Director, Accounting (Controller Department)

Urban Institute•The Urban Institute (DC), DC

38d•$116,302 - $207,050•Remote

About The Position

Central to Urban’s mission is fostering a truly inclusive community that ensures ongoing relevance to a changing world. Urban’s Controller Department seeks an experienced, collaborative, and proactive Accounting Director to join its leadership team. Reporting to the Senior Director, Accounting, the Accounting Director will play a key role in overseeing urban’s accounting operations, including the financial close, billing and revenue accounting, accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll accounting, financial reporting, and audit activities. The Director will ensure accurate and timely financial reporting, strong internal controls, and compliance with GAAP and applicable federal award requirements. The ideal candidate will bring strong technical accounting knowledge, sound judgment, and a continuous-improvement mindset. The role is well suited for an accounting leader who can balance hands-on operational oversight with technical accounting, cross-functional collaboration, and process improvement.

Requirements

Possess a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field; CPA or other relevant professional certification is preferred.
Have at least 12 years of progressive accounting experience, including at least 5 years of accounting leadership experience, including managing and developing accounting professionals.
Demonstrate strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP and significant experience with financial close, general ledger accounting, financial reporting, and internal controls.
Bring significant experience supporting annual financial statement audits and working effectively with external auditors; experience with Single Audits is required.
Demonstrate strong knowledge of revenue recognition under ASC 606 and ASC 958 and experience evaluating and documenting complex or judgmental accounting matters.
Have significant nonprofit accounting experience and strong knowledge of federal award requirements, including Uniform Guidance, SEFA, indirect cost recovery, and experience working with NICRAs.
Demonstrate strong analytical skills, sound judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to identify issues, recommend practical solutions, and clearly communicate accounting conclusions.
Demonstrate strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to develop staff and collaborate effectively across Finance, Grants & Contracts, Human Resources, Technology & Data Science, program teams, and senior management.
Exhibit proficiency with ERP/accounting systems and Microsoft Excel, along with the ability to use Microsoft Copilot and other approved technology and automation tools to improve accounting processes, analysis, and efficiency.
Organize and prioritize multiple responsibilities in a deadline-driven environment while maintaining accuracy, accountability, and appropriate documentation.

Nice To Haves

CPA or other relevant professional certification is preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead full-cycle accounting operations, including the general ledger, monthly and year-end close, reconciliations, accruals, allocations, and supporting documentation, ensuring accurate and timely financial records.
Review significant and nonroutine transactions, estimates, and account analyses for GAAP compliance, appropriate documentation, and audit readiness.
Direct billing and revenue accounting for government contracts and grants, foundations, and other funders; overs invoice accuracy, timely billing, and resolution of billing issues.
Review revenue recognition analyses under ASC 606 and ASC 958, including ASU 2019-08, and lead and document the analysis of complex or judgmental accounting matters.
Oversee accounts receivable, cash application, aging, and collections, ensuring appropriate reconciliation among funding agreements, projects, and the general ledger.
Oversee accounts payable, payroll accounting, and information reporting, including Forms 1099, while maintaining effective internal controls and segregation of duties.
Serve as the first comprehensive reviewer of financial statements, disclosures, account analyses, and other financial reporting.
Lead accounting support for the annual financial statement audit, Single Audit, and funder or regulatory audits, including preparation and review of the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA).
Support accounting and compliance for federal awards, including Uniform Guidance requirements, indirect cost recovery, and Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) matters.
Serve as the first reviewer of Form 990 workpapers, including reconciliation to the general ledger and consistency of financial disclosures.
Lead, coach, and develop accounting staff; establish clear ownership and accountability and partner with Finance, Grants & Contracts, Human Resources, Technology & Data Science, and program teams to strengthen processes and data quality.
Identify and implement opportunities to improve accounting, billing, ERP, payroll, and reporting processes, including responsible use of Microsoft Copilot and other approved automation tools to reduce manual work and improve efficiency.

Benefits

Generous paid time off, including nine federal holidays and other leave benefits
Medical (including prescription), dental and vision insurance
Transit benefits
403(b) retirement plan participation immediately after you’re hired and a generous employer contribution after six months of service and 500 hours, with immediate vesting
Health advocate
Personal finance consulting
Employee Assistance Program
Wellbeing program
Credit union
Educational assistance for undergraduate and graduate degree programs