Director or Senior Director, Finance & Accounting

Resources for the Future (RFF) is an independent, nonprofit research and policy organization with more than 70 years of nonpartisan, rigorous scholarship on the environment, energy, and natural resources. Founded in 1952 at the recommendation of a presidential commission, RFF helped invent the field of environmental economics and has shaped landmark policies from the Clean Air Act to the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. Today, RFF brings that same legacy of intellectual rigor to bear on the problems ranging from providing clean, affordable, reliable, and secure energy, to managing responses to increased flooding and wildfires.The Director, Finance & Accounting, joins RFF at a moment of transition and opportunity. RFF owns its own building in the heart of Washington, DC, holds a meaningful endowment, and operates with a solid balance sheet, a rare combination for a think tank of its size. With a budget of approximately $16 million, a talented and mission-driven staff, and an exceptional Board of Directors, RFF has the financial foundation and institutional credibility to sustain and grow its impact for decades to come. For a senior finance professional, this represents an uncommon opportunity: the chance to serve not only as a technical steward of a well-resourced organization, but as a genuine strategic partner to its leadership.The Director is responsible for the direct management of all accounting and reporting functions, including planning and forecasting, financial and regulatory reporting, internal controls and risk management, and compliance. The Director oversees the organization’s investment portfolio, including the investment in RFF’s building. In addition to these core responsibilities, the Director will serve as a strategic partner to the CEO and leadership team in strengthening RFF's financial stewardship and long-term sustainability, working closely with the Vice President, People and Operations and CEO to refine budget oversight practices, ensure effective Board-level governance, and proactively identify cost savings and efficiency opportunities across the organization, including those related to real estate, investments, and major expenditures.Position Responsibilities:Oversee Accounting operations, which include financial accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll;Review monthly financial statements;Provide monthly budget and finance reviews to the CEO and Executive Team;Work with the Executive Team (ET);Develop and maintain accounting policies and procedures;Develop, implement, and maintain the internal systems and financial controls consistent with policies;Understand and document reporting needs, collaborate with ET members on operational issues, develop solutions, and provide business guidance and insight through financial reporting;Perform and document technical accounting research;Oversee the Grants and Contracts Director with grant and financial reports and proposal budgets as needed;Lead preparation and coordination of audits and reviews by the external auditors;Identify and implement opportunities for efficiency and automation and mitigate risks throughout the accounting processes and systems;Develop and manage effective communication and planning systems and processes with all other departments;Review NICRA negotiated indirect rate cost proposal; negotiate rate with federal government;Review annual tax returns;Oversee regulatory filings for federal, state and local taxes and reporting;Lead the annual budget process and engage regularly with budget managers;Project year-end revenue and expenses as needed;Serve as staff liaison for Investment Committee of the Board and prepare and present financial reports for each Board meeting;Oversee investment portfolio, including the investment in RFF's building;Assist in various ad-hoc special projects, as needed;Other duties as assigned.Personnel Management:Provides leadership, direct supervision, and support to RFF. Staff positions that report to the Director or Senior Director, Finance & Accounting:Director, Grants and ContractsController (part-time, outsourced)Senior AccountantAccountant (part-time, outsourced)Payroll specialist (part-time, outsourced)Education:Bachelor's degree (Accounting or Finance major preferred)CPA strongly preferredAny equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the positionExperience:8 to 12 years progressive accounting experienceIn-depth knowledge of corporate finance and accounting principles, laws and best practicesExperience with financial analysis and forecastingTechnical Requirements:Proficiency in the following software programs is necessary for this role:Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OutlookInternet Browsers (Firefox, Chrome)Internal communications platforms such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom, etc.Various financial management software, particularly Sage Intacct, BILLCompensation and Benefits:$130,000 to $200,00035-hour work weekFlexible summer hours (4-day work week June-August)Flexible work arrangement policy (hybrid work)11 paid holidays4 weeks PTO to start, increases to 5 weeks after 5 years, in addition to 15 paid sick days per yearState of the art fitness facility on site and free for all employees, with free classesParking on siteRFF contributes 5% of your salary to a 403(b) retirement accountCommuter benefit plans (pre-tax metro and parking)Physical RequirementsThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, some standing, walking, sitting, bending, and carrying of light items such as books and papers is required.Working ConditionsThe work may involve everyday light risks and discomforts, which may require normal safety precautions typical of such places as offices, meetings, and training rooms, etc. The work area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.This position description may not describe all duties, responsibilities and skills associated with this position. It is intended to portray the major aspects of the job and is not meant to be all inclusive. Other duties or skills may be required.Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and InclusionRFF (Resources for the Future) is committed to the letter and spirit of diversity, equity, and inclusion. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or national and ethnic origin in hiring and employment, nor in the administration or other programs. RFF’s Vision for a Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive Future.Visit our FAQ page to find out what it’s like to work at a world-class, policy-oriented research organization in the heart of Washington, DC.Application ProceduresAll applicants should use RFF’s online application process. The required items are a letter of application describing interest in the position focusing on the relevant area(s) noted above and a resume. Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled. Should you experience any difficulty in applying online, or if you have other questions about the position, please contact hr@rff.org.