Description

Discover Durham is Durham, North Carolina’s marketing and sales agency, generating economic impact by drawing 12+ million leisure, business, and sports visitors to our vibrant community. Discover Durham also operates the Durham Sports Commission (DSC), a 501(c)3 whose mission is to create economic and social impact by leading the community’s efforts to attract, support and promote sporting events at every level. And Durham Next, a 501(c)3 created to lead the research, planning and implementation of initiatives put forth in the Destination Master Plan that advance Durham as the best place to live, work and visit.

We are seeking an experienced Accounting and Budget Senior Manager to be the go-to for all things finance — managing budgets, ensuring accuracy in our books, guiding strategic decisions with data, and keeping us compliant and audit-ready.  Think of yourself as the behind-the-scenes MVP — managing our numbers, guiding our budget, and helping ensure our tourism efforts are not only exciting but financially sound. You’ll work closely with leadership and team members across departments to turn strategy into sustainable action.  But this isn’t just about spreadsheets — you’ll also train, coach, and empower our team with financial knowledge and best practices, helping everyone work smarter and stay informed.

This position requires someone comfortable with a jack of all trades approach to accounting, because day-to-day responsibilities can range from routine accounts payable transactions to drafting the annual financial reports for the audit.  We’re a small but mighty team, which means everyone rolls up their sleeves, wears a few hats, and plays a direct role in making big things happen.  Flexibility and a team-first attitude are key.

Responsibilities

Accounting & Financial Management

Oversee day-to-day accounting operations — A/P, A/R, payroll, general ledger, reconciliations.
Administer the credit card program – account tracking, reconciliation and credit limits.
Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual closings with accuracy and timeliness.
Prepare financial statements and reports for leadership, board members, and stakeholders.
Manage audits and ensure accurate, transparent financial reporting.

Budget Leadership

Lead the annual budget planning process from start to finish.
Track spending, analyze variances, and advise on necessary adjustments to keep everything on track.
Work with department leads to align spending with strategic goals.

Tax Reporting

Sales tax, 1099s andW9 administration, E-585, coordinate 990 prep and submission.
Work with department leads to align spending with strategic goals.

Training & Team Support

Train staff (including non-finance folks) on budget management, spending procedures, and reporting tools.
Build financial literacy across the organization so everyone can play smarter.

Compliance & Controls

Maintain compliance with GAAP, GASB, and applicable grant or regulatory guidelines.
Review and update internal financial policies and procedures as needed.
Manage financial information access.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Jump in where needed — help with grant budgets, review vendor contracts, or assist with project costing.
Partner with other departments to support big-picture initiatives.
Embrace the variety and fast pace of working in a small but impactful organization

Requirements

Qualifications

• A degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field (CPA or Master’s is a plus!).
• 5+ years of relevant experience — public sector, nonprofit, or tourism/hospitality a bonus.
• Experience training or mentoring others in financial systems and best practices.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office products – Quickbooks experience preferred.
• Comfort working in a small team where roles can shift and overlap.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills — you’re as good with people as you are with numbers.
• A flexible mindset and a can-do attitude. You enjoy jumping in, figuring things out, and helping the whole team succeed.

What You’ll Love About This Job

• A close-knit, collaborative team where your work has a visible impact.
• A mission-driven organization focused on celebrating and supporting the community.
• Occasional field trips to explore Durham and see the results of your work in action (yes, tourism perks!).
• Competitive salary, benefits package, and work-life balance.
• Opportunities for professional development.
• Room to grow, learn, and contribute across different projects and departments.
• This is more than a finance job — it’s a chance to lead, teach, and support a team that’s passionate about making Durham a better place to live, work, and visit. If you’re ready to blend strategy, structure, and storytelling (through numbers!), we want to hear from you.

Salary & Benefits

Discover Durham offers exceptional benefits, including employer-paid insurance premiums for staff and employer contributions to HSA, generous retirement contributions to the NC pension program, a flexible hybrid work schedule, an enviable vacation and holiday allowance, paid parental leave, a wellness stipend, a monthly mobile device stipend, paid downtown parking, and a great team of coworkers. It is a hybrid work environment, with employees expected to be in the office at least three days a week. Plus, you’ll work in a prime location on Main Street in the heart of downtown Durham.

As Accounting and Budgeting Senior Manager, you can expect a salary in the range of $70,000 - $85,000, commensurate with experience.

Discover Durham is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, race, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.

PLEASE, NO PHONE CALLS, EMAILS, OR WALK-INS REGARDING THIS POSITION.