Controller

Primary Purpose

Reporting to the Senior Director of Finance (“Senior Director”), the Controller is responsible for the oversight of accounting and financial reporting. The Controller will be a crucial contributor to the financial leadership of Spence-Chapin. The Controller will work closely with the Senior Director and will lead the day-to-day accounting operations of Spence-Chapin. The Controller has functional responsibility for accounting operations including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, budgeting and financial reporting for the organization’s budget of $9MM -$11 MM. The Controller supervises a team of 2 staff members. This position is based in New York, New York. Spence-Chapin currently requires staff to work onsite for a minimum of four days per week after completing one year full of employment.

Key Performance Indicators

• Oversee all accounts, ledgers, and reporting, ensuring compliance with appropriate GAAP accrual accounting standards, regulatory requirements, and management reporting efficiency.
• Manage and execute the month-end and year-end closing process, including reconciliation of accounts and maintenance of accounting schedules.
• Prepare monthly rolling cash-flow forecasts and track investment portfolio to ensure adequate liquidity for operational needs.
• Oversee relationships with banking and merchant services providers.
• Analyze financial data and prepare and present financial reports in an accurate and timely manner; clearly communicate monthly, quarterly and annual financial statements; monitor progress and keep Director abreast of organization’s financial status.
• Prepare financial reporting for grant agreements, working closely with program team on expenditures and budgets.
• Track restricted and unrestricted funds according to underlying agreements.
• Lead the budgeting and financial reporting function for the organization working closely with leadership across all functions as a business partner.
• Ensure proper maintenance of all accounting systems and functions and ensure the fidelity of data and timely monthly, quarterly, and year-end reporting.
• Manage the payroll function ensuring timely and accurate processing and recording of all employee pay, benefits, taxes and fees.
• Work directly with the Director to ensure the full coordination of Spence-Chapin’s fiscal audits and the gathering of required audit information, resulting in the production of accurate and timely financial statements, IRS 990 preparations, and clean financial audits.
• Maintain continuous lines of communication with team and keep the Director informed of all accounting issues.
• Identify and drive the organization to achieve the most efficient possible team structure, documenting processes and developing/evolving systems where necessary.
• Regularly evaluate the systems of internal control as Spence-Chapin continues to grow and evolve and identify and report any gaps along with recommended improvements.
• Drive the organization’s technological advancement of its accounting systems and processes to maximize impact and efficiency.
• Work directly with the Director and other leadership members to ensure financial operations are aligned with the organization’s strategic goals.
• Supervise and mentor direct reports, utilizing an empathetic and supportive leadership style to maintain a high level of performance across the department.

Education & Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible accounting and/or auditing experience; experience in the nonprofit sector strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience managing teams.
• Public accounting experience is desirable but not required.
• Ability to work on multiple projects at once without sacrificing quality.
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or business administration.

Technical Skills

• Thorough understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) pronouncements.
• Up to date on nonprofit expertise regarding audit best practices and state and federal law regarding nonprofit operations.
• Knowledge of financial compliance and risk management including but not limited to statutory and regulatory requirements for nonprofit organizations.
• Experience with QuickBooks Online, Excel, MS Office (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook), payment processing platforms (Stripe), expense reporting applications (Zoho Expense).
• Experience with Raiser’s Edge or similar CRMs preferred.

Key Competencies

• Strong organizational skills, and ability to meet tight deadlines.
• Ability to multitask; strong execution skills; thorough follow through, and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to build relationships with key stakeholders cross-functionally to manage and enhance financial operations.
• Ability to communicate complex financial information.
• Ability to work in a collaborative environment with various departments, which supports both individual and cooperative work.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
• Passion for the mission and work of Spence-Chapin.