Director, Accounting in Arlington, Virginia at CONSUMER BRANDS ASSOCIATION

Position Overview: The Director, Accounting is responsible for collaborating across the organization, managing work in the department, and executing a full range of accounting functions to support the organization’s budgeting processes, financial reporting and tax compliance. Reporting directly to the Vice President, Finance and Operations, this role oversees and performs the day-to-day financial activities to keep the organization operating efficiently and in compliance with financial regulations.

Key areas of responsibility:

Accounting

• Prepare and review for accuracy all monthly accounting entries and reports, including journal entry, balance sheet accounts and financial statements, for both the association, its foundation and its political action committee (PAC). Identify, investigate and correct variances.
• Prepare and review Accounts Payable including auditing senior staff expense reports and preparing monthly and year-end AP-related tax filings (Sales and Use, 1099s, unclaimed property, etc.)
• Oversee Accounts Receivable process including aging, the review of incoming checks for accuracy and timely deposit, and the collection process for the association, its foundation, and the PAC.
• Assist with the preparation of corporate and event profitability analyses.
• Responsible for all accounting functions of the PAC including preparing and reviewing the ledger, reviewing U.S. Federal Election Commission reports, submitting quarterly reports, and coordinating the annual audit.
• Prepare, in partnership with the vice president, the organization’s budget and forecast.
• Lead the dues lobbying disallowance process as part of the annual membership dues cycle.

Payroll

• Oversee all payroll processing and related transactions including but not limited to 457(b) and 457(f) wires and PAC contributions.
• Responsible for reviewing and adjusting employee W-2s for non-cash employee benefits in compliance with the IRS requirements.

Tax and Audit

• Manage the annual audit of the organization’s financials, retirement and employee savings plans and all tax fillings in partnership with the external audit firm.
• Work with auditors and the vice president on all organizational tax filings including but not limited to excise taxes, sales taxes, state exemptions, and tax obligations including monthly, quarterly, and annual tax filings for state and local including preparation of Form 990 and 5500.
• Manage all fixed assets from procurement and tagging through calculation of depreciation.
• Assist in streamlining Operations team operations and improving efficiencies, including developing processes and procedures, implementing new systems, and identifying and onboarding new vendors.

Experience & Education:

• 5–7 years of relevant accounting and finance experience required, preferably within a nonprofit organization or association.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field preferred.
• CPA certification preferred.
• Experience with Sage Intacct and Microsoft 365 required.
• Proficiency with accounting, payroll, banking, and payment platforms, such as Paylocity, BILL, and CashPro, preferred.

Skills:

• Expert knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) as they apply to nonprofit organizations.
• Expert proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Outlook required.
• Experience and proficiency with Sage Intacct, BILL AP&AR, BILL Spend & Expense and Paylocity.
• Experience and proficiency with Customer/Revenue Management Systems, Impexium and Stova desirable.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Entrepreneurial spirit who thrives in a fast-paced, changing environment, willing to peek around corners and tackle big strategic challenges while implementing tactical tasks.
• Excellent written communications skills.
• Superior attention to detail.
• Superior project management skills including the ability to juggle multiple priorities, manage deadlines and budgets, and work with little supervision.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills including the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and to build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

The Consumer Brands Association is an equal opportunity employer that supports a diverse workforce. We seek candidates for employment based on knowledge, skills and abilities that are relevant to job performance. We do not discriminate on any basis prohibited by federal, state or local law.

Salary Range: $130K-$150K

The compensation range shared reflects the full salary band approved for the role in compliance with pay transparency guidelines. Final offer placement within that range is determined by several factors, including depth and relevance of experience, industry background, technical or functional expertise, education/certifications, internal equity considerations, geographic market data, and overall alignment with the scope of the position.