Senior Director, Accounting & Tax

The Senior Director, Accounting & Tax provides strategic leadership and oversight of the organization’s accounting, tax compliance, and financial reporting functions. This role ensures adherence to U.S. GAAP, IRS regulations for tax‑exempt entities, and federal, state, and local compliance requirements. It plays a critical role in maintaining financial integrity, supporting organizational growth, and advising senior leadership on complex accounting and tax matters.

• Accounting
  • Prepare and review schedules for the annual audit and liaise with external auditors.
  • Oversee accounting for investments, charitable gift annuities (CGAs), fixed assets, leases, research grants, pledges and receivables, donor‑restricted net assets, contract liability, contributed services, etc.
  • Ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP and implement new accounting standards as required.
• Tax
  • Lead the preparation and review of annual IRS Form 990 and all related filings for the Alzheimer’s Association and all other entities.
  • Develop and execute tax strategies for the organization and its affiliates.
  • Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local tax regulations, including unrelated business income tax (UBIT) and sales/use tax.
  • Monitor changes in tax laws affecting nonprofit organizations and advise leadership accordingly.
  • Review required sales and use tax filings and other tax filings.
• Other
  • Review CGA registration and filings.
  • Supervise and mentor accounting and tax staff, fostering professional development.
  • Collaborate with internal teams to provide support and ensure accurate financial reporting.
  • Identify opportunities for automation and efficiency in accounting and tax processes.
  • Implement best practices for internal controls and risk management.

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA required.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in accounting and tax, with at least 5 years in a leadership role. Nonprofit experience is strongly preferred.
• Deep knowledge of nonprofit tax law and GAAP.
• Experience preparing/reviewing Forms 990 and 990‑T.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills.
• Proficiency with accounting systems, preferably Workday, and Microsoft Excel.
• Strong ability to lead and manage teams, with a focus on developing talent and driving performance.
• Familiarity with restricted fund accounting preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective interaction with executive leadership, boards of directors, and external stakeholders.
• Ability to handle multiple priorities and meet deadlines. This may require some evenings or weekend work.

• Knowledge of theory and application of U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, internal controls and segregation of duties.
• Advanced understanding of nonprofit tax law.
• Specific accounting experience in general ledger including cash, investments, leases, fixed assets, and restricted net assets.
• Works independently but also exercises good judgment in identifying and then escalating unusual accounting items to the proper staff member.
• Determine tasks priority for self and staff.
• Ability to work with a diverse group on site and off site.

Senior Director, Accounting & Tax

Chicago, IL - Hybrid

Full Time

Grade 513

Salary range: $156,000 to $185,000. Eligible for a bonus up to 6% of base salary.

VP, Accounting & Financial Reporting

The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support.

The Alzheimer’s Association announced a landmark $100 million investment in research for 2023. This unparalleled commitment is illustrative of the momentum we are building in dementia research — our investments today will lead to breakthroughs tomorrow.

At the Alzheimer’s Association, our employees are at the core of all we do. Our network of more than 1,900 employees across the…