Overview

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.

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

Responsibilities

Ready to contribute to Brookings success?

The Accounting Manager will perform the daily operational activities of the General Ledger (GL) unit within the Controller’s Office, implement and maintain a strong internal control structure to safeguard company assets and ensure financial integrity, ensuring accuracy and compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Standards (GAAP). The Accounting Manager will oversee the day-to-day accounting operations and general ledger activities of the Organization. and oversees the main transaction cycles such as monthly close, accounts receivable and revenue, billing, cash management and reconciliations, accounts payable, etc. The Accounting Manager leads and mentors a team of two highly performing senior accountants, providing guidance and support to ensure high performance and professional development. This is a highly visible role that partners and collaborates cross functionally within the Controller’s Office, and with staff across business units and research programs. This position requires a professional who is strong technically, possesses good analytical skills, and demonstrates exceptional potential in leadership and team building.

General Ledger Accounting (80%)

Lead the monthly and year-end closing processes including running allocations, revenue, and expense releases
Prepare standard and adjusting journal entries based on accounting research, reconciling items, and requests from internal parties
Review and post journal entries prepared by direct reports and others
Run monthly EMS conference service process
Run endowment monthly processes and reconcile quarterly with the investment reports
Reconcile assigned general ledger accounts on a monthly basis; review balance sheets account reconciliations prepared by others on a quarterly basis
Perform pre-closing trial balance analysis; review analysis performed by direct reports
Participate in annual external audit, including timely preparation and organization of audit schedules, work papers and various reports; review schedules, work papers and reports prepared by direct reports
Review semi-monthly payroll accounting; review and post payroll accounting adjustments submitted by programs
Oversee customers and grants billing, identify and resolve gifts/grants revenue, deferred, and AR related issues
Oversee cash application process and post applicable cash receipt entries
Ensure reconciliation with Development team on UNR cash receipts and timely transfer of Endowment cash receipts to the custodian bank
Assist with the preparation of 990 and 403b audit
Provide assistance to research and non-research financial staff on any inquiries regarding GL accounting as well as ensuring issues resolved
Review Workday mandatory and optional new feature releases
Suggest and implement improvements to increase efficiency and effectiveness
Perform other projects as assigned.

Team Leadership and Collaboration (20%)

Coach and develop staff professional and technical skillset
Ensure Staff planning and meeting deadlines
Train and mentor direct reports to support individual outcomes and professional and career development opportunities.
Collaborates cross functionally within The Controllers office and with stakeholders in program finance

Qualifications

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 required. CPA or master degree in Accounting required. Minimum 8 years accounting experience required, including general ledger, account reconciliation, and financial statement analysis. Minimum 3 years of managerial experience.

Knowledge/Skills Requirements

Thorough understanding of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP); general ledger, accounts receivable, account reconciliation, payroll accounting, and bank reconciliation. Proficient in Microsoft Office suite (Outlook, Word, and Excel). Nonprofit and grants management experience preferred, with Workday experience a plus. Strong time management, interpersonal, problem-solving, and written and oral communication skills are required. Must be detail oriented and organized, with excellent analytical and problem solving skills, and a high level of accuracy. Ability to prioritize and handle multiple assignments concurrently; proven ability to operate successfully in a demanding environment

Additional Information

What can we offer you? Brookings provides a generous benefit package that is comprehensive and includes both traditional benefits and unique offerings. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision benefits, generous time off, and workplace flexibility. For more information, please visit Brookings Benefits.

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.

Note: Must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.

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Accounting Manager (Job ID: 2025-3657)

Overview

Responsibilities

Qualifications

Options