Senior Financial Officer - National Academy of Engineering

Job Description Summary:

Founded in 1964, the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) is a private, independent, nonprofit institution that provides engineering leadership in service to the nation.

The NAE advances the welfare and prosperity of the nation by providing independent, objective advice to the U.S. government whenever called upon to do so, and by promoting a vibrant engineering profession and public appreciation of engineering. The NAE is part of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, an independent, nonprofit organization chartered by Congress to provide objective analysis and advice to the nation on matters of science, technology, and health.

The Senior Financial Officer for the NAE plans and directs the NAE’s overall finance activities, with responsibility for financial reporting, fund and investment accounting, and establishing budgets. As a subject matter expert, this position interfaces with leaders on high-level functional issues, providing recommendations and solutions with full understanding of organizational impact and needs. Directly manages exempt level employees and serve as a resource for others.

The NAE’s independent assets and operating funds are held in the National Academy of Engineering Fund (NAEF), a tax-exempt corporation under section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. It was created to support the mission and goals of the NAE. The Senior Financial Officer provides support for the NAE’s governance and serves as the Second Assistant Secretary of the NAE Fund (NAEF).

Job Description:

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

Financial Strategy & Oversight

• Manages all financial activities for the NAE and NAEF. Develops and communicates NAE financial processes and procedures and advises staff on NAE and National Academies policies and procedures related to financial matters.

• Provides strategic consultation to NAE leadership on financial matters, including financial analysis, projections, and revenue and expense analysis.

• Oversees the preparation of financial statements, financial reports, special analyses, and management reports; presents recommendations for programmatic and fiscal changes to NAE senior management.

• Oversees the full accounting and budgeting cycles and ensures compliance with applicable regulations, organizational policies, auditing requirements, internal controls, contractual obligations, and budgetary limitations.

• Authorizes expenditures and supports management of NAEF endowments and long-term investments.

Governance, Audit & Board Support

• Oversees all NAEF financial compliance activities, including the annual independent audit, filing of IRS Form 990 and required state tax returns, and related state registrations.

• Interacts and meets with independent auditors engaged by the NAEF Audit Committee.

• Provides support to the NAE Council, NAEF Board of Trustees, and Finance, Audit, and Executive Compensation Committees.

• Serves on the NAE Gift Acceptance Committee.

• As Second Assistant Secretary of the NAEF, and subject to appointment by the NAEF Board of Trustees, serves as an authorized representative for banking and investment transactions.

Leadership & Team Development

• Leads and mentors staff and fosters a collaborative, team-oriented work environment.

• Trains and develops employees to effectively perform current responsibilities while supporting growth and readiness for future roles.

• Interprets and ensures consistent application of organizational policies.

Strategic Planning & Operational Management

• Develops and directs the implementation of strategic business and operational plans, projects, programs, and systems aligned with NAE objectives.

Confidentiality & Risk Management

• Maintains an appropriate standard of confidentiality when handling secure, privileged, sensitive, or confidential information and matters.

• Accesses confidential information only for work-related purposes and in accordance with organizational policies and procedures.

• Ensures privileged, sensitive, and confidential information is securely stored, transmitted, and disposed of in accordance with institutional guidance.

• Establishes and maintains procedures to protect confidentiality and prevent unauthorized disclosure.

• Trains and periodically updates staff and team members on confidentiality and information-handling requirements.

NONESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES
Related duties and special projects as assigned.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

Required Kn