Senior Technical Accountant and Financial Analyst

National Education Association; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 102,000 - 158,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Education Association (NEA) in Washington, DC seeks a Senior Accountant/Controller to strengthen fiscal health and internal controls across the affiliate network. You will provide accounting expertise, analyze budgets and audits, and support financial systems and processes.

This role partners with NEA centers and state and local affiliates to promote best practices and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Five years of progressive accounting, auditing, and financial operations experience.
• GAAP/GAAS/FASB knowledge; regulatory filings.
• Experience with Unit4, PeopleSoft, SAP, Oracle Financials or similar.
• Advanced Excel proficiency.
• CPA designation required; CMA/CA may be considered in lieu of CPA with relevant experience.

Responsibilities

• Consult with NEA staff, affiliates, and related entities to evaluate financial health and risk; improve fiscal accountability and compliance.
• Analyze audit reports, financial statements, and budgets; develop and implement financial improved practices.
• Plan and deliver financial trainings, prepare reports, and support regulatory filings and internal controls.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

GAAS knowledge

FASB standards

Advanced Excel

Financial analysis

Audit prep

Financial reporting

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance or related

CPA designation required

Tools

Unit4

PeopleSoft

SAP

Oracle Financials

Job description

Posting Period

September 21, 2026 - Until Filled

Employee Type

NEASO NEA Staff Organization, OO125 Business & Financial Services Department (BFS)

Position Type

Regular

Salary Range

$102,062.00 - $158,178.00

Rank

NEASO Rank 7

Position Details

The National Education Association is the largest labor union representing 3 million public educators and education support professionals. This position supports NEA’s strategic objective of supporting strong fiscal management, risk mitigation, data security, and internal operations by partnering with state and local affiliates to elevate the vitality and resilience of our entire affiliate network, ensuring sustained growth, readiness, and effectiveness. This position works in coordination with other NEA centers to support state and local affiliates and to promote best financial, business, and governing practices. The position provides technical accounting and financial management expertise, audit and financial statement ratio and trend analyses, and trainings and presentations on financial best practices to NEA, affiliated organizations, and related NEA entities.

POSITION SUMMARY

• The primary responsibilities of this position involve consulting with NEA staff, affiliated organizations, and related NEA entities for evaluating financial health, financial risk, financial operations, accounting processes, internal controls, financial systems, and organizational business practices to strengthen fiscal accountability, operational effectiveness, and compliance. The incumbent provides technical expertise in the analysis of audit reports, financial statements, and budgets, recommends financial and business operations solutions, best business practice design and implementation, and develops strategies to improve overall fiscal health. The incumbent will perform financial ratio and trend analyses, plan and facilitate conferences and trainings, create and present financial trainings to state and local leaders, and assist NEA affiliated organizations with resolving any encountered problems.
• Other essential functions may include conducting fiscal health reviews and drafting reports containing financial analyses, operational observations and findings, and recommendations for improving financial operations, internal controls, and fiscal sustainability. The incumbent may also research accounting, auditing, and compliance issues and assess the operational impact on NEA and affiliated organizations. Analysis of and assessing compliance with regulatory filings to include IRS, DOL, FEC, and other regulatory filings may be a function of this position.
• To carry out duties and responsibilities, the incumbent uses a personal computer and related software and some travel is required.

MINIMUM EDUCATION REQUIREMENT

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or related discipline or an equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills may be acquired.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Five years of progressive accounting, auditing, technical writing, and financial operations experience or knowledge of financial statement preparation, grant tracking and accounting, general ledger account reconciliations and analysis, bank reconciliations, cash flow management, budgeting and forecasting, and understanding financial reports and statements. Extensive professional experience interpreting and applying: Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS), Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) standards, and knowledge of federal, state, and local regulatory filings. Technical expertise with various financial management systems such as Unit4, PeopleSoft, SAP, Oracle Financials, or similar systems. Advanced spreadsheet proficiency, preferably Microsoft Excel. Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation required; Chartered Accountant (CA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA) credentials may be considered in lieu of a CPA based on other relevant experience.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Must be able to periodically work extended hours on evenings and weekends. Samples of work products (i.e., financial statements, spreadsheets or presentation materials) may be required at time of interview. Some travel required.

SELECTION CRITERIA

TIER I (Essential)

• Demonstrated experience as either a Senior Accountant, Senior Auditor, Accounting Manager or Controller adhering to General Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Generally Accepted Auditing Standard (GAAS), and knowledge of federal, state, and local reporting compliance.
• Proven skill in accounting, financial management operations and complex problem resolution.
• Demonstrated experience in hands‑on general ledger accounting and reconciliation, financial statement and audit preparation, use of advanced spreadsheet applications, preferably Excel.
• Experience in business process design, benchmarking, and regulatory compliance issues.
• Proven ability in investigating and understanding financial records and reports, writing and editing presentations and reports, and making presentations to state and local leaders and senior staff.
• Highly effective analytical, interpersonal and oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated flexibility and effectiveness in handling multiple and complex projects simultaneously under stringent timeframes and changing priorities and conditions.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively amongst individuals and groups at all levels of the organization.
• Required to engage in public speaking at conferences and trainings.
• Successful references.

TIER 2 (Significant)

• Knowledge of nonprofit accounting and grant accounting and tracking.
• Experience using Microsoft Excel, Word, and Power Point.
• Skill in developing financial trainings and presentations using applicable software.
• Demonstrated effective organizational and project management skills.
• Experience in interpreting and applying the rules and regulations related to completing IRS Form 990.

TIER 3 (Desirable)

• Knowledge of NEA's financial and membership services environment.
• Knowledge of DOL Form LM-2, FEC Reporting and PAC accounting.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

The position involves skill in using a computer and/or laptop; oral and written communication skills; skills in proofreading and editing; use of clear and articulate speech; interpersonal relations skills; reasoning and problem‑solving skills; ability to work in a fast‑paced environment; ability to sit for long periods, stoop, bend, reach and carry light materials (up to 10 lbs.); and ability to travel by various methods of transportation, e.g., airplane, car.

NEA is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and encourages applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, or disability.

Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.

NEA Participates in E-Verify.

NEA complies with the DC Wage Transparency Act of 2023.