Controller

American Forests• US,

12d•$120,000 - $140,000•Remote

About The Position

American Forests is seeking a Controller to join their Finance team. This role will provide strategic and operational leadership for the organization’s accounting function, ensuring financial integrity, regulatory compliance, and scalable systems that support a remote-first workforce and geographically dispersed conservation programs. The Controller will oversee complex nonprofit accounting across a multi-source funding portfolio, including federal/state grants, philanthropic contributions, and corporate/sponsorship revenue. This position partners closely with program, development, and executive leadership to steward resources in support of the mission to protect and restore forests and enhance communities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting required
CPA strongly preferred (or equivalent advanced certification/experience)
At least 10 years of progressive accounting experience
Significant experience in nonprofit organizations
Demonstrated leadership in federal/state grants management, nonprofit GAAP, regulatory compliance, and audit processes (including Single Audits)
Expert knowledge of ASC 958, ASC 606, and ASC 842
Strong understanding of Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200)
Advanced experience with grants and government contracting systems (e.g., Unanet, Deltek, Sage Intacct)
Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills
Ability to lead and collaborate effectively in a remote-first environment

Responsibilities

Lead general ledger activities, including efficient month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes in a remote-first environment.
Ensure accurate, timely preparation of financial statements in compliance with U.S. GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards (including ASC 958).
Maintain and enhance strong internal controls across distributed teams, field operations, and growing program scale.
Develop, document, and update accounting policies and procedures to promote consistency, scalability, and audit readiness.
Manage, mentor, and develop the accounting team; set clear performance expectations, foster professional growth, and build capacity for organizational expansion.
Support the Grants and Contracts team by ensuring accounting compliance with 2 CFR 200 (Uniform Guidance) and sponsor-specific requirements for federal, state, and foundation grants, including cost-reimbursable, fixed-price and multi-year awards.
Direct indirect cost allocation methodologies, recovery processes, and monthly indirect rate statements; partner with CFO and Grants and Contracts team on NICRA negotiations and rate applications.
Coordinate with the Grants and Contracts team for the Single Audit.
Oversee accounting for restricted and unrestricted contributions in compliance with ASC 958.
Manage net asset classification, releases from restriction, and donor-restricted reporting.
Oversee pledge receivables, multi-year gifts, and gift-in-kind valuation.
Partner with Development on revenue recognition timing, donor transparency, financial reporting, and support for donor audits or due diligence.
Evaluate corporate funding arrangements to determine contribution vs. exchange treatment.
Apply ASC 606 for sponsorships, contracts, and fee-for-service arrangements.
Ensure contract compliance and accurate tracking of deliverables tied to conservation outcomes.
Serve as primary liaison with external auditors.
Lead preparation and coordination of annual financial statement audits and Single Audits (as applicable).
Oversee audit deliverables, including Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA), grant compliance schedules, workpapers, and supporting documentation.
Address audit findings, implement corrective actions, and drive continuous improvement in controls.
Lead or support implementation and optimization of Unanet government contracting and grants accounting systems.
Oversee integration of accounting systems with timekeeping and effort reporting, travel and expense platforms, and payroll and HR systems.
Develop standardized, remote-friendly workflows that empower program and field staff with real-time visibility.
Promote automation, strong audit trails, and real-time budget and enhanced grant reporting.
Serve as a trusted financial partner to Program, Development, Operations, and Executive teams.
Translate complex accounting and compliance requirements into clear, practical guidance for non-finance staff.
Support financial planning, forecasting, and scenario modeling related to funding variability and program growth.
Demonstrate commitment to environmental stewardship and mission-aligned financial leadership.