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 financial analyst and accountant will support organizational planning, accounting, and administration. This individual will serve as a liaison between PEN America and its third-party accounting firm: directly make payments and process income in coordination with the accounting firm; support budget creation and tracking; assist with other accounting as needed; help manage subscriptions to such resources as software; and perform financial analyses. The position will process significant data and create easily understandable representations of organizational performance. The role requires a strategic focus and the exercise of considerable discretion and independent judgment in the performance of their duties.

For a finance professional with a willingness to manage multiple workstreams, perform timely administrative work, and analyze financial information, the position offers the opportunity for professional advancement within nonprofit operations and management. The successful candidate will be part of a dedicated and mission-driven staff at a fast-paced organization.

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

All PEN America staff are considered to be stakeholders in the development of our shared organization. As such, staff play a role in varied activities within the workplace as part of their job responsibilities. These may include committees or task forces to work on office issues, diversity and inclusion, strategy projects, training or other initiatives.

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. Willingness to defend the right to engage in speech that may be offensive and discomfiting and that reflects a wide range of political opinions and ideologies. PEN America promotes open and respectful dialogue across difference, and we work to allow a diversity of perspectives to flourish.


• Commitment to PEN America’s advocacy and support for writers, artists and their allies around the world, without regard to the ideology or actions of their country's government

Salary and Benefits: PEN America offers competitive compensation and full benefits. The salary range for this position is $70k-75k, commensurate with experience. Candidates whose expectations are outside this range are welcome to apply, as PEN America is open to considering talented individuals at varying stages of their careers. PEN America's benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision health insurance, paid time off, 10 paid holidays, pre-tax commuter benefits and a 403b retirement plan.

To Apply:

Please submit a complete application (including a cover letter and resume) via BambooHR. Only complete applications will be reviewed, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

PEN America is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate in its hiring practices and is committed to having a workforce that reflects the population that it serves at all levels within the organization.

No phone calls, please.

ABOUT PEN AMERICA:

PEN America stands at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect free expression in the United States and worldwide. We champion the freedom to write, recognizing the power of the word to transform the world. Our mission is to unite writers and their allies to celebrate creative expression and defend the liberties that make it possible.