Accounting Director

Position: Accounting Director

Reports to: Finance Director

Status: Full-time Exempt

Start Date: July 1, 2025

Location: Hybrid / Remote

THE ORGANIZATION

The National Health Law Program (NHeLP) protects and advances the health rights of low-income and underserved individuals. NHeLP engages in national, state, and local advocacy efforts, including analyses of federal and state laws, policy advocacy, litigation, continuing legal education, and individual technical support. We work with lawyers and advocates, community-based entities, federal and state policymakers, health care providers, and clients.

NHeLP is committed to health equity—ensuring that everyone has access to the resources they need to be healthy—and to cultivating an internal environment that empowers an exceptional and diverse staff. For more information, see our Equity Stance.

THE POSITION

NHeLP seeks an experienced and proactive Accounting Director to lead the establishment of our new in-house accounting department. This position is pivotal in our transition from an outsourced model. It requires experience in building and implementing in-house accounting functions, including developing internal systems, policies, and workflows to ensure accuracy, compliance, and alignment with organizational goals.

Reporting to the Finance Director and working closely with the Senior Finance and Administration Manager and Finance and Administration Coordinator, the Accounting Director will operate under the overall supervision of the Chief Operating Officer. This role is central to strengthening NHeLP’s financial infrastructure and ensuring a smooth and effective transition to an in-house model that supports the organization’s long-term success.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Accounting Systems Implementation and Transition

• Lead the transition from an outsourced to an in-house accounting model, managing knowledge transfer and integrating processes with existing workflows.
• Develop and implement scalable accounting procedures that ensure compliance and efficiency.
• Identify and implement automation opportunities to streamline operations and enhance reporting accuracy.

Core Accounting Operations

• Oversee daily accounting functions, including general ledger management, accounts payable/receivable, payroll processing, and reconciliations.
• Manage month-end and year-end closings, ensuring accuracy in journal entries, reconciliations, and financial adjustments.
• Maintain precise records of salaries, leave balances, fringe benefits, and indirect costs.
• Ensure timely reconciliation of all financial accounts, including bank accounts, investments, and cash receipts.
• Prepare and deliver monthly financial reports, including consolidated internal and external financial statements.
• Oversee grant and contract financial management, ensuring compliance with funder requirements and accurate transaction recording.
• Partner with program teams to monitor grant expenses, maintain proper documentation, and meet reporting deadlines.

Financial Reporting and Analysis

• Support the Finance Director and COO in producing Board and management reports, including budget-to-actuals, cash flow forecasts, and financial analyses.
• Conduct ad hoc financial analyses to inform strategic decision-making and long-term planning.

Internal Controls and Compliance

• Develop and monitor internal controls to safeguard assets and ensure compliance with GAAP, nonprofit accounting standards, and NHeLP’s accounting manual.
• Regularly update accounting policies to align with regulatory requirements, including IRS and labor standards.

Audit and Tax Support

• Lead audit preparation, ensuring accurate schedules, reports, and supporting documentation.
• Oversee nonprofit tax compliance, including the preparation of IRS Form 990.

Leadership and Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Serve as the organization’s accounting expert, advising on financial policies and compliance.
• Collaborate with HR on payroll, tax, and labor-related financial matters.
• Mentor and develop accounting team members, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• CPA certification (required).
• Minimum 8 years of nonprofit accounting experience, including:
  • Expertise in GAAP compliance and nonprofit accounting standards.
  • Regulatory compliance with federal and state laws, labor regulations, and tax requirements.
  • Fund accounting and multi-program grant tracking in nonprofit environments.
  • Fixed asset management and depreciation schedules.
  • Experience analyzing indirect cost recovery and fringe benefit allocations to optimize grant utilization.
  • Proven ability to build financial systems and transition from an outsourced to an in-house accounting model.

MUST-HAVE SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Demonstrated expertise in GAAP compliance, financial reporting, grants management, and internal controls.
• Record of successfully implementing in-house accounting functions and scaling financial operations.
• Proven ability to collaborate with senior management, auditors, and external stakeholders in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of nonprofit-specific compliance, including restricted/unrestricted funding allocations.
• Advanced proficiency in accounting software (e.g., Intacct, Bill.com, or similar platforms) and Microsoft Excel (e.g., Power Pivot, financial modeling, and data analysis).
• Experience preparing and presenting financial reports to senior management, Boards, and external stakeholders.

NICE-TO-HAVE SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

These qualifications would enhance the candidate’s fit for the role but are not mandatory:

• Experience implementing process automation and financial system integrations for enhanced efficiency.
• Hands-on experience with budgeting tools and forecasting software.
• Advanced knowledge of IRS Form 990 preparation and nonprofit tax regulations.
• Familiarity with cloud-based financial platforms and donor database integrations (e.g., Salesforce, Raiser’s Edge).

Commitment: Full-time, starting July 1, 2025.

COMPENSATION

The compensation range for this position is between $137,620 and $150,131 annually. Compensation is competitive, commensurate with experience, and aligned with internal equity. Generous benefits are available, including employer-paid medical, dental, life, and disability insurance, pre-tax savings plans, and a retirement savings opportunity. NHeLP also offers generous paid time off, including holidays, sick time, personal time, family and medical leave for eligible employees, 150 hours (20 days) of vacation per year, and more.

LOCATION

This position is largely remote, with the occasional need to be at the office and travel to any of NHeLP’s office locations as needed.

Deadline: April 30, 2025.

NHeLP advocates to advance the health rights of many populations that have traditionally lacked legal protection, such as women, people of color, LGBTQI individuals, people with disabilities, and people with limited English proficiency. To promote social justice and best achieve our mission, NHeLP is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace in which differences are acknowledged and valued. We make our employment decisions based on merit. We comply with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws, and we do not discriminate based on race, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

For more information, please visit: www.healthlaw.org.