Remote Accounting Director – GAAP, Grants & Audit Readiness

The Urban Institute; Washington (District of Columbia); Remote; USD 116,000 - 207,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

Health, dental, and vision insurance

403(b) retirement plan with employer

Job summary

The Urban Institute is seeking an experienced Accounting Director to lead urban’s accounting operations, including the close, billing, revenue recognition, AR/AP, payroll, and financial reporting. This role emphasizes strong internal controls, GAAP compliance, and collaboration across Finance, Grants & Contracts, HR, and program teams.

The ideal candidate will bring 12+ years of progressive accounting experience, with at least 5 years in leadership, and deep nonprofit accounting knowledge,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field; CPA or other relevant professional certification is preferred.
• Have at least 12 years of progressive accounting experience, including at least 5 years of accounting leadership experience.
• Demonstrate strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP and significant experience with financial close, general ledger accounting, financial reporting, and internal controls.
• Bring significant nonprofit accounting experience and strong knowledge of federal award requirements, including Uniform Guidance, SEFA, indirect cost recovery, and NICRAs.
• Demonstrate strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to develop staff and collaborate across departments.

Responsibilities

• Lead full‑cycle accounting operations, including the general ledger, monthly and year‑end close, reconciliations, accruals, allocations, and supporting documentation.
• Review significant and nonroutine transactions for GAAP compliance, documentation, and audit readiness.
• Direct billing and revenue accounting for government contracts and grants, foundations, and other funders; ensure invoice accuracy and timely billing.
• Review revenue recognition analyses under ASC 606 and ASC 958 and lead analysis of complex accounting matters.
• Oversee accounts receivable, cash application, aging, and collections, ensuring reconciliation with funding agreements and the general ledger.
• Oversee accounts payable, payroll accounting, and information reporting, including Forms 1099, with strong internal controls.
• Lead the review of financial statements, disclosures, and SEFA; support annual audits and regulatory reviews.
• Support compliance for federal awards including Uniform Guidance and NICRA matters.
• Lead, coach, and develop accounting staff and collaborate across departments to strengthen processes.
• Identify opportunities to improve accounting, billing, ERP, payroll, and reporting processes using automation.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Financial close

Audit coordination

Leadership

ERP systems

Excel

Internal controls

Nonprofit accounting

Federal awards

NICRA

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting/finance

CPA preferred

Tools

Microsoft Copilot

Job description

The Urban Institute is seeking an experienced Accounting Director to lead urban’s accounting operations, including the close, billing, revenue recognition, AR/AP, payroll, and financial reporting. This role emphasizes strong internal controls, GAAP compliance, and collaboration across Finance, Grants & Contracts, HR, and program teams.

The ideal candidate will bring 12+ years of progressive accounting experience, with at least 5 years in leadership, and deep nonprofit accounting knowledge,