Senior Director, General Ledger Accounting

Who We Are

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society mobilizes people and resources to drive research for a cure and to address the challenges of everyone affected by MS. To fulfill this mission, the Society funds cutting-edge research, drives change through advocacy, facilitates professional education, collaborates with MS organizations around the world, and provides programs and services designed to help people with MS and their families move their lives forward. We partner with volunteers to accomplish our work. Staff members engage volunteers through effective and timely communications, facilitating meaningful opportunities, and continually seeking and providing feedback for reciprocal growth and learning.

The Senior Director, General Ledger Accounting is a key member of the National MS Society Finance team reporting to the VP, Controller and is responsible for oversight of general ledger accounting performed by a team of Accountants and Accounting Managers. Core responsibilities of the position include maintaining a high functioning accounting team, leading the development of an effective and efficient monthly close process that delivers timely and accurate financial reporting ensuring compliance with GAAP and serve as lead partner to external auditors managing interim and year end audit timeline and deliverables. The Senior Director, General Ledger Accounting will partner with the Planning & Analytics team and the AVP, Accounting to support monthly variance analysis and have responsibility for the review and approval of GL account reconciliations monthly. The position will play a key role in the Society’s Workday Maintenance Review Committee and the adoption of new accounting guidance as required. The position must demonstrate initiative and accountability to deliver results with a high degree of integrity.

Responsible for oversight of general ledger accounting ensuring accuracy and compliance with GAAP (45%)

• Oversees general ledger accounting for all events, direct benefit to donor, centralized revenue and expenses, lease accounting, payables, receivables, intercompany and prepaid excluding Cloud Software purchases.
• Leads monthly and year end close processes including the development of financial calendars and related communications cross functionally across all of Finance.
• Oversees Progressive MS Alliance accounting and financial reporting, including settlement of intercompany transactions.
• Develops and manages year-end accrual process ensuring staff communication and development of training as required.
• Reviews and approves journal entries and balance sheet reconciliations on a monthly basis. Conducts balance sheet reviews with Controller quarterly.
• Oversees lease contracts related to new and contract modifications ensuring compliance with Society policy and ASC 842 approving lease contracts in Workday monthly.
• Responsible for locking General Ledger module in Workday monthly, resolving any outstanding issues or journal entries.
• Reviews and evaluates Workday maintenance and change requests, representing the GL team making prioritization decisions at Workday Maintenance Review Committee meetings.
• Develops a strong partnership with Planning & Analytics team to support variance analysis and communication of monthly financial results to the AVP, Accounting, Controller, and CFO.
• Leads the review, development, and implementation of Society accounting policies and procedures ensuring compliance with GAAP.
• Provides subject matter expertise on technical accounting issues for complex transactions and implementation of new accounting guidance.
• Evaluates Workday processing and stays abreast of general ledger functionality seeking to optimize and expand Workday day-to-day operational utilization.
• Supports the Controller and assists with other special projects as required.

Partners with external audit firm to lead the Society's interim and year-end audit process and deliverables (30%)

• Coordinates timing of interim and year end audit with external audit team, oversight, and communication of PBC requirements with Society staff, and manages Society leadership and audit team discussions.
• Manages audit selection work, ensuring timely and accurate support is provided.
• Oversees general ledger final year end post close entries and communications with external auditor, Controller, and AVP, Accounting.
• Supports AVP, Accounting in the development of external financial reporting and footnotes.

People Management (20%)

• Responsible for the hiring, onboarding, and continued development of direct reports.
• Conduct regular check-ins to monitor progress, provide feedback, and offer guidance and support where needed to ensure staff is fully supported in their role.
• Ensures staff have the tools, knowledge, and resources necessary to perform job duties effectively as well as opportunities for professional development.
• Coach and collaborate on goal-setting and professional development plans and conduct formal and informal performance conversations.
• Hold staff accountable to the cultural values of the organization and ensure they follow Society operating principles.

Volunteer Engagement (5%)

• Partner with volunteers to accomplish our work.
• Be a spokesperson about the programs and the mission of the Society, and the needs of people affected by MS.

Role Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or Finance
• CPA preferred.
• 8+ years’ experience in general ledger accounting and responsibility for monthly closing and year end external audits
• Prior people manager experience
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills

Technical Competencies

• Proficiency with accounting software and systems, including foundational data model infrastructure. Recent working knowledge of Workday Financials is highly desired.
• Strong knowledge and experience with US GAAP
• High proficiency in advanced MS Excel and Word skills including Pivot Tables and V-Lookups

Compensation & Benefits Info

Estimated hiring compensation range for this role is $82,000- $102,000 based on our average compensation schedule. Final offers will be based on candidate geographic location and consider career experience and may vary from this range due to these and other factors.

The Society has a career framework that is our foundation of a clear, consistent structure for growth and careers. It is comprised of career bands and career levels, as well as functions and disciplines, that together, capture the Society’s positions and work.

This position is in the Management career band and a level of (M2).

The National MS Society is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We strive to create a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. We need you and your unique talents and perspectives to help us write the last chapter on MS.

Application Instructions

We appreciate your consideration of our job opportunities and strive to make it as effortless as possible to apply for our positions. With only a few required sections and the option to use our resume parsing tool, we aim to streamline the application experience, saving you time and effort. Additionally, if you wish to include a cover letter with your application, please feel free to attach it along with your resume, and any other documents required, to the Resume/CV document upload section at the bottom of the My Experience page. We appreciate your interest in joining our team and look forward to receiving your application!

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