Director of Accounting

Summary of Responsibilities: The Director of Accounting (DOA) position is both a strategic and operational position that encompasses a wide range of activities with involvement in all phases of firm accounting operations including financial reporting, banking, insurance, legal, facilities, and firm operations. The DOA works closely with the Executive Vice President (EVP) on accounting matters, firm-wide strategic efforts, policy setting, problem solving and decision making.  This position is responsible for planning, organization, directing and controlling the day-to-day accounting in the firm and for directing the implementation of many firm policies.  The DOA reports directly to the EVP and indirectly to the Managing Partner as well as the entire Partner group. Location: Bethesda, MD Salary range: $185k - $225k Essential Functions: Develops, executes, and maintains all necessary accounting policies, procedures, processes, and systems ensuring records are accurate and properly maintained. Prepares timely, detailed financial statements, and provides meaningful and useful analysis on results. Presents financial analysis to EVP, Executive Committee and Department Leaders as necessary, including trend analysis and recommendations. Develops annual budget by working collaboratively with various leaders and presents to Executive Committee for approval. Provides timely and meaningful budget to actual analysis, with recommendations for adjustments as needed.  Oversees and manages cash flow and prepares necessary cash management and working capital analyses. Responsible for all company audits. Ensures compliance with all required federal, state, local, payroll, property, and other applicable taxes. Administrator of company 401(k) and profit-sharing plan. Manages and maintains the accuracy of the firm’s client database (Star). Responsible for all banking requirements and maintains primary relationship with bank contacts. Manages general insurance relationships, negotiates terms and cost of required property and casualty insurance coverage. Responsible for professional liability insurance coverages, including but not limited to ensuring the adequacy of insurance coverage in accordance with the company’s acceptable risk levels; identifies areas of exposure and makes appropriate recommendations for loss control. Maintains awareness of financial risks and communicates concerns to EVP. Coachable and self-aware professional who effectively leads, manages, and communicates with staff demonstrating sound judgement and effective problem-solving skills. Continuously reviews and make recommendations for improvement within the department, firm-wide, or elsewhere. Ensures the Internal Accounting Department is aligned with the Firm’s overall strategic plan, helping the Firm fulfill its Mission and Vision. Prepares various analysis to assist the EVP and Compensation Committee with the determination and payment of annual Partner bonuses and distributions, as well as the annual update of Partner deferred compensation amounts. Evaluates proposed operating contracts and capital investments and makes appropriate recommendations. Researches and recommends purchase of necessary office fixtures and equipment, negotiates and monitors maintenance contracts for office equipment and technology. Responsible for ensuring the firm’s compliance with all state and regulatory requirements for registering as a CPA firm, including managing the timely submission of registration documents, maintaining accurate records of state certifications, and coordinating any necessary renewals or updates. Other Functions: Provides necessary financial information for preparation of firm’s Federal and multiple state tax returns, responsible for timely filing of all returns. Oversees maintenance of all historical financial records generated by and/or associated with the accounting department. Oversees preparation and submission of all firm surveys including CPAmerica and Inside Public Accounting surveys, US Census Report and other governmental surveys. Other duties as assigned. Supervisory Responsibilities: Oversees the Internal Accounting and Facilities staff. Directs all aspects of the accounting operations overseeing all transactions related to general ledger, planning, budgeting, forecasting, accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, and financial reporting, ensuring all staff are cross trained as appropriate to effectively and efficiently perform as expected. Provides leadership, development, direction, and management of the internal accounting team, looking to continually enhance the team’s overall engagement. Requirements Education and Experience Required: The role of the Director of Accounting is a high-level professional position; hence a high level of experience is expected for anyone applying for this role. 10+ years’ experience in a Controller or senior level accounting leader role required. Bachelor’s degree in Finance or Accounting required. CPA designation preferred, but not mandatory. Demonstrated Skill and Ability Requirements: Outstanding written and verbal communication skills. Background coordinating with IT, HR and Marketing leaders to ensure cohesion between all operational functions. Ability to establish and develop relationships with all staff, vendors, and other relevant stakeholders. Strong organizational skills, self-directed, attention to detail, ability to multitask, prioritize and meet deadlines. Excellent analytical, reasoning, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Strong presentation skills and ability to clearly communicate analysis and recommendations. Strong project management skills, able to execute on firm-wide initiatives from conception to final implementation. Proven ability in analyzing, interpreting and applying data to improve processes and results. Proficiency in various computer systems, including accounting and practice management software and Microsoft Office suite. Maintains confidentiality of sensitive firm and employee information. This job description does not list all the duties of the job.  You may be asked by supervisors or managers to perform other instructions and duties.  You will be evaluated in part based upon your performance of the tasks listed in this job description. Management has the right to revise this job description at any time.  The job description is not a contract for employment, and either you or the employer may terminate employment at any time, for any reason. Benefits GRF CPAs & Advisors is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status or disability. At GRF CPAs and Advisors, we cultivate an inclusive business environment where all employees are valued for their unique contributions to our mission to provide exceptional financial, tax and consulting services to our clients in the US and around the world.