Senior Accountant - National Academy of Engineering

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine value diversity in our members, volunteers, and staff and strive for a culture of inclusion in our workplace and activities. Convening a diverse community to exchange ideas and perspectives enhances the quality of our work and increases our relevance as advisers to the nation about the most complex issues facing the nation and the world.

NAS Building

National Academies of Sciences Engineering Medicine

<br /><br />The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine provide independent, objective advice to inform policy with evidence, spark progress and innovation, and confront challenging issues for the benefit of society. We marshal knowledge and expertise across disciplines to study complex and sometimes contentious issues, reach consensus based on the evidence, and identify the best path forward.<br /><br />To learn more about our benefits, click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nationalacademies.org/cdn/materials/a10cac94-4299-477a-ab70-cb11d776d5be" target="_blank" title="2026 Benefits Guide" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a> https://www.nationalacademies.org/

keywords: about the national academy of engineering,job summary,job details,accounting operations and controls,financial reporting and close,investment and cash management,customer support and process improvement,staff guidance and confidentiality,required abilities,required knowledge & skills,communications,minimum education/training,minimum experience,physical capabilities,work environment,compensation,benefits

Full time

$73,760 - $92,190

Overview: 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.<br /><br />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&rsquo;s independent work. The NAEF ensures long-term financial sustainability and provides critical support for strategic initiatives, member engagement, and programs that advance engineering&rsquo;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.<br /><br />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.
Responsibilities: <p><strong>Accounting Operations and Controls</strong></p> <ul> <li>Enter all transactions into the Blackbaud Financial Edge system.</li> <li>Prepare, review, and approve journal entries, bank transfers, and donor stock gifts, as assigned.</li> <li>Set up and maintain accounting records and fiscal controls.</li> <li>Reconcile and monitor endowment, program, and working funds in the General Ledger.</li> <li>Ensure accounting records are complete, accurate, and compliant with accepted accounting policies and principles.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Financial Reporting and Close</strong></p> <ul> <li>Process month-end financial statements and ensure timely, accurate financial reporting.</li> <li>Manage year-end cash-basis and accrual closings.</li> <li>Review and guide monthly reconciliations of asset, liability, revenue, and expense accounts.</li> <li>Support the annual independent audit by preparing documentation and responding to auditor requests.</li> <li>Identify potential issues or improvement opportunities and recommend practical solutions.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Investment and Cash Management</strong></p> <ul> <li>Review, analyze, and reconcile monthly or quarterly investment manager statements, including investment performance and current market value.</li> <li>Review, analyze, and reconcile NAEF bank accounts.</li> <li>Work with the supervisor to expand automation and apply accounting best practices for investment activity.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Customer Support and Process Improvement</strong></p> <ul> <li>Research and respond to internal and external accounting inquiries.</li> <li>Maintain direct communication with internal customers, including program financial management staff, regarding expenses, billing, and financial reporting.</li> <li>Create and maintain documentation for account-maintenance processes and procedures.</li> <li>Recommend and support improvements to systems, workflows, and procedures affecting monthly and year-end close activities.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Staff Guidance and Confidentiality</strong></p> <ul> <li>Provide work direction to staff accountants and accounting assistants, as assigned.</li> <li>Coach less experienced accounting staff and assist with resolving accounting issues.</li> <li>Maintain appropriate confidentiality when handling secure, privileged, sensitive, or confidential information.</li> <li>Access confidential information only for authorized, work-related purposes and in accordance with organizational policies and procedures.</li> <li>Securely store, transmit, and dispose of privileged, sensitive, or confidential information in accordance with institutional guidance.</li> </ul> <p><strong>NONESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES</strong><br />Related duties and special projects as assigned.&nbsp;</p>
Requirements: <p><strong>Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: </strong>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 MSOffice. Prior experience with financial accounting systems such as Blackbaud&rsquo;s Financial Edge.&nbsp; Ability to manage and maintain privileged, sensitive, and confidential information and matters appropriately. Must be</p> <p>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</p> <p>communication. Excellent communication skills with a proven ability to effectively interact with all levels of employees.</p> <p><strong>Minimum Education/Training Requirements: </strong>Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or related field, or equivalent knowledge.</p> <p><strong>Minimum Experience: </strong>Five years of related professional experience.</p> <p><strong>Physical Capabilities: </strong>Ability to work at a computer for extended periods of time.</p> <p><strong>Required Licenses, Certification or Registration:</strong> None.</p> <p><strong>Supervisory Responsibilities/Controls: </strong>Reports to NAE Finance Director. General direction is provided.</p> <p><strong>Work Environment:&nbsp;</strong>Hybrid Office/Telecommute environment, expected onsite percentage 60%, with occasional travel between National Academies&rsquo; facilities and to off-site meeting/sponsor locations.</p> <p><strong>Compensation &amp; Benefits:</strong> An estimated compensation range for this position is $73,760 - $92,190. Compensation offered to the selected candidate will be based on the candidate&rsquo;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.&nbsp; This is a benefits-eligible position.&nbsp; 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.&nbsp; For more information, please click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nationalacademies.org/cdn/materials/a10cac94-4299-477a-ab70-cb11d776d5be" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here.</a></p>