The Wikimedia Foundation is looking for a Lead Technical Accountant to ensure financial integrity and transparency for our global movement. You will serve as a key subject matter expert on accounting policy, financial reporting, and internal controls, helping to steward the resources that support Wikipedia and other free knowledge projects.
What You'll Do
- Simplify complex financial accounting concepts into actionable strategies and clear guidance for stakeholders.
- Maintain and improve the Foundation’s accounting and financial governance policies to enhance reporting quality and support GAAP adherence.
- Lead key components of the Foundation’s and the Wikimedia Endowment’s annual financial audits, preparing support schedules and coordinating auditor responses.
- Support the preparation of the Foundation’s and the Wikimedia Endowment’s Form 990, gathering data, reviewing schedules, and ensuring accuracy.
- Research, evaluate, and document conclusions on new or emerging accounting standards, leading cross-functional implementation.
- Review and enhance internal controls over financial reporting, documenting controls, identifying gaps, and recommending improvements.
- Lead process improvement projects related to accounting and internal controls, designing sustainable workflow and control enhancements.
- Advise departments on revenue and expense recognition matters by evaluating accounting implications and providing clear guidance.
- Support treasury and investment operations, monitoring cash and investment activity and performing cash forecasting.
What We're Looking For
- Active CPA license (or equivalent international certification with strong US GAAP experience).
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance.
- 8+ years of relevant experience, including experience in public accounting.
- Solid understanding of US GAAP, nonprofit accounting, and core financial reporting concepts.
- Proven ability to assess accounting issues and communicate recommendations clearly and concisely.
- Experience collaborating with Accounting, Finance, Legal, and other key business partners.
- Strong time-management skills with the ability to plan, prioritize, and handle multiple deadlines.
- Experience with Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX), including designing, documenting, and testing internal controls.
- High attention to detail and a proactive, solution-oriented approach.
- Proven ability to document accounting conclusions in technical accounting memos, and to draft, maintain, and update accounting policies and internal controls in alignment with COSO standards.
Nice to Have
- Experience supporting audited financial statements and/or Form 990 preparation.
Team & Environment
This role reports to the Senior Manager of Accounting and Financial Reporting within the Finance and Administration department.
Benefits & Compensation
- For applicants within the United States: $105,194 to $159,405. For applicants outside the US, pay range will be adjusted to the country of hire.
Work Mode
This is a global, remote position. Eligible locations include multiple U.S. states and a wide range of countries including Australia, Canada, Germany, India, Netherlands, United Kingdom, and many more.
As an equal opportunity employer, the Wikimedia Foundation values having a diverse workforce and continuously strives to maintain an inclusive and equitable workplace.
