VP, Finance and Accounting

About the Role

The VP, Finance and Accounting will lead the forward-looking financial strategy and planning and analysis efforts of WETA, National Productions (NPD) and NewsHour Productions (NHP). This role involves planning, coordinating, and preparing the annual operating and capital budgets for WETA, NPD, and NHP. The position oversees the Controller and team to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting and develops tools, reports, and analysis to enable departments to manage their budgets effectively. Not-for-profit accounting expertise is preferred, with prior experience in public media, broadcasting, and project accounting as an ideal qualification. The role requires a collaborative partner capable of translating complex financial data into actionable guidance for creative and technical leaders.

Responsibilities

• Lead the financial planning and analysis efforts of WETA, National Productions (NPD), and NewsHour Productions (NHP).
• Prepare periodic financial analysis, providing detailed explanations behind variances of actuals versus budget and forecast.
• Prepare financial reports to funders and oversee timely submission of complete and accurate interim and final reports.
• Drive financial performance improvements by highlighting trends and issues, disseminating useful management information, and providing thoughtful analysis and recommendations on financial matters.
• Prepare financial analysis and modeling for ad-hoc projects working with the Controller and CFAO.
• Prepare monthly financial statements with variance analysis to budget and forecast.
• Lead monthly meetings with budget owners to review financial status and variances to determine any actions needed.
• Plan, coordinate, and prepare the annual operating and capital budgets and quarterly forecasts for WETA, NPD, and NHP.
• Conduct budget meetings with department heads and prepare detailed schedules for important budget categories for revenue and expenditures.
• Identify when executive decisions are needed and/or suggest alternatives.
• Build the financial reports shared quarterly with the Board of Trustees.
• Build the consolidated WETA, NPD, and NHP budget in Vena and prepare accompanying analyses.
• Develop subject matter expertise in Vena and conduct user training(s).
• Oversee the Controller and team to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting.
• Supervise and mentor the Corporate Controller ensuring timely, accurate month-end closings and clean annual external audits and tax filings.
• Streamline financial workflow layers to accelerate reporting turnarounds.
• Enforce robust internal controls and policies that rely on staff compliance (e.g., timesheets, expense reports).
• Develop tools, reports, and analysis that enable departments to manage their budgets effectively using Vena.
• Transition various external and compliance reports to Vena or Sage Intacct to reduce reliance on manual reports.
• Provide mentoring and professional development guidance to financial analysts that aligns with departmental goals and objectives; create performance goals, track, and communicate progress.
• Work closely with the CFAO on key strategic initiatives of the organization and ad hoc analysis.
• Perform related special projects or other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Minimum of fifteen years of experience with complex budgeting, non-profit accounting, project costing, indirect cost rates, and federal grant reporting and compliance (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field. MBA or CPA preferred.
• Must demonstrate WETA’s core values: Collaboration, Inclusion, Innovation, Public Service, Respect, and Trust.

Skills

• Extensive experience with FP&A software, MS Office Suite, AI models.
• Proficiency with accounting, reporting, and budgeting software: Preferred – Sage Intacct (accounting), Vena (reports and budget).
• Adept with technology and software.
• Advanced analytical skills and proficiency with Excel.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively organize, lead, and manage staff and their work.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively, both independently and as part of a team, in an often complex and deadline-driven environment.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, shifting priorities, and deadline pressures.
• Demonstrated ability to plan and manage volume with close attention to detail, outstanding numerical accuracy, and meticulous follow-through.
• Commitment to continuous process improvement.
• Excellent analytical, interpretative, and problem-solving skills.
• Must exhibit sound judgment and manage confidential matters.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and enthusiasm to be part of the finance team.
• A demonstrated ability to communicate effectively.

Location

WETA and NewsHour Productions are Washington, DC-based media and news organizations with a largely local workforce based out of the Campbell Place office in Arlington, VA. Most positions based in the Arlington, VA office will be onsite or hybrid, depending upon the role.