Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. The Geological Society of America (GSA) is seeking an experienced and strategic Director of Finance & Accounting to lead and modernize the Society’s financial operations. This role involves providing strategic leadership and operational oversight for all accounting and financial functions, ensuring compliance, and optimizing financial systems to support GSA’s mission and long-term sustainability.
Responsibilities
- Provide strategic and operational leadership for all financial functions of the organization, including accounting, budgeting, forecasting, payroll oversight, accounts payable and receivable, cash management, investments, grants administration, audits, and compliance activities
- Lead and oversee financial operations utilizing NetSuite ERP and related financial systems, including workflows, reporting structures, internal controls, approvals, integrations, dashboards, and process optimization
- Maintain and strengthen nonprofit fund accounting practices, including restricted and unrestricted funds, deferred revenue, grant accounting, project tracking, and investment accounting
- Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes and ensure the timely preparation of accurate financial statements, forecasts, dashboards, variance analyses, and management reports
- Coordinate development of annual operating and capital budgets, including forecasting models, departmental collaboration, and reporting for leadership, committees, and governance groups
- Prepare and monitor cash flow projections, investment reporting, and related financial analyses and recommendations for executive leadership, the Treasurer, Finance Committee, Investment Committee, Audit Committee, and Council
- Lead annual audits, tax filings, compliance reporting, and related financial documentation activities
- Develop, maintain, and strengthen internal controls, financial policies, procurement processes, and audit readiness procedures
- Collaborate with organizational leadership and department directors to analyze financial performance, operational trends, strategic initiatives, and budget variances
- Partner with Information Technology and operational teams to support integrations between NetSuite and other enterprise systems, including AMS/CRM, payroll, banking, eCommerce, expense management, and reporting platforms
- Lead, mentor, and develop the Finance & Accounting team, including hiring, coaching, performance management, and professional development
- Participate as a member of the Executive Director’s leadership team and contribute to organizational strategy, operational planning, and cross-functional initiatives
- Participate on Society committees and task forces as needed
- Other duties as assigned
Skills
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field required
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation required
- Minimum of 10–12 years of progressive accounting and finance leadership experience, including significant nonprofit accounting and fund accounting experience
- Extensive experience leading finance and accounting operations within a complex nonprofit or mission-driven organization with multiple revenue streams
- Extensive experience with NetSuite ERP administration, financial operations, reporting, workflows, and process optimization in a nonprofit environment required
- Demonstrated expertise in nonprofit fund accounting, GAAP accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, deferred revenue management, grant accounting, and audit management
- Strong understanding of internal controls, financial governance, compliance procedures, procurement oversight, and audit readiness best practices
- Demonstrated ability to develop executive dashboards, financial models, KPI reporting, and organizational performance analyses
- Excellent analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills with strong attention to detail
- Demonstrated ability to lead organizational change, improve operational efficiency, and develop scalable financial processes
- Experience supervising and developing finance and accounting staff and external vendors
- Technologically proficient with experience collaborating across finance, IT, and operational teams to improve enterprise systems and workflows
- Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel and financial reporting tools required
- Collaborative, solutions-oriented leadership style with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment
- Personal qualities of integrity, professionalism, sound judgment, credibility, and commitment to GSA's mission
- Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective, diverse, and multicultural working relationships
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, with a professional demeanor and the capacity for mature judgment in interactions with all levels of society members, staff, and external contacts
- The highest ethical standards, ability to maintain confidentiality, and strong commitment to upholding GSA's scientific integrity initiatives and RISE policies are required
- Master's degree
- Experience supporting operational environments involving meetings/events, publications, memberships, subscriptions, grants, sponsorships, eCommerce, and/or international activities
- Experience with nonprofit AMS/CRM platforms, payroll systems, expense management tools, and business intelligence/reporting platforms
Benefits
- Generous holiday, PTO, health, and retirement benefits
- Medical, dental, vision, and employer-paid life insurance
- FSA and HSA options
- Pet insurance offerings
- Industry-leading vacation time off, sick leave, and paid holidays
- A flex-first workplace philosophy supporting flexible and remote work arrangements
- A generous 403(b) retirement plan with a 7.5% direct employer contribution
- Professional development and continuing education opportunities
- Employee wellness and support resources
- A collaborative and inclusive organizational culture focused on innovation, service, and impact
- Additional recognized time off includes Juneteenth and Indigenous Peoples Day in 2026
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