VP, Finance and Accounting

POSITION OVERVIEW:

 

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). Plan, coordinate, and prepare the annual operating and capital budgets for WETA, NPD, and NHP. Oversee the Controller and team to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting. Develop tools, reports and analysis that enable departments to effectively manage their budgets; effectively manage/supervise staff performance and productivity.

 

Not-for-profit accounting expertise is preferred. Prior experience in public media, broadcasting, and project accounting would be ideal. Collaborative partner capable of translating complex financial data into actionable guidance for creative and technical leaders.

 

PRIMARY 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. 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 that are shared quarterly with the Board of Trustees.

-        Build the consolidated WETA, NPD, and NHP budget in Vena and prepare the 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 (i.e. timesheets, expense reports)

 

Develop tools, reports and analysis that enable departments to manage their budgets effectively.

 

-        Utilize Vena to build effective tools and dashboards.

-        Transition various external and compliance reports to Vena or Sage Intacct. Less reliance on manual reports.

-        Participate in special projects and perform additional duties as assigned.

 

Effective staff management.

 

-        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.

 

CORE COMPETENCIES:

 

• 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).
• Must demonstrate WETA’s core values: Collaboration, Inclusion, Innovation, Public Service, Respect, and Trust

 

 

ADDITIONAL SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

 

• Extensive experience with F P&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.
• A demonstrated ability to communicate effectively.

• Strong interpersonal skills and enthusiasm to be part of the finance team.

 

EDUCATION:

 

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field. MBA or CPA preferred.

 

 

LOCATION:

 

WETA and NewsHour Productions are Washington, DC established media and news organizations. We are a largely local workforce based out of the Campbell Place office in Arlington, VA. WETA and NewsHour Productions value employee flexibility when possible. Most positions based in our Arlington, VA office will be onsite or hybrid, depending upon the role.

 

COMPANY OVERVIEW:

 

WETA, the flagship public media station in the nation’s capital, produces and distributes content that informs, inspires, and enriches lives.

 

As the second-largest producing station for the public media system, WETA creates programming to explore history, arts, and culture, partnering with acclaimed filmmakers such as Ken Burns and Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. National WETA productions include The American Revolution and Finding Your Roots, among many others. WETA is also home to PBS News, the primary daily, breaking, and special news producer for PBS. Its broadcast productions include PBS News Hour, Washington Week with The Atlantic, Horizons from PBS News, and Compass Points from PBS News, as well as specials, documentaries, and a robust footprint across digital platforms.

 

Locally, WETA serves audiences across Washington, D.C., Virginia, and Maryland, through television, radio, and digital platforms. Audiences access WETA on broadcast channels WETA PBS, WETA UK, WETA Metro, WETA World, and WETA PBS Kids, and digitally through the free streaming platform WETA+. Listeners tune into WETA Classical, the exclusive home for classical music in the Greater Washington area, via radio, online, and the WETA Classical app. Benefits | WETA

 

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:

 

WETA and NewsHour Productions are equal opportunity employers committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

 

This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and internships. WETA and NewsHour Productions make hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.