Director of Accounting

The Phillips Collection•Washington, DC

About The Position

The Phillips Collection is seeking a Director of Accounting to join its Finance team. This newly created role offers an exciting opportunity to shape and strengthen the museum’s financial operations. The Director of Accounting is a key leader within the Finance team, responsible for ensuring the integrity of the museum’s financial records and supporting strategic financial operations Initially, the role will focus on traditional accounting functions—such as journal entries, reconciliations, and record keeping—while driving improvements in financial systems and reducing manual processes. Over time, the Director of Accounting will assume broader responsibilities that include, but are not limited to, financial reporting, audits, budgeting, compliance, endowment management, and strategic planning. The role requires independence, strong technical skills, and collaboration across departments to ensure accurate and timely financial information across the organization. The Director of Accounting will also contribute to the preparation of meeting materials for the Finance Committee and Investment Committee of the Board of Trustees. This is an excellent growth opportunity for a seasoned, detail-oriented accounting professional eager to expand their responsibilities and play a critical role in the museum’s financial future.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related field
5 -7 years of senior-level accounting experience, preferably in a nonprofit environment.
Strong knowledge of GAAP and nonprofit financial reporting standards.
Advanced proficiency in Excel and experience with financial accounting systems.
Demonstrated ability to design reports and conduct complex financial analyses.
Strategic thinker with planning experience and a proactive, solution-oriented mindset.
Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy across all financial processes.
Adaptable and responsive to changing priorities and workflow demands.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Creative problem-solver with ability to identify and implement process improvements.

Nice To Haves

CPA certification preferred

Responsibilities

Oversee daily accounting operations, including journal entries, reconciliations, and accurate record keeping.
Manage processing and recordation of accounts payable and receivable to ensure accuracy and integrity.
Supervise bi-weekly payroll activities to ensure timely, accurate, and compliant recordation of all transactions.
Lead and coordinate timely monthly and year-end financial close processes; prepare internal financial reports as needed.
Support annual audit and IRS 990 filings; ensure the organization’s financial practices comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and nonprofit accounting principles (e.g., GAAP).
Develop new, and maintain existing, accounting policies and procedures.
Maintain and enhance financial accounting systems; identify and lead opportunities for automation and process improvement.
Spearhead and actively contribute to budgeting, forecasting, and long-range financial planning to support organizational goals.
Direct ongoing analysis and evaluation of operational budgets, monitor budget variances, and project variances into a monthly forecast.
Design and deliver custom reports and analyses for leadership as needed.
Collaborate extensively with other departments to ensure effective fiscal procedures and accurate reporting.
Contribute to the team’s preparation of materials for the Finance and Investment Committees of the Board of Trustees.
Contribute to strategic planning by providing financial insights and recommendations.
Serve as a key resource in a collaborative finance team.
Perform other duties as assigned.