Director, Accounting

Sandy Hook Promise Foundation; Newtown (CT); Hybrid; USD 93,000 - 103,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Unlimited PTO

Flexible schedules

Paid holidays and leave

Job summary

Sandy Hook Promise Foundation is seeking a Director, Accounting to manage the accounting function, financial statements, and tax preparations for its two entities. The role leads a four-person team, partnered with the Controller, and supports payroll, accounts payable, and internal controls.

The role is full-time with a hybrid schedule based in Newtown, CT, requiring occasional in-person attendance and <10% travel. A strong nonprofit accounting background and CPA/CMA designation are preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related business discipline.
• Advanced degree in Accounting/Finance and/or CPA/CMA preferred.
• 6+ years of accounting/finance experience; nonprofit experience a plus.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel; Sage Intacct experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead monthly close process and ensure deadlines are met.
• Mentor and develop a team of four accounting professionals.
• Oversee revenue and accounts payable and maintain GL accuracy.
• Assist in annual audit and IRS Form 990 filings for two entities.
• Develop and maintain financial policies and internal controls.

Skills

Excel proficiency

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

CPA or CMA (preferred)

Tools

Sage Intacct

Job description

Director, Accounting

Department/Team: Finance

Salary: $93,000 - $103,000

FLSAStatus: Exempt

Expected Start Date: September 1,2026,or sooner.

Location: Newtown, Connecticut (<10% travel)

About Sandy Hook Promise

Sandy Hook Promise (SHP) envisions a future where all children are free from school shootings and other acts of violence. As a national nonprofit organization, SHP’s mission is to educate and empower youth and adults to prevent violence in schools, homes, and communities. Creators of the lifesaving, evidence-informed Know the Signs prevention programs, SHP teaches the warning signs of someone who may be in crisis, socially isolated, or at‑risk of hurting themselves or others and how to get help. SHP also advances school safety, youth mental health, and responsible gun ownership at the state and federal levels through nonpartisan policy and partnerships. SHP is led by several family members whose loved ones were killed in the tragic mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012.

Commitment to Belonging, Community, Engagement, and Respect

SHPstrives to ensure its culture and work environment reflect the values of belonging, community, engagement and respect. We actively seek to understand and respond to the diverse perspectives and lived experiences of individuals across socioeconomic backgrounds, rural and urban communities, and diversity of thought, in addition to traditional protected categories. We are committed to ensuring that every SHP employee feels heard, valued, and a true sense of belonging. SHP encourages individuals who share our commitment to these core values and to our mission to apply.

Location, Schedule, and Physical Requirements

This is a full-time, primarily remote role that follows a hybrid work schedule based at Promise House in Newtown, Connecticut. While you will not be required to work on‑site every day, regular and reliable in‑person attendance at our Newtown office is required. Applicants must reside within commuting distance of Newtown, Connecticut. Additionally, this role will have a <10% travel requirement.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift 20–25 lbs. (ex., mail packages, office supplies, etc.).
• Ability to operate standard office equipment (copiers, scanners, postage machines).
• Ability to stand and walk around the office for short periods.

About the Role

The Director, Accounting will assist the Controller in managing the overall accounting process, financial statement preparation and tax preparation for both the 501(c)(3) Sandy Hook Promise Foundation and the 501(c)(4) Sandy Hook Promise Action Fund. The Director, Accounting will manage and support our revenue processing and accounts payable processing functions to ensure accurate and timely processing of all financial transactions.

This position will manage a full team of four and work closely with other members of the organization. This position will report to the Controller.

Job Responsibilities

• Lead the monthly close process, ensuring the Finance team consistently meets established deadlines.
• Maintain appropriate cross‑training, backups, and redundancies for all Finance department functions to ensure business continuity.
• Identify and implement technology solutions and process improvements to increase efficiency and effectiveness within the accounting team.
• Manage, mentor, and develop a team of four accounting professionals, fostering growth and accountability.
• Oversee all revenue and accounts payable activities, ensuring the timely and accurate recording of financial transactions in the general ledger.
• Prepare and review monthly bank reconciliations, ensuring accuracy and timely completion.
• Serve as the primary backup for payroll and payment processing functions.
• Support the Controller with the annual audit process and preparation of IRS Form 990 filings for two corporations.
• Assist in the development, implementation, and maintenance of financial policies, internal controls, and procedures, while ensuring organizational compliance.
• Demonstrate a commitment to SHP's vision and values.
• Performs other duties as required.

Desired Skills and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related business discipline required.
• Advanced degree in Accounting or Finance, and/or CPA or CMA certification, preferred.
• 6+ years of accounting or finance experience required; experience in non-profit accounting is a plus.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, and accounting software systems. Experience with Sage Intacct is preferred.
• Proven ability to work effectively under pressure, manage multiple priorities, and consistently meet deadlines.
• Strong business acumen with demonstrated problem‑solving and analytical capabilities.
• Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Previous experience supervising, mentoring, or developing staff is preferred.

Benefits and Salary Range

The salary range for this position is $93,000-$103,000.

SHP uses a structured internal rubric to guide salary placement and ensure equitable pay. Typically, new hires are placed at the start of the salary range to ensure equity with current employees, and as a practice, we do not negotiate salaries.

SHP offers a competitive benefits package, including:

• Unlimited PTO
• Flexible schedules
• Paid holidays and 10 days sick leave
• Paid parental leave
• Health, dental, and vision
• Employer paid life insurance and short- and long-term disability
• 401k match
• Professional development stipend
• Wellness & mental health support
• Employer Paid Employee Assistance Program.

Our organization operates within a distributed workforce, allowing for location flexibility across the country for most positions. We provide remote office support for all staff, which includes a laptop, home office reimbursement, monthly Wi‑Fi reimbursement up to $40, and monthly cell phone reimbursement up to $50.

Applicants must be based in the U.S.

Equal Opportunity Employment

SHP is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We strive to be an employer of choice: where a diverse mix of talented people want to come and do their best work. SHP does not make employment related decisions based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. We are focused on promoting multiculturalism and inclusion so that all SHP employees feel valued and respected. We believe deeply that a diverse workforce comprised of people of all beliefs, backgrounds, and life experiences who seek to prevent gun violence and stop the tragic loss of life will make SHP a stronger, more effective organization.