Lead Technical Accountant - Remote

About the Role

The Wikimedia Foundation is seeking a Lead Technical Accountant to join our Accounting team, reporting to the Senior Manager of Accounting and Financial Reporting within Finance and Administration. In this remote role, you will serve as a key subject matter expert on accounting policy, financial reporting, and internal controls.

What You'll Do

• Provide technical accounting guidance, ensuring our accounting policies remain clear, current, and consistently applied.
• Lead key components of our annual financial statement audit, Form 990 financial reporting, and internal controls over financial reporting.
• Partner closely with colleagues across Finance and Administration, Legal, Advancement, and other functions to ensure high-quality financial reporting for both the Wikimedia Foundation and the Wikimedia Endowment standalone legal entities.
• Simplify complex financial accounting concepts into actionable strategies and clear guidance for stakeholders.
• Maintain and improve the Foundation’s accounting and financial governance policies and procedures to enhance the quality of financial reporting and support adherence to generally accepted accounting principles.
• Support the preparation of the Foundation’s and the Wikimedia Endowment’s Form 990, including gathering data, reviewing schedules, and ensuring information is accurate and complete.
• Research, evaluate, and document conclusions on new or emerging accounting standards, leading cross-functional implementation.
• Review and enhance internal controls over financial reporting, including documenting controls, processes, identifying gaps, and recommending improvements.

Requirements

• Active CPA license required (or equivalent international certification with strong US GAAP experience).
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance plus 8+ years of relevant experience, including experience in public accounting.
• Experience supporting audited financial statements and/or Form 990 preparation strongly preferred.
• 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.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary ranging from $120,000 to $150,000 annually.
• Fully remote work environment with flexible hours.
• Opportunities for professional development and growth.
• Collaborative and inclusive team culture.
• Comprehensive health benefits and retirement plans.