Accounting Director

American Arbitration Association; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 125,000 - 133,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision coverage

Student loan repayment program

403(b) retirement plan with employer 


Pet insurance (discounted)

Job summary

The American Arbitration Association seeks an experienced Accounting Director to lead core accounting functions, oversee financial close, payroll accounting, controls, audits, and compliance under U.S. GAAP.

The role emphasizes process improvements, automation, and AI-enabled solutions, with a collaborative leadership style and talent development focus. Hybrid work arrangement; location within 125 miles of NYHQ may require monthly in-person days, otherwise quarterly for others.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related discipline.
• 7–9 years of progressive accounting experience, including public accounting and industry.
• 3–5 years of supervisory or management experience.
• Advanced knowledge of U.S. GAAP and COSO internal-control framework.
• Experience with payroll and tax processes and systems preferred.
• CPA or MBA preferred.
• Experience with automation, digital tools, and AI-enabled solutions preferred.
• Excel skills and ERP system experience (Oracle Financials) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead accounting operations across general ledger, consolidations, revenue, fixed assets, payroll accounting, consolidated reporting.
• Oversee month-end close processes, seeking timeliness, accuracy, and efficiency improvements.
• Lead payroll operations and payroll accounting with HR and Finance leadership involvement.
• Maintain internal controls to safeguard assets and ensure accurate reporting.
• Manage internal and external audits and audit documentation.
• Oversee subsidiary accounting, intercompany reconciliations, and statutory compliance.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, and financial analytics for leadership.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local tax reporting.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Communication skills

GAAP knowledge

Payroll experience

Excel proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance or related discipline

Tools

Oracle Financials

Job description

Pay Range: New York City, NY - $125,000 - $132,500 Boston, MA - $117,500 - $124,00 Philadelphia, PA | Chicago, IL | Voorhees, NJ - $112,500 - $119,400 Johnston, RI | Houston, TX - $107,500 - $114,200 Dallas, TX | Atlanta, GA | Buffalo, NY - $106,000 - $112,300 Charlotte, NC | Miami, FL | San Antonio, TX -$100,000 - $106,200 Accounting Director

The American Arbitration Association (AAA) is seeking an experienced and strategic Accounting Director to lead key accounting functions and help modernize the way our Finance team operates. This role oversees general accounting operations, financial close, payroll accounting, internal controls, audits, compliance, and accounting systems in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The Accounting Director will also play an important role in advancing process improvements, automation, and digital transformation initiatives, including the adoption of AI-enabled solutions. This is an excellent opportunity for an accomplished accounting leader who combines strong technical expertise with a collaborative leadership style and a passion for developing teams, improving processes, and driving change.

Work Environment

This position offers a hybrid work arrangement; if the successful candidate resides within 125 miles of NYHQ, they will be asked to come in once a month. If they reside outside the 125 mile radius, the successful candidate will be asked to come in once a quarter; must reside at a U.S. location within 125 miles of their assigned office location.

Compensation will be determined based on geographic location. This position is also eligible for quarterly performance-based incentives.

Our competitive compensation package includes:

• medical, dental, orthodontia, and vision coverage
• a student loan repayment program
• a 403(b) retirement plan with substantial company match
• discounted pet insurance
• generous paid time off

What You’ll Do

• Lead accounting operations across areas including general ledger, consolidations, revenue, fixed assets, payroll accounting, subsidiary accounting, and statutory reporting.
• Oversee month-end and fiscal period close processes, identifying opportunities to improve timeliness, accuracy, and efficiency.
• Lead payroll operations and payroll accounting, partnering closely with Human Resources and Finance leadership on compliance, systems integration, and process improvements.
• Establish and maintain strong internal controls to safeguard assets, ensure accurate reporting, and support regulatory compliance.
• Manage internal and external audits and ensure timely completion of audit documentation and requests.
• Oversee subsidiary accounting, including intercompany reconciliations, eliminations, and statutory compliance.
• Support annual budgeting, quarterly forecasting, variance analysis, and financial analytics for leadership.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local tax-reporting requirements.
• Identify and implement process improvements, automation, and digital/AI-enabled solutions that increase efficiency and scalability.
• Partner across Finance, HR, IT, and other business areas to improve workflows, systems, and financial reporting.
• Lead, coach, and develop accounting professionals while building a collaborative, accountable, and high-performing team.
• Provide senior leadership with recommendations regarding accounting policies, emerging accounting standards, controls, and process improvements.

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 7–9 years of progressive accounting experience, including experience in both public accounting and industry.
• 3–5 years of supervisory or management experience.
• Advanced knowledge of U.S. GAAP and internal-control frameworks such as COSO.
• Strong experience with financial close, general accounting, audits, compliance, and financial reporting.
• Experience with payroll and tax processes and systems preferred.
• CPA or MBA preferred.
• Exposure to automation, digital tools, and AI-driven solutions preferred.
• Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Excel skills and experience with Oracle Financials or a comparable ERP system.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills, with the ability to explain complex accounting matters to both financial and non-financial audiences.

The American Arbitration Association is an equal opportunity employer (EEO) and we value diversity in our workplace. We consider all employees and applicants for positions without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

The American Arbitration Association (AAA) and its global division, the International Centre for Dispute Resolution (ICDR), are global leaders in arbitration, mediation, and online dispute resolution.

For over a century, we have helped resolve complex disputes with fairness, efficiency, and integrity — earning the trust of businesses, organizations, and individuals worldwide.

Today, we are transforming how disputes are resolved. As a digital-first, solutions-driven organization, we are integrating advanced technology, data, and AI-enabled tools to improve speed, accessibility, and the overall user experience.

Our culture is grounded in purpose, innovation, and continuous improvement.

We are proud to be recognized as a best-in-class employer, offering meaningful careers where employees can grow, collaborate, and make a measurable impact.

Our comprehensive benefits include health coverage, a 403(b) with strong employer contributions, student loan assistance, and generous paid time off — supporting both professional success and personal well-being.