News

Smart Growth America is seeking a dynamic and detail-oriented Senior Accountant to join our growing Finance and Administration team and support our dedicated program staff who focus on the built environment’s role in creating healthy, prosperous, and thriving communities.

To apply: Please send a cover letter and resume to jobs@smartgrowthamerica.org with “Senior Accountant” in the subject line. In your cover letter, please indicate how you’ve learned of this opportunity. Applications will be reviewed as received. We look forward to hearing from candidates soon.

About Smart Growth America

Smart Growth America is a leading national non-profit organization advocating for equitable, sustainable land use, development, and transportation. We empower communities through technical assistance, advocacy, and thought leadership to realize this vision of livable places, healthy people, and shared prosperity. Programmatic priorities for SGA include advancing racial equity, addressing the climate crisis, and improving the health of communities.

Position Overview

SGA is searching for a Senior Accountant to add to its team. Reporting to the Director of Finance and Administration, the Senior Accountant is responsible for day-to-day accounting, monthly closing, preparing monthly financial reports for end users, and facilitating annual organizational audits. This role will also help develop, review, enforce, and improve policies, systems, and procedures. 

Responsibilities

General Accounting

• Ensures the integrity of accounting information by recording, verifying, consolidating, and entering transactions
• Prepares and records asset, liability, revenue, and expense entries by compiling and analyzing account information
• Maintains and balances sub-ledger accounts by verifying, allocating, posting, and reconciling transactions and resolving discrepancies
• Manage and oversee general accounting activities and operations of SGA (A/P, A/R, GL, etc.)
• Process and record semi-monthly payroll. Manage payroll and other tax reporting and compliance matters
• Responsible for month-end and year-end closing process

Financial Reporting

• Monitor and analyze accounting data and produce financial reports and statements as required 
• Produce timely and accurate monthly financial statements and accounting reports
• Create financial reports or presentations 
• Support the activities for the annual budgeting process, and cash flow forecasting
• Assist in financial analysis on an ad hoc basis 
• Assist and support the finance team on an ad hoc basis 

Internal controls and Compliance

• Provide recommendations, improve systems and procedures, and initiate corrective actions as appropriate 
• Establish and enforce accounting policies and principles 
• Develop and document business processes and accounting policies to maintain and strengthen internal controls 
• Ensure compliance with GAAP principles
• Establish and enforce accounting policies and principles 
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Audit/Tax/Other

• Act in a support function to the Director of Finance & Administration and liaise with our outsourced accounting firm and external auditors during the annual audit process
• Coordinate, prepare, and complete annual audit preparations. Prepare audit schedules/documentation for external auditors
• Investigating and resolving audit findings, account discrepancies, and issues of non-compliance
• Preparing federal, state, local, and special tax returns
• Assist and support the finance team on an ad hoc basis 
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Finance and Administration

Professional Qualifications

Required:

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance and a minimum of three (3) years of relevant not-for-profit accounting experience
• Must have in-depth Excel and general ledger computer application knowledge, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to exercise sound and logical judgment in various situations.  
• Visible and recognized expertise in financial systems, including general ledger, GAAP, financial statement presentation, budgeting, payroll, accounts receivable, and accounts payable
• Expertise in the use of spreadsheets and other software programs available to maximize efficiency.   Advanced MS Excel skills including vlookups and pivot tables
• Must possess the ability to interact with all staff levels in a fast-paced environment, with a high level of professionalism and confidentiality 
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills٫ with accuracy and attention to detail
• Thorough knowledge of basic accounting procedures 
• Ability to write policy manuals
• Highly organized, efficient, and process-oriented.
• Proficient computer skills including Google and MS Office

Preferred:

• Flexible and creative self-starter who can work both independently and within a team 
• Must be service-oriented, an excellent team member, and able to juggle multiple priorities with shifting agendas
• An entrepreneurial spirit with a high degree of initiative and motivation
• Experience using software to identify and analyze quality indicators and data, measure variables, and highlight trends 
• The Senior Accountant must be resourceful, an independent thinker, self-sufficient, and self-motivated 
• The Senior Accountant will be knowledgeable and organized with a proactive attitude and strong coordination/collaboration skills. 

Compensation and Location

Salary is commensurate with applicable experience, with a range of $75,000 – $85,000. The successful candidate would need to have at least a minimum of three (3) years of relevant not-for-profit accounting experience, the required qualifications, some of the preferred skills, and mission alignment to be considered for a salary at the top of the range. Internal equity is also a factor in determining a final salary. 

SGA has an entrepreneurial and innovative workplace culture where employees work collaboratively to achieve the mission with a focus on equity. SGA offers a generous employee benefits package featuring a fully paid medical plan, optional dental and vision coverage, 401k with a strong company contribution, company-paid life, and disability insurance, three weeks’ vacation in the first year, transit benefits, professional development, and 11 paid holidays.

Office Schedule and COVID Protocols

This position is based in Washington, DC. SGA staff are currently working in the office at 1152 15th Street NW, Washington, DC three days per week Tuesday through Thursday. No relocation assistance is offered at this time. SGA requires employees to be vaccinated for COVID-19 and boosted. Other COVID protocols include social distancing for meetings and masks are encouraged, though not required.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Smart Growth America is committed to building a diverse staff and strongly encourages applications from candidates of color. Employment and promotional opportunities are based upon individual capabilities and qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation/preference, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as established under law.

How to Apply

Please send a resume and cover letter to jobs@smartgrowthamerica.org with “Senior Accountant” in the subject line. Selected applicants will be contacted via email. In your cover letter, please indicate how/where you learned of this job opportunity. Applications will be accepted immediately on a rolling basis until the position is filled. No phone calls, please.