Director of Finance and Accounting

This position will be based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. FIRE operates on a hybrid work schedule that allows for a mix of in-the-office and remote work for eligible employees. Fully remote work will not be considered for this position.

About FIRE

The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression’s mission is to defend and sustain the individual rights of all Americans to free speech and free thought — the most essential qualities of liberty. FIRE educates Americans about the importance of these inalienable rights, promotes a culture of respect for these rights, and provides the means to preserve them.

Position Description

The Finance and Accounting Director will report to FIRE’s Chief Operating Officer and manage FIRE’s Senior Accountant to implement the financial vision for the organization. The Finance and Accounting Director will also work closely with other members of the Administrative team. The duties for this position include, but are not limited to:

Financial Management:

• Managing, recommending, and implementing systems, policies, and procedures to ensure that the financial operations of FIRE continue to run smoothly and effectively.
• Management of all financial operations to ensure accuracy and completeness including:
  • Accounts payable and receivable
  • General ledger
  • Reviewing bank reconciliations and account analysis while maintaining US nonprofit GAAP compliance
  • Expense Reporting
• Banking / Treasury and Investment oversight including:
  • Monitoring cash balances in operating accounts.
  • Working with our financial advisors to assist with FIRE’s investment strategy and planning.
  • Researching different banking and deposit alternatives in order to proactively safeguard FIRE’s cash balances under FDIC guidelines.
• Presenting financial statements monthly to the Chief Operating Officer
• Acting as the main point-of-contact for annual audit engagements, working to ensure that auditors’ deadlines are met and that the audit is completed in a timely manner.
• Preparing, delegating tasks, reviewing submissions, and following up as needed to ensure that our annual Form 990 is filed on time.
• Leading the annual budget and planning process, working with the Senior Accountant to compile all data, and assisting the Chief Operating Officer with the final budget review and presentation to leadership.

Management and Operations:

• Managing, mentoring, and delegating tasks to the Senior Accountant and members of the growing financial team.
• Reviewing and approving the monthly financial statement package and assisting with the presentation of these statements before reporting to the Chief Operating Officer.
• Providing support to the Chief Operating Officer with regard to accounting standards, banking issues, investment planning, and other high-level issues that arise.
• Providing guidance and suggestions to the Chief Operating Officer on financial matters.
• Seeking process improvements with regard to month-end tasks and system integrations.
• Preparing and working with FIRE’s program leads regarding budget expectations and deadlines.
• Reviewing and monitoring FIRE’s internal control policies for compliance as well as possible updates.
• Hiring and onboarding Accounting and Finance team members as needed.
• Setting strategic goals for the department and team members.

Other duties and special projects:

• Assessing FIRE’s needs, analyzing our current weaknesses, integrating new systems, and making recommendations for potential opportunities for enhancements.
• Oversee the implementation of a new accounting software system that includes a migration from QuickBooks, researching various accounting software options, taking capabilities and cost factors into account and conferring with the Chief Operating Officer, Chief Information Officer, Chief of Staff and Senior Accountant to address their needs and concerns.
• Documenting any new accounting procedures as needed.

This position involves a limited amount of travel. Occasional work on weekends and evenings may be expected. The expected start date for this position is as soon as possible.

Qualifications

A successful candidate will have a good work ethic, be a self-starter, and have the ability to work independently and manage a team. Most importantly, the candidate must demonstrate a knowledge and passion for FIRE’s mission and an ability to articulate that passion in a way that will make others enthusiastic about our cause. A candidate must also be able to demonstrate:

• A strong interest and understanding of FIRE’s mission and the ability to articulate it to others;
• 10+ years of demonstrated financial experience;
• Experience working in non-profit finance, strongly preferred;
• Strong financial reporting skills;
• The ability to communicate with a variety of audiences;
• The ability to work independently and use discretion;
• The ability to work in a fast-paced environment, juggling and prioritizing multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously;
• Strong organizational and time management skills;
• Working knowledge of programs such as QuickBooks, Bill.com, and Excel, preferred;
• Working knowledge of the Google platform including Gmail and Google Drive;

• Commitment to open communication, teamwork, collaboration, and seeking different perspectives.

Candidates must possess an undergraduate degree with a concentration in accounting or finance from an accredited college or university and a CPA is preferred.

Salary and Compensation

Starting salary is negotiable and depends upon experience and education level. FIRE conducts periodic evaluations where employees may receive raises or bonuses for outstanding and excellent work. FIRE also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes employer-paid comprehensive health, dental, and life insurance; a Section 125 Flexible Spending Account option; matching retirement contributions; and a generous paid time-off plan.

Applications

Applicants should provide a resume, cover letter, salary requirements, and contact information for at least two professional references. All applications are confidential. Please address applications to Cait Scanlan, Director of People Operations.

FIRE is an equal opportunity employer.