Vice President of Accounting

Cherry Bekaert Recruiting & Staffing Services; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Cherry Bekaert Recruiting & Staffing Services is seeking an Interim Vice President of Accounting to lead accounting, financial reporting, compliance, audit, and treasury during a critical transformation. The role partners with the CFO and senior leaders to strengthen controls and reporting processes.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on executive with 15+ years of progressive experience in accounting and nonprofit compliance, including audits, grants, and Uniform Guidance, across large

Qualifications

• CPA certification is required.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 15+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience.
• Minimum 5 years in public accounting.
• Significant leadership experience overseeing accounting teams.
• Deep knowledge of U.S. GAAP and nonprofit accounting.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for general ledger, financial reporting, compliance, treasury, and accounting operations.
• Lead annual audits and regulatory reporting.
• Oversee Form 990 and other regulatory filings.
• Strengthen internal controls and risk management.
• Drive finance transformation and systems optimization.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Communication

Stakeholder management

Education

CPA certification

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

MBA (preferred)

Tools

NetSuite

Sage Intacct

Job description

Location: Hybrid | Washington, DC or New York City

Compensation: Competitive, commensurate with experience

About the Opportunity

A highly respected, mission-driven organization is seeking an accomplished Interim Vice President of Accounting to provide strategic and operational leadership across accounting, financial reporting, compliance, audit, and treasury functions during a critical period of organizational transformation.

This executive will partner closely with the CFO and senior leadership team to ensure financial integrity, strengthen internal controls, optimize reporting processes, and lead a high-performing accounting organization. The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader who can operate at both strategic and tactical levels, while guiding complex nonprofit accounting and compliance activities.

This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned accounting executive who thrives in dynamic environments and enjoys driving process improvements, strengthening finance operations, and mentoring strong teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and oversight for general ledger, financial reporting, compliance, treasury, and accounting operations.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership regarding financial risks, opportunities, and organizational performance.
• Lead and develop accounting teams while fostering accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of financial information across the organization.
• Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes.
• Ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards.
 
• Direct preparation and review of financial statements, executive reporting packages, and Board materials.
 
• Provide technical accounting guidance on complex transactions and reporting matters.

Compliance, Audit & Internal Controls

• Lead annual financial statement audits and related compliance reviews.
• Oversee Form 990 reporting and other regulatory filings.
• Maintain and enhance internal control frameworks and risk management practices.
• Ensure compliance with grant, donor, and federal funding requirements, including Uniform Guidance.

Treasury & Cash Management

• Oversee cash flow forecasting, liquidity management, and investment reporting.
 
• Manage banking and financial institution relationships.
 
• Develop and maintain policies related to reserves, investments, and financial risk mitigation.

Process Improvement & Systems

• Drive finance transformation initiatives and process improvements.
 
• Lead optimization and adoption of ERP systems and reporting tools.
 
• Champion automation and scalable accounting processes.
 
• Establish best practices across accounting and finance functions.

Required Qualifications

• CPA certification required.
 
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
 
• 15+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience.
 
• Minimum 5 years of public accounting experience.
 
• Significant leadership experience overseeing accounting teams and complex financial operations.
 
• Deep knowledge of U.S. GAAP, nonprofit accounting, internal controls, and financial reporting.
 
• Experience with grants, donor-restricted funding, Uniform Guidance, and nonprofit compliance requirements.
 
• Proven success leading annual audits and regulatory reporting.
 
• Experience presenting to executive leadership, audit committees, finance committees, and Boards.
 
• Strong treasury, cash management, and financial stewardship experience.
 
• Experience with major ERP platforms, including NetSuite and/or Sage Intacct.
 
• Outstanding communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA or advanced degree.
 
• Experience supporting organizations with complex funding structures and multiple revenue streams.
 
• Track record of leading ERP implementations, finance transformation, or system optimization initiatives.
 
• Experience managing geographically dispersed teams and stakeholders.

Ideal Candidate Profile

We are seeking a highly visible finance leader who combines:

• Big Four or public accounting foundation
 
• Large nonprofit leadership experience
 
• Strong technical accounting expertise
 
• Treasury and audit oversight experience
 
• Executive presence with Board-level communication skills
 
• Hands-on leadership style and willingness to roll up their sleeves