Senior Staff Accountant

The Aspen Institute•Washington, DC

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Aspen Institute is a global nonprofit organization founded in 1949. Headquartered in Washington, DC, it also has a campus in Aspen, Colorado, and an international network of partners. The Office of Financial Operations delivers timely and accurate financial reporting, analysis, and guidance, supporting the Institute’s programs and departments and its Board of Trustees while promoting sound fiscal management and compliance with applicable standards and laws. The Senior Staff Accountant manages complex financial reconciliations, analyzes balance sheet activity, oversees endowment transactions, and ensures accurate reporting for operational and investment accounts. The role also supervises the Finance Associate and reports to the General Ledger Manager. The stated salary range is $89,100–$113,900. Under the Institute’s Reimagining Work policy, the position requires in-person work with colleagues at least 40% of the time, with flexibility to work remotely for the remainder.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field.
At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in nonprofit accounting.
Strong knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting.
At least 1 year of direct supervisory experience.
Experience with accounting systems.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including advanced functions for data analysis and reconciliation.
Exceptional organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks and meet critical deadlines.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively across teams.

Nice To Haves

Experience with NetSuite is preferred.

Responsibilities

Calculate and record overhead, including NICRA overhead allocations, interest, and regrant fees.
Track and post journal entries for capital leases in DC and NY.
Review and validate Meadows balance sheet reconciliations for accuracy, anomalies, and compliance with internal policies.
Prepare and post monthly entries for Meadows operating results and balance sheet activities.
Record scholarship transfers.
Record fixed asset transactions, including acquisitions, depreciation, disposals, and lease accounting.
Reconcile fixed asset accounts.
Track and record Meadows FF&E transactions.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support audits and ensure financial integrity.
Supervise the Finance Associate by providing guidance, training, and performance feedback.
Reconcile complex balance sheet accounts, including cash, receivables, investment pools, lease liabilities, and accrued benefit liabilities such as Flexfund, TIAA-CREF, and Roth Retirement.
Reconcile and track monthly Flex, Dependent Care, and HSA activity.
Reconcile payroll and payroll taxes to the general ledger.
Record OIA bad debt entries.
Maintain daily tracking of Cigna healthcare balances.
Record internal conference center fees.