Director, External Audits

About the role

The Director, External Audits leads Environmental Defense Fund’s external and program audits as well as nonprofit tax reporting functions to ensure financial integrity, regulatory compliance and operational accountability across the organization.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coordinate and be responsible for full execution of annual external financial statement audits for Environmental Defense Fund and Environmental Defense Action Fund, including preparation of schedules, supporting documentation and auditor requests.
• Aid with coordination of some international audits and review audited financial statements prior to issuance.
• Review audit supporting documentation for accuracy, completeness, and compliance prior to submission to auditors.
• Manage relationships with independent auditors and ensure timely completion of audits and issuance of audited financial statements.
• Oversee implementation and remediation of audit findings and management letter recommendations.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards.
• Coordinate audit activities across finance, grants management, HR, and program departments.
• Direct program specific audits and monitoring activities related to government grants, contracts and restricted funding sources.
• Collaborate with the Director, Grants Contracts Compliance ensuring their accurate and timely completion.
• Oversee compliance with federal, state and local funding requirements, including Uniform Guidance/Single Audit requirements, where applicable.
• Review grant expenditures, cost allocations and supporting documentation for compliance and allowability.
• Collaborate with program leadership to ensure operational and financial compliance across funded programs.
• Develop and maintain audit-ready documentation and standardized compliance procedures.
• Manage preparation, review and filing of IRS Form 990.
• Create and maintain a centralized and organized documentation repository and ensure access for key contributors.
• Collaborate with the Director, Corporate Legal Operations on state tax and related filings.
• Coverage of changes in nonprofit tax regulations and reporting requirements.
• Support Board review and presentation of Form 990 prior to filing.
• Evaluate and strengthen internal controls, financial policies, and compliance procedures.
• Conduct risk assessments and recommend process improvements to reduce compliance risk.
• Develop compliance monitoring tools, reporting dashboards, and audit tracking systems.
• Ensure proper retention of financial and compliance documentation.
• Assist with the development and maintenance of organizational policies and procedures related to compliance.

Qualifications

• 7-10 years of progressive accounting, audit and non-profit compliance experience.
• Experience in a large nonprofit with complex funding structures required.
• Strong knowledge of nonprofit accounting standards, Uniform Guidance, and donor/grant compliance.
• Deep knowledge of US GAAP and strong knowledge of internal controls, and regulatory requirements.
• CPA required; advanced degree preferred.
• Significant experience managing nonprofit external audits and IRS Form 990 filings.
• Experience with federal and state grant compliance and program audits required.
• Demonstrates strong attention to detail and maintains accuracy, organization, and efficiency in fast-paced environments, under tight deadlines.
• Proactive in identifying and resolving issues quickly.
• Demonstrates a high sense of urgency while consistently delivering quality work and meeting deadlines.
• Excellent follow-through and ability to manage multiple priorities with precision.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively interact with stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated integrity, ethics, and professionalism in handling confidential information and sensitive situations.
• Pioneered ability to lead, coach, and develop high-performing teams, fostering accountability, collaboration, and continuous professional growth.
• Demonstrated self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusiveness, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across all cultures and backgrounds.
• Strong proficiency in audit software, data analytics tools, and Microsoft Office suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.).