Head of Accounting

Position: Head of Accounting

FLSA Status: Exempt

Department: Finance and Accounting

Our Mission: Since the 1893 World Columbian Exposition, our organization has aimed to connect people to the natural environment and human history.

Join our team and enjoy a benefits package that truly supports your well-being and lifestyle:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Including medical, dental, vision plans, and even pet insurance.

• Financial Security: Life and disability benefits plus a 403(b) savings plan to help you plan for the future.

• Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off, paid sick leave, and paid holidays to ensure you have time to recharge and spend with loved ones.

• Exclusive Perks: Enjoy great employee discounts and complimentary general admission to participating cultural institutions.

We're dedicated to enhancing your life both at work and beyond!

The Head of Accounting will serve as a senior financial leader responsible for overseeing all accounting operations, including systems and software, and compliance activities. This role requires deep expertise in non-profit accounting standards, regulatory compliance, and financial management, with the ability to lead a team while supporting the organization's mission-driven and financial objectives. The role also requires significant experience in project management for software implementations as it relates to the evaluation and modernization of accounting systems.

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Reporting & Compliance

1. Oversee preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP and non-profit accounting standards

2. Ensure compliance with federal and state regulatory requirements including Form 990 preparation and filing, unrelated business income, and single audit requirements

3. Manage relationships with external auditors and coordinate annual independent audits

4. Maintain compliance with grant reporting requirements and donor restrictions

5. Oversee endowment and investment accounting, including fair value measurements and realized/unrealized gains/losses

6. Manage restricted fund accounting and ensure proper classification and reporting of temporarily and permanently restricted net assets

Accounting Operations Management

1. Lead and manage the accounting team, including hiring, training, and performance management

2. Oversee the overall accounting operations of the team

3. Implement and maintain internal controls and accounting policies and procedures

4. Manage month-end and year-end closing processes to ensure accuracy and timeliness

Debt Oversight, Treasury, and Cash Management

1. Oversee debt compliance monitoring and reporting to ensure adherence to all applicable debt covenants and regulatory requirements

2. Manage relationships with credit reporting agencies

3. Collaborate with legal counsel and external advisors on debt matters as needed

4. Oversee daily cash management operations including cash flow forecasting and liquidity management

5. Manage banking relationships and optimize cash positioning across multiple accounts and investment vehicles

6. Coordinate with the portfolio and investment managers and provide back-office support for investment portfolio activities

7. Manage endowment spending policies and ensure compliance with applicable state regulations (UPMIFA)

8. Monitor and analyze program costs and revenue streams, including restricted and unrestricted funding sources

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