Accounting Manager

Position Description

The Accounting Manager is responsible for the day-to-day management of Defenders’ cash disbursements, payroll functions, and certain general ledger functions. The Accounting Manager is responsible for the work product of two employees and for the efficient and accurate processing and recording for all Defenders’ expense/payment transactions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Supervises employee preparing semi-monthly and bi-weekly payrolls; acts as backup for payroll function
• Ensures accurate and timely disbursement of net pay, payroll taxes, and all amounts withheld from employees’ paychecks
• Assures proper payroll tax reporting
• Prepares monthly journal entries for Defenders of Wildlife and the Action Fund salary, fringe benefit, and overhead allocations
• Acts as Payroll Administrator (currently ADP/iEmployee/Reportsmith) and prepares all related reports
• Approves and releases “live checks” file to bank (currently Bank of America)
• Prepares reconciliations for payroll bank account and all payroll related liability accounts
• Prepares quarterly 941 reconciliations
• Reconciles the pension contribution account and records quarterly pension forfeitures in coordination with Human Resources
• Manages annual workers’ compensation insurance audit

Accounts Payable:

• Supervises accounts payable, assuring proper authorizations, complete documentation, and proper controls
• Manages the scheduling of payments in consideration of ongoing cash flow analysis and investment income opportunities
• Under the direction of the Director of Finance/Controller, approves vouchers for payment and ensures accurate and timely release of disbursements
• Approves and transmits wire transfers to vendors
• Ensures appropriate approval and documentation for employee expense reports and American Express credit card charges, keeping track of unreported charges.  Follows up on missing documentation and prepares reports as necessary.

General Ledger:

• Supervises the Senior Accounts Payable Specialist and Senior Finance Specialist positions
• Ensures that accounts receivable and cash receipts are recorded and reconciled on a timely basis
• Oversees input of cash receipts to general ledger and reconciliation to the Membership database (currently PIDI)
• Responsible for the timely and accurate reconciliation of all general ledger accounts

Other:

• Provides leadership for accounting and finance matters
• Prepares audit schedules and follows through with requests for information during the annual audit process
• Assists Director of Finance/Controller with the audit preparation and response
• Assures timely tax and regulatory filings for payroll and expenses areas (1099's, W-2 forms, etc.)
• Manages workflow for maximum efficiency
• Mentors staff to improve their knowledge and skills in their respective work areas. Responsible for maintenance of supervised employees’ personnel documentation, including hiring, terminating, and any disciplinary actions
• Prepares management reports as required
• Assist in the development of short- and long-range operating objectives, organizational structure, and staffing requirements
• Assist in the development and recommendation of departmental budget
• Ensure optimum performance of group function. Recommend and implement techniques to improve productivity, increase efficiencies, cut costs and maintain state-of-the-art practices.
• Recommend, review and approve employment actions, including interviewing, hiring, promotions and raises, in conjunction with Human Resources. Partner with Human Resources in the handling of disciplinary issues.
• Ensure communication of duties and responsibilities to direct reports and monitor performance. Provide regular coaching and counseling. Identify training needs. Prepare and deliver salary and performance reviews; review and approve performance and salary appraisals as necessary.
• Perform all other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Experience:  5+ years of progressively responsible experience in accounting. 1+ years of relevant management/supervisory experience preferred. Experience in non-profit, ADP payroll, report writing, and iEmployee preferred.

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above.

Certification/Licensure:  CPA preferred

Other Qualifications:

• Maintains current knowledge in finance and accounting
• Excellent Excel skills
• Results-oriented, attention to detail, resourceful, accurate, and dependable
• Strong organizational skills and ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills with the ability to exercise sound judgment and get along well with others in a team environment

How To Apply

Interested applicants please reference Accounting Manager in your subject line and submit a letter of interest, along with your resume and salary history (must be included to be considered) to us via e-mail at: HR@defenders.org

It is the policy of Defenders of Wildlife to provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified individuals without regard to their race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law, in all personnel actions.