Senior Accountant (Job ID: 2023-3294)

Join one of the most influential, most quoted and most trusted think tanks!

The Brookings Institution is a nonprofit public policy organization based in Washington, DC. Our mission is to conduct in-depth research that leads to new ideas for solving problems facing society at the local, national and global level.

We bring together leading experts in government and academia from all over the world, rooted in open-minded inquiry and representing diverse points of view, who provide the highest quality research, policy recommendations, and analysis. Research topics cover a full range of public policy issues in economics, foreign policy, development, governance and metropolitan policy.

With fair and transparent business practices, clear communication, mutual respect, and a collaborative atmosphere that offers both professional and personal development opportunities, Brookings offers an inclusive and welcoming workplace that values the efforts of all contributors.

The Office of Financial Service (OFS) is dedicated to supporting the mission of Brookings by ensuring and enhancing its financial health and promoting financial efficiency and innovation. We accomplish this by safeguarding the institution’s assets, stewarding donor contributions and providing quality and client-driven service characterized by professionalism, integrity, reliability, transparency, accountability, expertise, and above all else – respectfulness and fairness. OFS is comprised of Accounting, Financial Planning and Management, Financial Operations and Investments. 

The Controller's Office manages the functions of General Accounting, Accounts Payable, Payroll, Tax Reporting, Accounts Receivable and Financial Systems.

Position Location: This position is hybrid. Hybrid positions combine regular in-person presence at our Washington, DC office with the option of at least two days of remote work each week.

Vaccine Policy: Brookings requires all staff to submit proof of complete vaccination against COVID-19 to be in Brookings buildings.

Individuals that (i) have a qualifying medical condition that contraindicates a COVID-19 vaccination, or (ii) who object to being vaccinated based on a sincerely held religious belief, may request a reasonable accommodation.  Brookings policies on masks and other pandemic mitigation measures will continue to be informed by DC and CDC guidelines.

Ready to contribute to Brookings success?

The Senior Accountant is an integral part of the Controller’s Office at Brookings and will work under the direction of the Assistant Director, Accounting. The Senior Accountant provides general accounting support, with main duties to include Standard Journal Entries and Adjusting Entries, Balance Sheet Reconciliations, Customers and Grants Billing, Gifts and Other Non-Grants Business Billings, Conditional Grants AR, Unbilled and Deferred Revenue Account Reconciliation, and other duties as assigned.

Accounting and Reconciliations (40%)

• Create New Customers/Donors
• Maintain gift worktags as requested by research programs
• Assist with Concur (P-card and out of pocket) reconciliation between Wells Fargo and Workday and identify/verify missing transactions
• Collect check and make weekly check deposit
• Send BEE monthly expense report and copies of invoices for supporting the expenses
• Assist with reconciliation between Workday and Raisers Edge on a quarterly basis
• Record accrual entries and reconcile the accrual account
• Participate in month end closing; review assigned expense/revenue accounts, and prepare adjusting journal entries as needed
• Reconcile assigned balance sheet account monthly
• Participate in annual external audit, including timely preparation and organization of audit schedules, work papers, and various reports
• Reprocess award costs as requested by grants team

Billing and Customer Cash Application (50%)

• Create new gifts as requested
• Review NGARs and process gifts billing
• Create billing schedules for awards, create invoices for fixed amount contract line type, and create invoices for cost reimbursable award transaction
• Maintain billing schedule for conditional grants
• Review and assist with reconciling all AR accounts and resolve any discrepancies, work with programs on aging items, on accounts items, and research resolve any issues
• Review and assist with reconciling deferred revenue, unbilled AR, and conditional grants AR Accounts
• Process all non-grant/gift billings including rent, retirees, cobra, Press, EMS conference
• Review cash receipt log and identify customer related payments
• Create customer payment and customer deposit, apply to invoices, and attach supporting documents accordingly

General Accounting (10%)

• Process adjusting entries as requested by managers or programs
• Serve as back up to others when needed
• Other tasks as assigned

Ready to make an impact? In this role, you will support Brookings values of collegiality, respect, inclusion, diversity and community, and bring the following qualifications:

Education/Experience Requirements::

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or business required. CPA or Masters degree preferred. A minimum of 6 years of relevant accounting experience to include general ledger, accounts receivable, account reconciliations. Non profit experience preferred. Must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.

Knowledge/Skill Requirements:

Understanding of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP); GL, AP, AR, Grants processes and internal controls required. Familiarity with the Microsoft Office suite, with good working knowledge of Outlook, Word, and Excel. Experience with Workday or a similar ERP solution is required.  Good oral and written communication skills.  Must be detail oriented and organized, with good problem-solving skills, and a high level of accuracy.  Excellent analytical skills and research capability. Ability to work independently but also in a team environment. Ability to accurately collect and relay information. Must have sound judgment and the ability to use discretion in handling sensitive and confidential information.

Additional Information:

What can we offer you? Brookings provides a generous benefit package that is comprehensive and includes both traditional benefits and unique offerings.

Brookings requires that all applicants submit a cover letter and resume. Please attach your cover letter and resume as one document when you apply. Please note: if you have applied to more than one Brookings job opening you should add a position-specific cover letter as a separate attachment.

Successful completion of a background investigation is required for employment at Brookings.

Brookings welcomes and celebrates diversity in all its forms.  We welcome applications that reflect a variety of backgrounds based on ideology, race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, first generation college goers, and other factors protected by law. Brookings is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer that is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace.