Financial Analyst and Accountant

PEN America, a nonprofit organization working at the intersection of literature and human rights, seeks an analytical and detail-oriented financial analyst and accountant to work as a member of the Finance team within the Operations department. This is a full-time position based at PEN America’s New York City headquarters and reports to the Managing Director of Finance and Administration. The role requires a strategic focus and the exercise of considerable discretion and independent judgment.

In alignment with PEN America’s current policy, all applicants must be available to report to the NYC office at least three days per week. This policy is subject to change.

Responsibilities

• Directly perform Accounts Payable, including generating and transmitting invoices, making online payments, compiling contracts and tax information, and communicating with vendors and contractors
• Receive, deposit, and prepare physical checks and payments
• Liaise with external accountants to ensure timely and accurate exchange of confidential and proprietary information with PEN America leadership and designated staff, ensuring accurate coding and resolving any ambiguity
• Provide financial and organizational information to third parties, including the accounting firm, foundations, auditors, and management
• Collaborate with programmatic, fundraising, and operations staff, volunteers, and consultants
• Generate custom and standing reports through the accounting software, Sage Intacct, and in collaboration with the Managing Director of Finance and Administration, regularly update staff on budget vs actuals, along with other reports
• Work with key staff in the preparation, management, and tracking of grants, programmatic, and organizational budgets
• In collaboration with other operations staff, administer the payments and account management of software and other subscriptions
• Analyze financial information to identify, clarify, present, and make recommendations on trends and decision points in expenses and revenue
• Support and lead special projects, and perform other duties as assigned
• Participate in committees or task forces to work on office issues, diversity and inclusion, strategy projects, training, or other initiatives as part of job responsibilities

Qualifications

• Experience with nonprofit accounting, including applicable Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP); familiarity with finance and investments a plus
• Experience using financial and accounting software, as well as other technology, including communication, information, and collaboration software; knowledge of Sage Intacct is a plus
• Capacity to maintain confidentiality and discretion
• Proficiency using spreadsheets and data manipulation, with a passion for diving into numbers and the ability to identify key information to drive organizational performance and make recommendations
• Ability to present information visually through charts and presentations to diverse audiences that are familiar and unfamiliar with finances
• Experience in assisting budget and workplan preparation
• Familiarity with complex organizations involving multiple stakeholders; nonprofit experience strongly preferred
• Exceptional problem-solving skills and the ability to follow through on tasks from start to finish
• Excellent interpersonal and written/oral communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to proactively identify opportunities and recommend improvements with a solutions-focused mindset
• Flexible and high energy level with the ability to handle timely requests and to multitask effectively
• Must be able to provide valid proof of U.S. work authorization
• Commitment to PEN America’s mission, centered on the celebration and defense of free expression for all

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance
• Paid time off and 10 paid holidays
• Pre-tax commuter benefits
• 403b retirement plan

Pay

The salary range for this position is $70,000–$75,000, commensurate with experience.