structure and transparent pay philosophy are based on industry-specific market data for similar-sized nonprofit organizations.

The salary range for this position accounts for a wide range of factors including but not limited to organizational need; specific skill sets; experience and training; certifications; and more. At the National Geographic Society, individuals are typically hired at or near the starting point of the salary range for their role, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case.

The salary range for this position is $93,100 - $98,000

In addition, the National Geographic Society offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package that includes, but is not limited to, medical, dental, and vision insurance; engaging and comprehensive wellness program; 401(k) retirement savings plan with matching contributions after 6 months of employment; flexible paid time off benefits with up to 22 days of paid annual leave per calendar year (15 days for new hires in their first year, prorated based on the number of pay periods remaining in the year) and 10 days of sick leave; 12 paid holidays and a paid winter break between December 25 and 31; paid parental leave, adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility benefits; learning and development opportunities; Lifestyle Spending Account; pet adoption assistance and insurance; pre-tax transportation benefits with a generous employer subsidy; employer-paid life insurance and disability benefit; and a variety of National Geographic discounts and perks.

Job Designation

Hybrid - At the Society, we believe in the advantages of coming together to build community, mentor and learn from colleagues, and connect more deeply with our mission. As a result, the majority of our staff are Hybrid. Our Hybrid category requires that staff work at Base Camp two days each week: every Tuesday and Wednesday. Hybrid staff are also always welcome to come in additional days each week if preferred.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

We encourage you to apply even if your experience is not a 100% match with the position. We are looking for someone with relevant skills and experience, not a checklist that exactly matches the job description. We want to help you grow and in return, you help us grow into a stronger, more inclusive organization.

Average salary estimate

$95550 / YEARLY (est.)

min

max

$93100K

$98000K

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What You Should Know About Senior Accountant, NGS

If you're an experienced finance professional looking to make a real impact, the Senior Accountant position at the National Geographic Society in Washington, DC could be your perfect fit! In this role, you'll join our dynamic Finance team, where your expertise in accounting will be pivotal in supporting our mission. You'll manage a variety of critical financial areas, including fixed assets and revenue-generating corporate activities. Your day-to-day responsibilities will involve preparing monthly journal entries, conducting financial analysis, and overseeing cost center financial reports. We believe in collaboration, so you'll develop strong relationships with team members and provide vital financial insights to managers and staff. To succeed here, a Bachelor's degree in Accounting and ideally a CPA is required, along with a minimum of 4 years of accounting experience, preferably within a non-profit environment. Your knowledge of GAAP for not-for-profits is essential as you'll ensure our books are accurately maintained while also participating in audit preparations and special projects. We're not just looking for skills; we want someone who is meticulous, organized, and ready to work collaboratively in our hybrid work environment. We're excited to find an individual who not only meets the qualifications but is also motivated to grow with us at the National Geographic Society!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Senior Accountant Role at NGS

What are the responsibilities of a Senior Accountant at the National Geographic Society?

As a Senior Accountant at the National Geographic Society, you'll oversee the accounting for fixed assets, including preparing monthly journal entries and financial analysis. You'll also be tasked with maintaining cost center financial reports and ensuring compliance with GAAP. Key duties include conducting month-end reconciliations, assisting with audit preparation, and developing relationships with operational managers to facilitate financial guidance.