Director of Accounting and Treasury in Washington, District of Columbia at The Aspen Institute

ABOUT US

The Aspen Institute is a global nonprofit organization whose purpose is to ignite human potential to build understanding and create new possibilities for a better world. Founded in 1949, the Institute drives change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve society’s greatest challenges. It is headquartered in Washington, DC, and has a campus in Aspen, Colorado, as well as an international network of partners.

OFFICE OF FINANCIAL OPERATIONS

The mission of the Office of Financial Operations (OFO) is to deliver timely and accurate financial reporting, analysis, and guidance that allows the Institute to pursue its programmatic goals and provide financial confidence in the organization. The OFO principally assists the organization's various programs and departments and its Board of Trustees by planning, organizing, and directing financial activities in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws as well as the standards set forth by the Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB) and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). OFO promotes sound fiscal management through leadership, policy, and oversight.

ABOUT THIS ROLE

The Director of Accounting and Treasury leads the Aspen Institute's operational accounting function, ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and efficiency of the Institute's financial operations. This position provides strategic oversight of general ledger accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, cash receipts, charitable gift accounting, fixed assets, and related accounting activities while ensuring compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), nonprofit accounting standards, and internal policies.

The Director is responsible for overseeing the monthly and annual financial close processes, leading the annual financial and benefit plan audits, managing key financial systems, and supporting the Institute's budgeting, financial reporting, and long-term investment allocation processes. This role partners closely with senior leadership, the Office of Institutional Advancement, and departments across the organization to provide financial guidance, strengthen internal controls, improve business processes, and support informed decision-making.

As a leader within the Office of Financial Operations, the Director develops and mentors a high-performing accounting team, fosters collaboration across the Institute, and drives continuous improvement in accounting operations and financial systems. Success in this role requires strong technical accounting expertise, strategic leadership, sound judgment, and a commitment to operational excellence in support of the Aspen Institute's mission.

This position reports directly to the Vice President of Finance. The salary range for this position is $162,900 – $208,200. In accordance with our Reimagining Work policy, the ?Director should be willing to be in-person with colleagues a minimum of 40% of the time while having the flexibility to work remotely for the balance

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for the Institute's operational accounting functions, including revenue accounting, charitable gift accounting, charitable registrations, general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash receipts, payroll, fixed assets, and ecommerce transactions.

• Lead and coordinate the monthly and year-end close processes, ensuring the timely and accurate preparation of financial statements and fulfillment of internal and external reporting requirements.

• Oversee the Institute's revenue accounting activities, including charitable contributions, grants, pledges, accounts receivable, ecommerce, and other cash receipts, ensuring revenue is recorded accurately and in accordance with GAAP, IRS regulations, donor intent, and the Institute's Gift Acceptance Policy.

• Review complex gift and grant agreements to determine appropriate accounting treatment, oversee pledge discount entries, donor tax receipt processes, and ensure compliance with donor restrictions and applicable accounting standards.

• Oversee the financial administration of the Institute's CRM system (Salesforce/NPC), including revenue-related configuration, data integrity, reconciliations with NetSuite, reporting, and support for donor transparency initiatives.

• Plan and coordinate the Institute's annual financial statement audit, retirement plan audit in conjunction with Payroll Manager, Form 990, Form 990-T, Form 5500, insurance audits, employee benefit plan audits, and other regulatory reporting requirements in partnership with the Vice President of Finance.

• Maintain and continuously improve accounting policies, procedures, internal controls, and the Finance and Accounting Operations Manual to ensure compliance with GAAP, nonprofit accounting standards, and applicable federal, state, and regulatory requirements.

• Oversee the Institute's cash management activities, including monitoring daily cash activity, authorizing internal bank transfers, and ensuring adequate funding for payroll, accounts payable, and other operational obligations.

• Review and approve domestic and international wire transfers, ACH transactions, and other electronic payments in accordance with Institute policies and delegated authority.

• Review and approve accounts payable disbursements, employee expense reimbursements, and corporate credit card transactions, ensuring accuracy, appropriate documentation, and compliance with Institute policies.

• Develop work plans, establish priorities, and assign responsibilities for departmental initiatives, special projects, and ongoing operational activities.

• Oversee reconciliations between Salesforce (NPC) and NetSuite, support revenue reporting and donor transparency initiatives, and ensure the integrity of revenue-related financial data.

• Partner with the Vice President of Finance to develop and manage the Office of Financial Operations annual operating budget, including forecasting, variance analysis, and financial reporting.

• Prepare and record endowment earnings, endowment spending allocations, and long-term investment allocation entries.

• Serve as the primary accounting partner to the Office of Institutional Advancement and collaborate with Legal, Information Technology Services, Finance, and Institute programs to support revenue accounting, gift compliance, and financial stewardship.

• Lead continuous process improvement initiatives that enhance the effectiveness, efficiency, and integrity of accounting operations

• Support special projects and strategic initiatives that advance the Institute's financial operations.

Other Responsibilities

• Recruit, hire, onboard, develop, and retain a high-performing accounting team.

• Plan, assign, prioritize, and review work to ensure timely, accurate, and compliant financial operations.

• Establish performance expectations, conduct performance evaluations, and provide ongoing coaching and professional development.

• Address employee performance matters in accordance with Institute policies while recognizing and developing staff strengths.

• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.

• Build staff capabilities and support succession planning to meet the evolving needs of the organization.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO THRIVE

• Bachelor’s degree required, master’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field preferred.

• A minimum of 10+ years of progressive accounting experience, preferably in a nonprofit environment.

• Strong knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting as it relates to nonprofit accounting.

• Experience with accounting systems (NetSuite preferred)

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including advanced functions for data analysis and reconciliation.

• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple, competing priorities across a department while meeting critical deadlines.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with sound judgment for high-stakes financial decisions that balance organizational risk with operational efficiency.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, along with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams and departments.

Leadership & Strategic Competencies

• Proven strategic financial leadership experience, including budget ownership and long-range financial planning at the departmental or organizational level.

• Demonstrated success leading organization-wide change management initiatives, including process redesign, systems implementation, and policy development.

• Experience developing, mentoring, and scaling accounting or finance teams, including staff development at scale across both direct and indirect reports.

• Executive-level communication skills, with the ability to translate complex financial information for senior leadership, the Board of Trustees, and other stakeholders.

• Track record of building and leading high-performing teams, including succession planning and fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

HOW TO APPLY

To be considered please complete an application, provide a resume and a cover letter.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The Aspen Institute offers a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, and prescription benefits, retirement benefits, and paid leave.

The Aspen Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all District and federal laws. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or protected veteran or disabled status and will not be discriminated against.

The Aspen Institute welcomes individuals with disabilities to participate in its programs, including the interview process. If you would like to request accommodations or hav questions about accessibility, please email hrsupport@aspeninstitute.org or call 202-736-2127 in advance of your visit. Requests for ASL or CART services should be made at least two weeks in advance when possible. We will make every effort to fulfill requests, subject to availability