Senior Director, Accounting & Tax

Alzheimer's Association Careers•Chicago, IL

11d•$156,000 - $185,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Director, Accounting & Tax provides strategic leadership and oversight of the organization’s accounting, tax compliance, and financial reporting functions. This role ensures adherence to U.S. GAAP, IRS regulations for tax-exempt entities, and federal, state, and local compliance requirements. The position plays a critical role in maintaining financial integrity, supporting organizational growth, and advising senior leadership on complex accounting and tax matters.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA required.
Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in accounting and tax, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
Deep knowledge of nonprofit tax law and GAAP.
Experience preparing/reviewing Forms 990 and 990-T.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Proficiency with accounting systems, preferably Workday, and Microsoft Excel.
Strong ability to lead and manage teams, with a focus on developing talent and driving performance.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective interaction with executive leadership, boards of directors, and external stakeholders.
Ability to handle multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
Knowledge of theory and application of U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, internal controls and segregation of duties.
Advanced understanding of nonprofit tax law.
Specific accounting experience in general ledger including cash, investments, leases, fixed assets, and restricted net assets.
Works independently but also exercises good judgment in identifying and then escalating unusual accounting items to the proper staff member.
Determine tasks priority for self and staff.
Ability to work with a diverse group on site and off site.

Nice To Haves

Nonprofit experience is strongly preferred.
Familiarity with restricted fund accounting preferred.

Responsibilities

Prepare and review schedules for the annual audit and liaise with external auditors.
Oversee accounting for investments, charitable gift annuities (CGAs), fixed assets, leases, research grants, pledges and receivables, donor restricted net assets, contract liability, contributed services, etc.
Ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP and implement new accounting standards as required.
Lead the preparation and review of annual IRS Form 990 and all related filings for the Alzheimer’s Association and all other entities.
Develop and execute tax strategies for the organization and its affiliates.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local tax regulations, including unrelated business income tax (UBIT) and sales/use tax.
Monitor changes in tax laws affecting nonprofit organizations and advise leadership accordingly.
Review required sales and use tax filings and other tax filings.
Review CGA registration and filings.
Supervise and mentor accounting and tax staff, fostering professional development.
Collaborate with internal teams to provide support and ensure accurate financial reporting.
Identify opportunities for automation and efficiency in accounting and tax processes.
Implement best practices for internal controls and risk management.

Benefits

Employees working 24 hours/week or more are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, flex accounts, short and long-term disability, life insurance, long term care insurance, tuition reimbursement, generous Paid Time Off, 12 annual holidays and Paid Family Leave, as well as an annual Cultural & Heritage Day and Volunteer Day of their choosing.
They are also eligible for our gold standard 401(k) retirement plan.
Full time employees (37.5 hours/week), will enjoy all of the above plus an annual School Visitation Day and an Elder Care Facility Day of their choosing.

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