Managing Director of Accounting

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, develop, and oversee a high-performing, collaborative, and integrated accounting and payroll team.  
• Support clear priorities, coordination, and shared accountability across accounting and payroll operations while advancing the organization’s strategic plan.  
• Support ongoing professional development, cross-training, and operational continuity across accounting and payroll functions. 
• Promote continuous learning, process improvement, and thoughtful adoption of technology and innovation within accounting operations. Stay informed about changes in accounting standards and technological advancements. Implement updates to enhance operational effectiveness. 

• Partner across departments to integrate accounting, payroll, and financial considerations early into organizational planning and decision-making. 
• Provide leaders and teams with practical guidance, tools, and resources that strengthen compliance, operational clarity, and consistent accounting and payroll practices. 
• Support organizational readiness during periods of growth, change, or financial complexity by helping teams navigate accounting and payroll requirements and processes effectively. 
• Create and maintain user-friendly accounting policies, procedures, and documentation that support understanding, transparency, and compliance throughout the organization. 
• Provide coaching, training, and responsive support to team members as questions or issues arise, strengthening organization-wide understanding of accounting practices and controls. 

• Provide strategic oversight for accounting and payroll functions, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, completeness, and integrity across financial reporting and transactional activities.  
• Prepare quarterly organizational financial statements and present them to senior leadership and the Board of Directors. Provide financial forecasts and variance analyses to inform strategic decision-making.  
• Collaborate with department leads to develop and manage the annual budget. 
• Oversee accounting operations and controls, working closely with the accounting team to ensure accurate and timely accounting-related processing, strong general ledger integrity, effective internal controls, and coordination across accounts receivable, accounts payable, allocations, and journal entry functions. 
• Oversee payroll operations and controls, working closely with the Director of Payroll to ensure accurate and timely payroll processing, regulatory compliance, strong internal controls, and effective coordination across payroll, HR, and accounting functions.  
• Review all incoming awards, ensuring proper coding and recording. Monitor banking activity and review reconciliations. 
• Manage cash flow and liquidity, protecting the organization’s assets while accommodating operations. Review all cash disbursements and perform fund releases in accordance with internal control limits. Assess cash availability of each project before releasing payments.  
• Administer all loan funds, preparing payment requests, transfers, schedules, and accounting entries. 

• Lead the annual external audit and tax return preparation, liaise with external auditors, and provide necessary documentation, schedules, and reports. Address any audit findings and implement corrective actions as needed. 
• Establish and maintain internal control policies and procedures to safeguard the organization’s assets and ensure the integrity of financial information.  
• Develop comprehensive procedures and cross-training for accounting team members to ensure smooth operations and business continuity. 
• Promote a “yes, if” mindset that encourages innovation while ensuring compliance. 

• Establish and maintain systems and processes that support efficient, accurate, and scalable accounting operations. 
• Leverage technology to improve accounting workflows, data accuracy, and automation. 
• Evaluate and implement improvements to accounting procedures, tools, and reporting processes to support organizational growth and evolving operational needs. Ensure accounting and payroll systems and practices support strong collaboration across accounting, payroll, HR, program finance, and grant stewardship functions.  

The Ideal Candidate

• Strategic Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead and strengthen accounting operations within a complex organization, translating accounting and financial complexity into practical guidance and operational clarity.  
• Experience & Certification: Proven leader with 10+ years of experience as an accounting director, controller, or similar role at a nonprofit organization. CPA designation is a plus.
• Nonprofit Accounting & Financial Operations Expertise: In-depth knowledge of U.S nonprofit accounting principles, payroll operations, internal controls, policies, and best practices.  
• Organizational Health: Proven track record of developing and strengthening accounting systems, policies, and practices that enhance compliance, operational effectiveness, and organizational sustainability.  
• Inclusive Leadership: Demonstrated commitment to fostering a collaborative, supportive, and inclusive team environment while modeling values-aligned leadership and equitable workplace practices.  
• Communication: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to clearly communicate complex accounting and financial information to leadership, project teams, and cross-functional partners. Spanish language skills a plus. Exceptional ability to facilitate crucial conversations with professionalism and care. 
• Strategic Problem Solving: Strong analytical and decision-making skills with the ability to assess financial and operational risks, navigate ambiguity, and develop thoughtful, solutions-oriented approaches that balance innovation, compliance, and organizational needs. 
• Systems Thinking & Operational Stewardship: Demonstrated ability to design, improve, and oversee accounting systems, workflows, and operational processes that support efficiency, accuracy, scalability, and strong financial management practices.  
• Adaptability & Navigating Ambiguity: Ability to operate effectively in a dynamic and evolving environment, managing shifting priorities and supporting organizational change with flexibility and sound judgment. 
• Attention to Detail: Highly organized with strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple deadlines and shifting priorities. 
• Mission & Values Alignment: Commitment to Multiplier’s mission and values, including a collaborative, service-oriented approach and dedication to responsible stewardship of organizational resources. 

Workplace, Compensation & Application

• An updated resume.
• A cover letter describing your relevant experience and qualifications. 

About
Multiplier accelerates impact for innovative projects focused on protecting and fostering a healthy, sustainable, resilient and equitable world. At Multiplier, program teams can turn game-changing ideas into planet-saving impact, and they can do it faster and better than they otherwise could.Multiplier celebrates diversity and is committed to building teams and partnerships that represent a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. Multiplier is also committed to providing an environment of mutual respect that is free from discrimination and harassment. Multiplier prohibits discrimination in its governance, programs, and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, marital status, amnesty, status as a covered veteran, because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from public assistance, or for any other factor that is not based on merit.