Controller

Center for International Environmental Law • Washington, DC

11h • $101,000 - $130,000 • Remote

About The Position

The Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) uses the power of law to protect the environment, promote human rights, and ensure a just and sustainable society. We currently employ a staff of nearly 70 in 8 countries with an organizational budget of ~$10M, mostly from private foundations. This role supports financial operations in two separate legal entities using three core currencies. The Finance department consists of the CFO, controller, and three accountants. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Controller will manage all day-to-day operations of the finance department, including accounts payable and receivable, monthly reconciliations, general ledger, payroll, relationship management with banks and other vendors, and audit preparation. They will assist with budget development, reporting, and analysis, and collaborate with a variety of internal constituents, including the CEO, CFO, COO, and other CIEL Management. The Controller will be charged with identifying new opportunities to improve efficiencies, eliminate backlogs, and respond proactively to other departments' needs. They will need to analyze the existing processes and systems and work closely with the CFO and other finance and administrative/ operations staff to streamline current systems, leverage new information technology, and establish standard operating procedures that provide maximum benefit to all parties involved. T his position will supervise two accountants. This is an outstanding opportunity for a proactive, hands-on finance manager who brings a successful track record of creative problem-solving and strengthening infrastructure to work in a mission-driven organization.

Requirements

• Prior nonprofit finance experience with a successful track record in a senior financial management role for 5+ years
• Experience working with US nonprofit finances and regulations (GAAP)
• Ability to anticipate the infrastructure and systems needs in a complex, national, multisite nonprofit
• Demonstrated experience supervising or providing management to others
• Recognized success in developing and monitoring systems to manage both internal operations and programmatic work that involve high levels of collaboration, particularly with program directors and other senior leadership
• Keen analytic, organization, and problem solving skills that support and enable sound decision making in a complex organization; demonstrated resourcefulness in setting priorities and guiding investment in people and systems
• Direct and concise communication skills; an active listener; ability to translate complex financial concepts to individuals at all levels including finance and non-finance managers
• Technology savvy with the ability to manage data for financial reporting quickly and effectively
• Commitment to incorporating principles of justice, equity, and inclusion into all aspects of the work.
• Ability to successfully work on multiple priorities concurrently, including having strong planning and organizational skills, and ability to work well under pressure.
• Ability to work both independently and in close coordination with a team.
• Able to travel internationally, and for periods of 1-2 weeks (public safety guidelines permitting).
• Familiarity with Sage Intacct or major ERP system

Nice To Haves

• Experience managing finances across multiple currencies and across jurisdictions in an international nonprofit setting
• Professional proficiency in French, in addition to English
• Action-Oriented : Makes things happen. Takes on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of curiosity, proactivity, and constructiveness.
• Nimble Learning : Approaches unfamiliar tasks proactively and with an open mind. Can quickly adapt to new situations and to draw on past successes and failures to solve current problems.
• Effective Communication : Understands the value of effective communication. Can deliver messages in a clear, compelling, and concise manner. Actively listens, checks for understanding, and adjusts content and style to meet the needs of different stakeholders.
• Collaborates : Brings people together to leverage their skills, talents, and knowledge to achieve a common purpose. Creates synergy resulting in a combined effort with greater results than what can be achieved by individuals.
• Resourcefulness : Is able to make the best of limited resources and find a way to get things done even when the odds are against them. Can look beyond the obvious for viable approaches to accomplish the goal.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Financial Management (70%) Manage all accounts, ledgers, and reporting systems ensuring compliance with appropriate GAAP standards and regulatory requirements.
• Manage monthly and annual close, including reconciliation oversight.
• Maintain internal control safeguards for the receipt of revenue and disbursement of expenditures, including accurate evaluation of conditional and non-conditional funds.
• Oversee accounting operations including AP, AR, payroll, cash receipts across two nonprofit entities.
• Implement consistent accounting policies, practices, and procedures across all programs.
• Coordinate all audit activities (organization, project, and benefits).
• Contribute to budgeting and the implementation of budgets, with a focus on monitoring progress, adding to the accounting system, and sharing financial metrics.
• Manage cash flow and liquidity forecasting.
• Account for and track the performance of CIEL investments in keeping with the policies and investment guidelines established by the finance committee.
• Act as financial thought partner to CFO and executive leadership.
• Team Management (25%) Provide day-to-day supervision, management, and ongoing feedback for assigned staff and consultants.
• Assist CFO and other Admin/Ops staff as needed to provide work planning and implementation support to the Finance, Admin, and Ops program.
• Ensure regular and proactive communication with the CFO and assist in information flow within the Finance, Admin, and Ops program, with CIEL Leadership and with other CIEL departments.
• Contribute to the CIEL Management team as expected with other Managers.
• Administration: (5%) Support fundraising efforts, such as proposals and reports, as relevant.
• Maintain own timesheets and submit them on time.
• Meet regularly and as requested with supervisor and other team members.
• Participate in weekly staff and team meetings and other organizational activities, including a regular staff performance evaluation.
• Meet target dates, prioritize tasks, and ensure high-quality work products.

Benefits

• CIEL will contribute a one-time stipend of USD $750 for fully remote workers, with an additional USD $250 per year for the purposes of maintaining your remote work space.
• CIEL offers a strong benefits package including employer-subsidized health, dental, and vision; paid vacation, sick, and parental leave; a 5% contribution of gross annual salary into a 403(b) retirement account; a relocation stipend; dedicated professional development funding; and paid sabbatical leave after 7 years.
• CIEL is a 501(c)3 nonprofit in the US, and full-time employees qualify for the US Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed