Description:
Founded in 1946 and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, the American Institutes for Research (AIR) is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization that conducts behavioral and social science research and delivers technical assistance to address some of the most pressing challenges in the United States and globally. Mission-focused and evidence-driven, AIR applies rigorous research and technical expertise to close gaps in opportunity and access, improving lives across communities and systems.
Responsibilities
Essential job functions include but are not limited to:
- Serve as the Controller’s primary representative for implementing Microsoft Dynamics 365 (Business Central, Project Operations) and Dayforce Payroll, partnering with consultants and internal subject-matter experts.
- Lead design and configuration of core financial modules, including General Ledger, Project Cost Accounting, Labor, Accounts Payable, Procurement, Payroll and Fixed Assets.
- Define mapping logic for project codes, accounting dimensions, and cost elements to ensure accurate data conversion from Deltek Costpoint to Dynamics.
- Oversee data conversion strategy, including migration of master data, open transactions, and project cost balances.
- Collaborate with functional leads and system integrators to maintain data integrity and deliver accurate financial outputs.
- Develop future-state process maps and maintain comprehensive documentation such as functional specifications, workflows, and user guides.
- Design and execute test scripts; lead all testing phases (unit, integration, and user acceptance) and resolve issues promptly.
- Deliver training sessions and support change management initiatives to ensure smooth adoption of new systems and processes.
- Perform quality checks on deliverables and provide guidance, training, and oversight to accounting staff as needed.
- Identify post-implementation opportunities for process optimization and mentor team members on best practices, internal controls, and compliance standards.
- Introduce AI into the accounting processes to automate repetitive tasks, enhance data analysis for strategic decision-making, improve fraud detection and compliance, and streamline financial reporting to provide real-time insights.
Qualifications
Education, Knowledge, and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification is preferred.
- Minimum 9 years of progressive accounting experience, including participation as a core team member in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) implementations (Microsoft Dynamics 365 and/or Deltek Costpoint experience preferred).
- Proven experience in federal contracting or regulated environments, with deep knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), DCAA audit programs, and US GAAP compliance.
- Strong project management skills.
- Experience in leveraging AI tools to drive efficiency and inform decision-making is preferred.
- PMP certification preferred.
- Familiarity with Dynamics 365 Business Central; functional certification is a plus.
Skills
- Effective communicator skilled in engaging remote, geographically dispersed teams through clear and adaptive collaboration.
- Proven ability to solve complex problems, optimize processes, and apply sound judgment in dynamic environments.
- Strong leadership and collaboration skills; able to work independently and guide teams while fostering compliance and best practices.
- Expertise project management, prioritization, and meeting deadlines across multiple objectives in fast-paced settings.
- Exceptional stakeholder engagement skills, with a commanding professional presence.
- Skilled in mentoring, influencing others, and driving initiatives that align with strategic goals.
- Proficiency in Microsoft 365 tools including OneDrive, SharePoint, Advanced Excel, and Word as well as Adobe Acrobat Pro is required.