Accounting Associate

Accounting Associate – Institute for the Study of War

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) is seeking an Accounting Associate who will report to the Director of Accounting.

About ISW:

As the world continues to witness the devastating impact of armed conflict, the need for objective, real-time, unbiased analysis has never been greater. When decision-makers need information—from policymakers to humanitarian aid organizations to military leaders on the ground—time and time again, they turn to the Institute for the Study of War.

ISW has a unique, dual mission: to provide real-time intelligence to help leaders make informed decisions in conflict zones around the world and educate the next generation of national security leaders. This work is carried out through the General Jack Keane Center for National Security and the General David H. Petraeus Center for Emerging Leaders.

Position Summary:

ISW promotes an understanding of war and conflict by providing data and critical analysis to key American political and military leaders. In addition, ISW seeks to educate civilians about war and conflict, thus bridging the gaps between military and civilian decision-makers. ISW aims to improve how the United States formulates and executes its national security policy. ISW is vigilant at monitoring crises around the world and has a track record of accurately predicting potential and actual conflicts. ISW provides a proven platform for emerging researchers and analysts to launch their careers in an innovative and highly relevant project.

ISW seeks a full-time Accounting Associate to support the Director of Accounting with a focus on bookkeeping, transaction processing, and operational support. This position requires a dedicated and detail-oriented professional with experience in non-profit accounting. The candidate will perform routine bookkeeping, accounts payable processing, and support financial reporting to maintain a high level of accuracy and compliance for organizational decision-makers.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Maintain the general ledger, including processing of routine transactions, ensuring accurate coding of transactions to properly reflect functional and programmatic classifications
• Adhere to financial policies, procedures, and internal controls to safeguard assets and ensure accurate financial reporting
• Process accounts payable, including proper coding and classification of expense transactions
• Process employee expense reports for reimbursement and reporting of corporate credit card transactions, ensuring adherence to policy and accurate recording and coding of expenses
• Process deposits, including applying payments to donor pledges
• Maintain fixed asset records, including recording depreciation and properly capitalizing additions to fixed assets
• Collaborate with the human resources team to support the payroll process, including the processing of employee reimbursements and recording payroll journal entries
• Monitor the accounting inbox, and respond to or route incoming communications appropriately
• Support the monthly and annual financial close process, including bank reconciliations and reconciliations of other balance sheet accounts
• Assist in creating financial reports to support decision-making
• Assist with the annual financial audit process, including preparation of audit workpapers and documentation, participating in audit inquiries, and coordinating with the Director of Accounting and the audit team
• Assist in the preparation of accurate financial information for grant applications and donor reporting
• Assist in the accurate tracking of restricted funds and compliance with grant terms
• Assist in the fulfillment of compliance requirements, including annual registrations and tax filings
• Provide operational support to the organization as needed
• Other tasks and projects as assigned by the Director of Accounting

     Required education and experience:

1. A bachelor’s degree in accounting, with 1-2 years of experience in a financial accounting role.
2. Proven ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.
3. Knowledge of non-profit accounting principles, regulations, and compliance standards.
4. Proficiency in financial software and tools, especially QuickBooks Online, BILL.com, Expensify, and Microsoft Excel.
5. Excellent problem-solving skills, with meticulous attention to detail.
6. Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
7. Experience with grant accounting and reporting preferred.
8. Superb integrity, upholding confidentiality, legal, and ethical standards.
9. Excellent time management and organizational skills.
10. Commitment to ISW’s mission and its non-partisan, independent reputation.

Other duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. The salary range for this role is $65,000-$75,000. The final salary offered to the selected candidate will depend based upon but not limited to the following factors: the candidate’s prior experience, level of education, market data for comparable roles and the level of hire based on the previously stated qualifications. To apply, please submit a letter of interest and resume.