DISBURSEMENT MANAGER at National Endowment for Democracy

The National Endowment for Democracy (NED), a federally funded, private, nonprofit grantmaking organization that works to support freedom around the world, seeks a Manager, Disbursements for the Finance team. The position is based in Washington, D.C.

Position Summary:

The Manager, Disbursements is an integral part of the Finance team’s daily disbursement activities, supporting NED’s international grantmaking program and democracy support activities.

Responsibilities:

Provide resolution of any payment delivery issues, and support for NED’s response to bank compliance examiners. A direct liaison to the Grants team, the manager is actively engaged in cross-functional working groups and ensures effective communication flow.

• Supervises and mentors the disbursement specialists on daily grantee and vendor electronic payments, to include active problem-solving and resolution of any issues encountered in the payment cycle.
• Validates that incoming disbursement requests are properly authorized and accurately recorded in NED’s financial system, and prepares daily drawdown requests against NED’s federal awards.
• Acts as an approver to release daily disbursements from NED’s banking platforms and applies payment application to related invoices.
• Manages and resolves delivery issues with banking partners and grantmaking staff, while updating and consulting with Finance leadership on challenges and common trends.
• Monitors any necessary traces and recalls placed on delayed payments, and manages necessary reissuances in a timely manner.
• Provides oversight to ensure all payee beneficiary records in NED’s business systems and banking platforms are accurately maintained.
• Produces timely and accurate financial data analysis for management to enable sound decision-making.
• Acts as a point of contact between the Finance and Grantmaking departments, and as a general resource for questions from non-finance personnel with regards to NED Finance policies, procedures, and banking compliance.
• Identifies risk mitigation strategies related to foreign exchange and remittance to non-traditional money service providers.
• Leads continuous process improvement by developing and implementing improvements in policies and procedures related to cash management and disbursement activities.
• Participates on various cross-sectional working groups to provide Finance input on changes in systems, processes and procedures, etc. while ensuring Finance leadership stays informed of any significant issues.
• Supports the Controller with the preparation of required audit schedules, and further assists with related audit inquiries.
• Serves as a mentor to other members of the extended Finance team.
• Performs other duties as may be assigned.

Qualifications:

• Knowledge/Experience:
  • Bachelors’ degree in Accounting or Finance required.
  • 7+ years of relevant experience, including 2+ years supervisory experience, preferably in a mission-driven, nonprofit environment.
  • Strong understanding of the international banking environment and regulations, to include OFAC compliance.
  • Solid technical knowledge in electronic funds transfer management, specifically with complex international wire transfers.
  • Demonstrated experience with use of multiple online banking platforms (WUBS Global Pay and WU Edge platforms preferred).
  • Working knowledge of internal controls and best practices as applied to the disbursements function.
• Other Qualifications:
  • Ability to translate financial and banking terms to effectively communicate with finance and non-finance personnel.
  • Proven critical-thinking ability for effective problem solving.
  • Ability to manage high workload cycle times successfully.
  • Demonstrated use of robust accounting and business software packages related to purchasing/disbursements function. Microsoft NAV Serenic Navigator accounting software is preferred, and experience with grants management systems is a
  • Intermediate to advanced level working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and other Office Must have experience managing large data sets (i.e. creating pivot tables, using lookups and advanced formulas).
  • Fluency in spoken and written English.
• Authorized to work in the United States.
• Competencies:
  • Paramount professional integrity, honesty, initiative, confidentiality and dependability.
  • Commitment and ability to excel in a fast-paced environment.
  • Highly professional demeanor, with strong interpersonal and customer service skills to effectively interact with all levels of staff.
  • Ability to manage high workload cycle times successfully; works effectively under time pressure and meets deadlines.
  • Keen attention to details and accuracy in all work products.
  • Confidence in addressing policy and procedure compliance questions.
  • Capability and willingness to work both independently and as a member of a team.
  • Ability to quickly learn new systems, processes and procedures.
  • Flexibility in approach to work processes and tasks with the ability to adapt to process change quickly.

To Apply:

Applications must include a cover letter, resume, desired salary, and contact information for three professional references. Please, no phone calls. For more information, please visit our website at www.ned.org or careers@ned.org.

The NED is an Equal Opportunity Employer.