Director of Accounting

About NCAN

The National College Attainment Network (NCAN) is a small, collaborative team of experienced professionals who are fully committed to achieving equity for students historically underrepresented in higher education (students from low-income backgrounds, first-generation-to-college students, and/or students of color). Our fast-paced work environment supports a work-life balance that allows team members to use their talents to their fullest extent. As a national membership network, we are continually informed and inspired by the efforts of organizations and systems across the country committed to breaking down barriers for students and supporting them to obtain college degrees and successful careers. To learn more about NCAN, visit our website here.

The Opportunity

NCAN is a hybrid workplace with a centrally located office in Washington, D.C., requiring team members to be onsite two days per week—Mondays and Wednesdays.

The Director of Accounting serves as NCAN’s lead accountant and a key operational leader, responsible for managing all aspects of the organization’s accounting backbone—from transactional bookkeeping to strategic financial reporting. This role ensures fiscal integrity, compliance, and alignment with NCAN’s mission and strategic goals. The Director oversees a wide range of accounting functions, including payroll, accounts payable and receivable, audit readiness, and grant financial compliance. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), working closely with the Chief Talent, Strategy, and Operations Officer (CTSO), and senior leadership, the Director of Accounting plays a central role in maintaining NCAN’s financial health and supporting its long-term sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

Accounting Management & Oversight

• Lead and perform day-to-day accounting functions, including journal entries, bank reconciliations, accounts payable and receivable, and maintenance of the general ledger.
• Own the month-end and year-end close processes, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Prepare monthly financial reports: Statement of Financial Position, Statement of Activities, Cash Flow Statement, Rolling Forecasts, and executive summaries.
• Maintain and continuously optimize the accounting system (QuickBooks Online), including the chart of accounts and project/grant coding.
• Monitor cash flow, maintain the Net Asset Rollforward, and provide ad hoc financial insight to support operational decisions.
• Collaborate with the CFO on annual budgeting and long-term financial modeling.
• Support accurate coding and tracking of programmatic and administrative expenses in partnership with grant and project leads.

Strategic Accounting & Grant Compliance

• Develop high-quality financial dashboards and custom reports for decision-making by senior leadership and the board.
• Assist the CFO in presenting financial reports and narratives to the CEO, CTSO, and Board Finance and Audit Committees.
• Ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), FASB standards, and all applicable nonprofit accounting and grant management regulations.
• Serve as the point person for external audits and tax filings, including the preparation of documentation and coordination with auditors and tax professionals for the annual Form 990.
• Manage all accounting aspects of grants: tracking allowable costs, reporting to funders, maintaining documentation, and ensuring alignment with federal, state, and private grant requirements.
• Keep records audit-ready and grant-compliant.

Payroll, Benefits & HR Financial Operations

• Process bi-monthly payroll and ensure all benefits, deductions, and payroll taxes are correctly calculated and filed.
• Oversee the accounting-related administration of employee benefits, including HSA/FSA transactions and 401(k) funding and reconciliation.
• Partner with external payroll and benefits providers to ensure accurate and timely filings, payments, and compliance.
• Manage 401(k) compliance, including Form 5500 and annual testing.

Leadership & Special Projects

• Work in close collaboration with the CFO, CTSO, and senior leaders to align financial operations with NCAN’s strategy and values.
• Partner with CFO to provide financial analysis and modeling to inform organizational planning, resource allocation, and scenario testing.
• Lead or contribute to system improvements and efficiency projects across financial operations.
• Ensure all financial, payroll, and grant records are securely organized, up-to-date, and accessible.

Qualifications and Experience

The ideal candidate will bring the following skills and experiences:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA or advanced degree strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in accounting and finance roles, with a strong preference for nonprofit and grant-funded organization experience.
• Broad skill set spanning transactional accounting, financial reporting, audit coordination, and compliance.
• Advanced knowledge of GAAP, nonprofit fund accounting, and financial reporting standards.
• Strong experience with QuickBooks Online and Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel).
• Demonstrated ability to manage audits, prepare IRS Form 990, and support 401(k) compliance and filings.
• Highly detail-oriented, organized, and capable of managing multiple priorities independently.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to translate complex financial concepts for non-financial stakeholders.
• High integrity, sound judgment, and discretion in handling sensitive and confidential information.
• A commitment to educational equity and experience working with diverse communities.

Compensation and Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary range of $135,000 - $145,000 and a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Generous leave time
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Employer-matched 401(k)
• Professional development opportunities
• Performance-based bonus structure (subject to org discretion)

Anticipated Hiring Process & Timeline

The hiring process will include five (5) interview rounds: a one-way video interview, a conversation with the Chief Talent, Strategy, and Operations Officer (CTSO), a performance task, an internal panel interview, and a final interview with the Chief Finance Officer. The desired start date for the selected candidate is July 1, 2025.

NCAN reserves the right to adjust the timeline to accommodate scheduling needs or unforeseen circumstances.