Description

Location

This position may be based remotely or hybrid out of one of EDF's U.S. offices, with a strong preference for candidates based in EDF's New York City, Washington, DC, Boston, or Raleigh offices.

Duration

This is a regular full-time position with full benefits.

Application Instructions

Interested applicants are encouraged to provide a cover letter along with their resume. Note: a cover letter is optional, but we encourage you to submit one and share why this role interests you.

Overall Function

The Director, External Audits leads Environmental Defense Fund's external and program audits as well as nonprofit tax reporting functions to ensure financial integrity, regulatory compliance and operational accountability across the organization. This role oversees annual financial statement audits, program audits, Uniform Guidance compliance, if applicable, and preparation/review of IRS Form 990 filings. The Director serves as a key liaison with external auditors, regulatory agencies, funders, and internal leadership while strengthening internal controls and compliance processes. This position reports to the VP, Accounting.

Key Responsibilities

External Financial Audits

• Lead, coordinate and be responsible for full execution of annual external financial statement audits for Environmental Defense Fund and Environmental Defense Action Fund, including preparation of schedules, supporting documentation and auditor requests.
• Assist with coordination of some international audits and review audited financial statements prior to issuance.
• Review audit supporting documentation for accuracy, completeness, and compliance prior to submission to auditors.
• Manage relationships with independent auditors and ensure timely completion of audits and issuance of audited financial statements.
• Oversee implementation and remediation of audit findings and management letter recommendations.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards.
• Coordinate audit activities across finance, grants management, HR, and program departments.

Program & Grant Audits

• Direct program specific audits and monitoring activities related to government grants, contracts and restricted funding sources. Collaborate with the Director, Grants Contracts Compliance ensuring their accurate and timely completion.
• Oversee compliance with federal, state and local funding requirements, including Uniform Guidance/Single Audit requirements, where applicable.
• Review grant expenditures, cost allocations and supporting documentation for compliance and allowability.
• Collaborate with program leadership to ensure operational and financial compliance across funded programs.
• Develop and maintain audit-ready documentation and standardized compliance procedures.

Form 990 & Tax Compliance

• Manage preparation, review and filing of IRS Form 990.
• Prepare comprehensive supporting workpapers for the Form 990, including full tie-outs to original records and clear identification of the source of each reported figure.
• Create and maintain a centralized and organized documentation repository and ensure access for key contributors.
• Collaborate with the Director, Corporate Legal Operations on state tax and related filings.
• Coordinate with external tax advisors and internal stakeholders to gather required information and supporting documentation.
• Review governance, compensation, and public support reporting for accuracy and compliance.
• Monitor changes in nonprofit tax regulations and reporting requirements.
• Support Board review and presentation of Form 990 prior to filing.

Internal Controls & Compliance

• Evaluate and strengthen internal controls, financial policies, and compliance procedures.
• Conduct risk assessments and recommend process improvements to reduce compliance risk.
• Develop compliance monitoring tools, reporting dashboards, and audit tracking systems.
• Ensure proper retention of financial and compliance documentation. Assist with the development and maintenance of organizational policies and procedures related to compliance.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Supervise audit and compliance staff.
• Serve as trusted advisor to executive leadership regarding audit outcomes, compliance risks and corrective actions.
• Prepare reports and presentations for senior leadership, audit committees, and the boards of trustees/directors.
• Participate in advancing EDF DEI goals in which people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected, included, and empowered to address the environmental and organizational challenges in alignment with EDF values.
• Partner with VPs of Accounting and Finance, legal counsel, HR, grants management and program leaders on compliance matters.
• Support organizational training related to compliance and audit readiness.

Qualifications

• 7-10 years of progressive accounting, audit and non-profit compliance experience.
• Experience in a large nonprofit with complex funding structures required.
• Strong knowledge of nonprofit accounting standards, Uniform Guidance, and donor/grant compliance.
• Deep knowledge of US GAAP and strong knowledge of internal controls, and regulatory requirements.
• CPA required; advanced degree preferred.
• Significant experience managing nonprofit external audits and IRS Form 990 filings.
• Experience with federal and state grant compliance and program audits required.
• Demonstrates strong attention to detail and maintains accuracy, organization, and efficiency in fast-paced environments, under tight deadlines.
• Proactive in identifying and resolving issues quickly.
• Demonstrates a high sense of urgency while consistently delivering quality work and meeting deadlines.
• Responds promptly to business needs with a results-driven mindset.
• Excellent follow-through and ability to manage multiple priorities with precision.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively interact with stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated integrity, ethics, and professionalism in handling confidential information and sensitive situations.
• Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop high-performing teams, fostering accountability, collaboration, and continuous professional growth.
• Demonstrated self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusiveness, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across all cultures and backgrounds.
• Strong proficiency in audit software, data analytics tools, and Microsoft Office suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.).