Remote Accounting Director — GAAP, Grants & Audits Leader

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Transit benefits

403(b) retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Urban Institute is seeking an Accounting Director to lead full-cycle accounting, close processes, and reporting for a nonprofit research organization in Washington, DC. You will oversee revenue recognition, government contracts, and funder audits while coaching a team of accounting professionals.

Your background includes 12+ years in accounting with at least 5 years in a leadership role, deep GAAP knowledge, and nonprofit experience with federal award requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance; CPA or equivalent preferred.
• 12+ years progressive accounting experience including 5+ years in leadership.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP and financial close, reporting, and controls.

Responsibilities

• Lead full-cycle accounting operations: GL, month/year-end close, reconciliations, accruals, allocations.
• Review non-routine transactions and GAAP compliance, audit readiness.
• Direct billing/revenue accounting for contracts, grants, and funders; ensure invoicing accuracy and timely billing.
• Oversee AR, cash application, aging, and collections; reconcile funding agreements to GL.
• Oversee AP, payroll accounting, and information reporting with strong internal controls.
• Lead the preparation and review of financial statements and disclosures.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Leadership experience

Audit coordination

Revenue recognition

Nonprofit accounting

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting/finance

Tools

ERP/accounting systems

Microsoft Copilot

Job description

Urban Institute is seeking an Accounting Director to lead full-cycle accounting, close processes, and reporting for a nonprofit research organization in Washington, DC. You will oversee revenue recognition, government contracts, and funder audits while coaching a team of accounting professionals.

Your background includes 12+ years in accounting with at least 5 years in a leadership role, deep GAAP knowledge, and nonprofit experience with federal award requirements.