Accounting Manager

About Us

The Coleridge Initiative is a nonprofit organization, focused on enhancing the use of data to inform public decision making. We collaborate with government agencies, academic institutions, and nonprofit entities to transform the way data is utilized for social good.

The Finance department plays an essential role in ensuring the organization meets its long-term financial goals and objectives. Finance’s mission is to accurately record, analyze and report financial information, provide timely and reliable data to support strategic decision-making, while ensuring compliance with regulations and the safeguarding of company assets. Responsibilities within Finance are split between the FP&A and Accounting units.

The Accounting Manager plays a critical leadership role in overseeing the day-to-day accounting operations of the Coleridge Initiative. Reporting to the Controller, this hands-on role includes managing the monthly close, overseeing financial transactions, and ensuring compliance with GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards. The Accounting Manager supervises two team members and partners with the Controller to scale and strengthen the organization’s accounting infrastructure. Success in this position requires a strong technical accounting background, experience with nonprofit and grant accounting, and the ability to work independently in an evolving environment. A process improvement mindset and comfort navigating ambiguity are essential.

Essential job functions

• Manage and execute the monthly close process, including journal entries, reconciliations, and account analysis.
• Review and approve day-to-day financial transactions including payroll, invoices, employee reimbursements, and credit card activity.
• Oversee general ledger accuracy and ensure compliance with GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards.
• Maintain and improve accounting schedules for accruals, prepaids, fixed assets, and deferred revenue.
• Supervise and mentor the Finance & Accounting Administrator and Staff Accountant, providing clear guidance, feedback, and development opportunities.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for operational questions while fostering independent problem-solving within the team.
• Review and approve the team’s work to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Support training efforts and the documentation of policies and procedures.
• Ensure proper coding and tracking of grant-funded activities in compliance with funder requirements.
• Review invoices and subaward payments for accuracy and alignment with project budgets.
• Partner with the Grants & Contracts Manager and Controller to ensure timely and accurate funder reporting.
• Assist in managing time tracking data and payroll allocations across grants and projects.
• Identify and implement process improvements to increase efficiency, clarity, and controls within financial operations.
• Support the Controller in maintaining and enhancing the internal control environment.
• Ensure accurate and timely data entry into financial systems (e.g., QuickBooks, BigTime, payroll systems).
• Contribute to the development and refinement of accounting policies and procedures.
• Prepare audit schedules and provide documentation for the annual financial audit.
• Assist with preparation of the IRS Form 990 and other compliance filings as needed.
• Maintain accurate and organized records to support audits and internal reviews.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• 5+ years of accounting experience, with progressive responsibility
• Strong understanding of GAAP and nonprofit accounting principles
• Experience managing and reviewing and mentoring the work of junior team members
• Proficiency in QuickBooks and Microsoft Excel
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines independently
• CPA or CPA candidate strongly preferred
• Experience with payroll and time tracking systems (e.g., Gusto, ADP, BigTime)
• Experience in a nonprofit, grant-funded, or dynamic, growth-oriented environment
• Track record of identifying and implementing process improvements

How This Role Fits

This role is ideal for someone ready to step into a leadership position within a small but growing finance team. You will be the Controller’s right hand in managing daily operations and ensuring that the team delivers high-quality financial work. Your contributions will help build a strong financial foundation for the organization’s continued growth and mission-driven impact.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

This is a remote-based position (Eastern Time Zone preferred) requiring approximately 5% travel.

The physical work is primarily sedentary (sitting or standing at a desk in a home office). Work occurs primarily on weekdays, occasional weekend and evening support may be required. Physical demands described here represent those that must be met by an individual 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 the job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear; frequently required to sit or stand for extended periods of time at a desk or computer workstation; and occasionally required to walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee may occasionally be required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel or crouch; and, lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.

Coleridge is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer committed to

maintaining a non-discriminatory, diverse work environment.

To apply, please submit a resume; cover letter describing how interests, experiences align to the requirements of this position; and, at least 3 professional references.