Merit America is hiring: Accounting Manager in Washington

Merit America is a national nonprofit dedicated to creating pathways to family‑sustaining careers for workers stuck in low‑wage jobs. The organization analyzes millions of job postings to identify high‑paying tech careers and partners with industry leaders to deliver part‑time programs that combine online learning and coaching. Learners are then connected to employers such as JPMorgan Chase and Infosys, achieving an average wage gain of $24,000 within three months of completing a program.

Role Overview

The Accounting Manager supports the financial integrity and operational excellence of Merit America’s accounting function. This exempt role reports directly to the Financial Controller and works across all functional teams.

Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & Compliance

• Manage month‑end and year‑end close and reporting processes to ensure timely and accurate financial results.
• Partner with the Financial Controller to prepare for the annual audit and maintain GAAP‑compliant financial statements.
• Oversee the annual external audit, including preparation of required schedules and documentation.
• Manage all tax and compliance filings, including Form 990 and 1099s.
• Prepare and review financial reports that monitor grant and restricted fund expenditures, ensuring compliance with funder and regulatory requirements.

Accounting Operations

• Oversee daily accounting operations: banking and cash management, general ledger, AP, corporate credit cards, AR, and payroll.
• Prepare, review, and approve journal entries, reconciliations, and financial schedules.
• Establish, document, and enforce accounting policies and procedures.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to enhance workflows and provide financial insight for expense coding, reporting, and decision‑making.

Financial Systems & Controls

• Design and maintain a robust internal controls framework.
• Develop and execute risk‑mitigation strategies and financial policies.
• Lead implementation and optimization of accounting systems to improve automation and reporting, ensuring strong data governance and quality assurance.

Skills and Competencies

Must Haves for All Roles

• Commitment to Merit America’s mission and values.
• Shared responsibility and ownership for positive community impact.
• Continuous learning mindset focused on inclusive excellence.
• Passion for fostering a culture that embraces individual differences.

Must Haves for the Role

Technical Accounting & Reporting

• Significant experience in all accounting activities, including month‑end close, financial statements, and audit management.
• Expertise in non‑profit accounting principles, fund accounting, and revenue recognition.

Systems & Process Excellence

• Experience building systems in a high‑growth/startup environment.
• Hands‑on experience with modern ERP and accounting operations systems; NetSuite preferred.
• Experience implementing AI practices in accounting operations.

Stakeholder Management

• Strategic communication skills to translate complex accounting topics for non‑financial stakeholders.
• Proven experience collaborating with auditors, bankers, and advisors.

Nice to Have

• CPA license.
• Experience managing intercompany, multi‑entity accounting.
• Experience partnering with FP&A for accurate budgets and forecasts.

Other Logistics

• Full‑time, 4‑day work week (Fridays counted as an operating day if no holiday).
• Remote, U.S. – must reside in a U.S. state or D.C. and be authorized to work nationwide.
• Salary: $122,000.

Benefits & Perks

• 4‑day work week with holiday closures.
• Medical, dental, vision (100% employee coverage).
• Flexible Spending Account and Health Savings Account.
• Dependent care flexible spending.
• Health Reimbursement Account funded by Merit.
• Education and personal development reimbursement.
• Catalog of professional learning courses.
• Disability coverage.
• Unlimited vacation after 90‑day introductory period.
• Paid parental leave and adoption benefits after 1 year.
• 11 federally recognized holidays.
• 1‑week July 4th office closure, 2‑week December/January closure.
• 401(k) plan with Merit matching.
• Wellness resources.
• Discount perks program.
• Home office stipend.
• Affinity groups and community building.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Merit America is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability status, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity or expression, or sexual orientation. All employment is made 100% of the time because of a candidate’s qualifications and business needs, not by proxy of a protected class. If you have a disability or require a reasonable accommodation during the application process, please contact us.

Fair Chance Ordinance

Applicants with arrest or conviction records located in unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County will be considered in compliance with the state’s fair chance ordinance.

E‑Verify Statement

This employer participates in E‑Verify and will complete the Form I‑9. If E‑Verify cannot confirm authorized employment, the employer will provide written instructions to resolve the issue.