Job Details
Posted: November 05, 2009
Salary: commensurate with experience
To Apply:
Send resume and cover letter to Hiring Manager, reference job 9909. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Mail: The Brookings Institution
HR - Job 9909
1775 Massachusetts Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20036
Basic Function
Responsible for providing support to the Controller, preparation of financial reporting, and supervision of all accounting staff. Significant written and verbal interaction with program administrators, guests and affiliates, and external parties, including auditors and banks. Uses professional accounting concepts and internal company policies to solve complex accounting issues including the maintenance of internal controls.
Education/Experience Requirements
CPA required. Bachelor’s degree in accounting or business with a minimum of 8 years accounting experience required, in positions of increasing complexity (with 4 + years of comparable work experience). Supervisory and non-profit accounting experience required.
Knowledge Requirements
Knowledge of Excel, Word and general PC-based office programs required. Knowledge of automated accounting management systems; PeopleSoft implementation experience preferred. FactSet, Bloomberg, Baseline or other investment research programs preferred; familiarity with PowerPoint and databases is helpful. Strong computer/spreadsheet skills necessary; working knowledge of nonprofit financial operations and grant administration skills. Excellent oral and written communication skills; must be able to juggle multiple priorities. Must be detail minded with excellent analytical and quantitative skills. Ability to represent the institution appropriately with outside investment and financial management personnel.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
80% Accounting Responsibilities
General Accounting:
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Manages daily operations of Accounting Department, including A/R, A/P, G/L, & Fixed Assets; and Cash Management;
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Directs monthly, quarterly, and year-end closing process, including Revenue Recognition, Indirect Rate Allocation, reconciliation and analysis along with preparation of quarterly Financial Statements, and assures timely closings.
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Manages annual external audit, including timely preparation and organization of audit schedules, work papers and various reports;
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Provides external auditors with necessary information for preparation and manages timely filings of annual Federal 990 and 990-T, along with other legal filings and requirements;
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Maintains integrity of all financial systems, including Chart of Accounts, system configuration (from a functional perspective) ;
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Reviews journal entries based on accounting research and requests from internal parties;
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Reviews monthly journal entries and reconciliations related to all foreign accounts.
Internal Communication:
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Communicates in a clear, concise and timely manner with program staff providing updates about financial data and reports;
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Advises program staff to better utilize accounting systems to obtain timely financial information.
Other:
- Researches and analyzes various financial issues for senior management;
- Investments: Acts as primary contact with the custodian bank; Reviews and analyzes complex investment transactions;
- Manages all financial activities at foreign offices;
- Manages online banking services;
- Works on special projects as required.
30% Administrative Management:
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In conjunction with Deputy, establish and implement procedures to ensure the Office of the VP/CFO runs smoothly, that the VP and Deputy have a comprehensive task list in order of priority (daily/weekly/monthly) and that due dates and required follow-up are clearly communicated.
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Ensure that all requests for information, documents, etc., from internal or external sources, are assigned responsibility and that due dates are met. Follow up to assure due dates are met. Work with Deputy to delegate these tasks within the Office of the CFO and in other departments as needed.
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Perform follow up and monitoring of all requests and work distributed to others.
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Create Word, PowerPoint, Excel presentations, charts, and reports as requested.
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Demonstrate understanding of, and interpret presentations and offer suggestions and improvements (e.g., to Powerpoint decks)
- Monitor/manage office supplies and equipment using in-house systems.
We strongly encourage qualified women and minorities to apply.
(Only applicants meeting minimum qualifications for the position will be considered. No phone calls please.)
EOE M/F/H/V