Controller

Controller

Reports to: Chief Financial Officer

Employment Status: Full-Time, Exempt

Schedule: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Location: New York, NY

Salary: $110,000 - $120,000 annually

Position Overview

The Controller manages the organization's financial accounting processes, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, budget development, and audits. The role requires collaboration with the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and other program directors to ensure financial transparency and efficiency while maintaining compliance with all government contracts and external reporting requirements.

This role is critical in overseeing day-to-day financial activities, ensuring compliance with financial regulations, and preparing financial reports for the executive leadership team.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Financial Oversight and Reporting

• Ensure the accuracy and productivity of accounts payable, payroll, cash disbursements, and restricted funds management.
• Lead the monthly-close process to prepare financial reports for Executive Committee meetings and quarterly board meetings, including reviewing the general ledger, trial balance and financial reports.
• Oversee the preparation and review of financial budgets, and analysis reports required by external organizations (foundations, corporate donors).

Audit and Compliance

• Lead the preparation for independent audits, including general ledger account analysis, insurance, audit confirmations, and compilation of audit schedules.
• Prepare draft financial statements for auditors in collaboration with the CFO.
• Support the CFO in preparing the annual Form 990, CHAR500 and other compliance documentation.
• Review government contract vouchers before filing and ensure compliance with contracts like NYC DFTA and various NYS agencies.

Budget and Cash Management

• Support the CFO in the development of the annual budget, including agency wide, program specific and grant-related budgets.
• Prepare and monitor periodic cash flow projections for up to 12 months.
• Generate and submit timely budget reports to program directors and development team for grant proposals.
• Prepare monthly bank reconciliations for both business and investment accounts
• Monitor bank activity daily and compile weekly cash balance reports for the CFO and Executive Director

Payroll and Benefits Administration

• Oversee and supervise the organization's payroll functions, ensuring pay is processed on time, accurately, and in compliance with government regulations.
• Liaise with HR on employee benefits management and payroll-related matters, ensuring accurate financial records for staff.
• Assist with compliance reporting and labor audits, and help develop budgets for HR programs, such as staff development and training.

Team Collaboration & Other Duties

• Provide supervision and guidance to accountants and other financial staff regarding best practices.
• Approve and oversee the release of checks for operating accounts.,
• Ensure proper reconciliation of revenue between accounting and development teams.
• Manage financial reporting and budgeting for specific programs.
• Regularly assess existing accounting systems, policies and procedures to identify areas for improvement. Propose enhancements that increase efficiency, ensure compliance with regulations, and align with organizational goals. Collaborate with the CFO and other finance team members to implement approved changes.
• Perform other tasks as required to meet the needs of the organization.

Key Competencies

• Financial Acumen: Strong understanding of accounting principles, budgeting, financial reporting, and payroll administration, especially within non-profit regulations and restricted funds management.
• Audit and Compliance Expertise: Ability to ensure compliance with financial regulations, prepare for audits, and manage government contract reporting.
• Adaptability: Flexibility to handle a wide range of tasks, from high-level financial strategy to day-to-day accounting, in a resource-constrained environment.
• Collaboration and Communication: Strong interpersonal skills to work closely with HR, program directors, and external partners while effectively communicating financial insights to non-financial stakeholders.
• Problem-solving and Initiative: Proactive in identifying financial challenges and implementing practical solutions, ensuring sustainability and efficiency in operations.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field, CPA preferred.
• Minimum of 6 years of relevant experience in financial management, preferably in non-profit or social services settings. Expertise in financial management, including general ledger accounting, payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable and fund accounting.
• Strong understanding of audit preparation, compliance, and government contract reporting.
• Experience managing restricted funds and compliance with government contracts.
• Proficiency in financial accounting software and budgeting tools. Enterprise-level fund accounting software is preferred.
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams. Ability to communicate financial information clearly and effectively to program managers and other non-financial stakeholders.
• Experience ensuring compliance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), cost principles for non-profit organizations and government contracts.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position supervises the Bookkeeper/Accounts Payable staff and Senior Grants Accountant.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

This role operates in a professional office environment on the UES, with occasional meetings outside the office. The ability to navigate and work within a basement level office building, climb stairs, carry light office supplies or case files, and the endurance to move between office floors as needed for meetings or access various building resources.

It requires regular use of standard office equipment, such as computers, phones, copiers, and filing cabinets. This position requires sitting for extended periods, performing tasks on a computer, and communicating via phone and in person. The employee must be able to lift and move items, such as office supplies or file boxes, up to 10 pounds.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This full-time, exempt position works Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a one-hour duty-free lunch. Evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand and will be scheduled in advance.

Travel

Travel between program locations is necessary on occasion for meetings that are scheduled with advanced notice and are within walking distance from each other.