Vice President, Accounting

Environmental Defense Fund; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 248,000 - 268,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Robust benefits

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Environmental Defense Fund seeks a visionary Vice President, Accounting to lead the organization’s accounting, financial reporting, compliance and treasury activities. This senior role ensures transparent, accurate financial information and supports executive leadership with strategic insight.

The position requires extensive leadership, deep GAAP and nonprofit knowledge, and a track record of improving internal controls. Reports to the EVP & CFO and directs three accounting professionals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field required.
• CPA certification required. MBA preferred.
• Minimum 15+ years of progressive accounting experience, including 5+ years in public accounting and 5+ years in leadership.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction over the general ledger, financial reporting, compliance and treasury functions.
• Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes.
• Lead and develop a high-performing accounting and finance team.
• Ensure GAAP compliance and nonprofit standards across the organization.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Communication

Mentoring

Time management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field

CPA certification

MBA preferred

Tools

NetSuite

NetSuite Planning & Budgeting

Audit software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Vice President, Accounting

The Vice President, Accounting (GL, Financial Reporting, Compliance and Treasury) is a senior finance leader responsible for the integrity, transparency and strategic oversight of the organization’s financial operations. This role ensures best in class accounting practices, regulatory compliance and treasury management while serving as a key advisor to executive leadership.

This position fosters collaborative relationships across departments to align financial stewardship with mission impact and long-term sustainability. This role requires strong accounting and reporting skills, leadership ability, excellent communication skills, and a deep understanding of internal controls and the ability to improve processes.

The Vice President, Accounting reports to EVP & Chief Financial Officer and has three direct reports.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Leadership & Oversight

• Provide strategic direction over the general ledger, financial reporting, compliance and treasury functions.
• Ensure the integrity, accuracy and timeliness of all financial information.
• Serve as a key advisor to the CFO and executive team on financial risks and opportunities.
• Lead and develop a high-performing accounting and finance team.
• Participate in advancing EDF’s organizational effectiveness and culture goals, so people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected, included, and empowered to address environmental and organizational challenges in ways that align with EDF values.

General Ledger & Close Governance

• Oversee and optimize the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes.
• Establish and enforce accounting policies in accordance with GAAP and nonprofit standards.
• Ensure scalability and consistency of accounting operations across the organization.
• Provide oversight on complex accounting issues and technical interpretations.

Financial Reporting & Insights

• Oversee preparation of internal and external financial reports, including board and committee materials.
• Ensure clarity, accuracy and relevance of financial reporting for executive decision making.
• Translate financial data into strategic recommendations.

Compliance, Controls & Audit

• Ensure full compliance with nonprofit regulations including Form 990, CGA, FBAR, and other filings.
• Provide executive oversight of the annual audit as well as various agreed procedure audits.
• Design enhanced internal control processes and maintain a robust internal control environment and risk management framework.

Treasury & Financial Stewardship

• Oversee cash flow strategy, liquidity planning and investment oversight.
• Ensure effective management of banking relationships and financial institutions.
• Establish policies for cash management, investments, reserves and financial risk mitigation.

Process & Systems Transformation

• Lead continuous improvement and transformation of finance processes.
• Drive adoption and optimization of financial systems and reporting tools.
• Champion automation, scalability and data driven decision-making.
• Establish best practices across finance functions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field required.
• CPA certification required. MBA preferred.
• Minimum of 15+ years of progressive accounting experience, including at least 5 years in public accounting and 5 years in a leadership role.
• Experience in a large nonprofit with complex funding structures required.
• Strong knowledge of nonprofit accounting standards, Uniform Guidance and donor/grant compliance.
• Deep knowledge of US GAAP and strong knowledge of internal controls, and regulatory requirements.
• Proven experience overseeing accounting function, reporting, treasury and audits.
• Experience with nonprofit ERP Systems (e.g., NetSuite, NetSuite Planning & Budgeting, etc.).
• Demonstrates comprehensive analytical skills with strong attention to detail and the ability to identify issues, analyze root causes and develop practical solutions.
• Experience working with executive leadership, audit and finance committees and Board of Trustees.
• Demonstrates senses of urgency to drive timely decisions, meet deadlines and achieve goals in a complex environment.
• Proven time management skills and the ability to juggle multiple responsibilities working with individuals across various time zones.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively interact with stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated integrity, ethics, and professionalism in handling confidential information and sensitive situations.
• Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop high-performing teams, fostering accountability, collaboration, and continuous professional growth.
• Demonstrated self‑awareness, cultural competency and inclusiveness, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across all cultures and backgrounds.
• Strong proficiency in audit software, data analytics tools, and Microsoft Office suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.).
• Willingness and ability to travel up 10% of the time domestically and internationally, as needed.

Benefits

We offer a strong total rewards package encompassing competitive salary, robust benefits, and professional development opportunities consistent with a modern global organization. We take into account factors such as candidate experience, skills, training, internal team equity and local norms.

Pay ranges are country-specific. As a result, the stated currency is not meant to be converted into any other currency.

248,000 - 268,000 USD