Controller

Sustainable Forestry Initiative • Washington, DC

13d • $140,000 - $160,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Controller is responsible for SFI (Parent) financial planning, tracking, reporting, audits, applicable tax returns, and assistance with treasury functions. The position requires directing and supporting the day-to-day tactical accounting operations, which includes both Canada and U.S. activities, while ensuring executive management remain aware of various programmatic financial spending trends. As a member of the Finance and Operations department, the Controller works to ensure all financial transactions are correctly recorded in accordance with Canadian and U.S. Accounting Standards, as well as ensure regulatory compliance is maintained.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting required.
• Certified Public Accountant (U.S.) license required.
• Minimum eight years of progressive experience in finance or accounting.
• Two years of experience in a non-profit setting, preferably experience with grants.
• Minimum five years of supervisory experience.
• Works cooperatively, respectfully, and collaboratively with other employees; functions as a team player; and accepts constructive suggestions for improving job performance from others.
• Exercises discretion and independent judgment in the responsibilities associated with job functions.
• Adaptable and able to meet fast-paced deadlines while conducting oneself in a professional manner.
• Demonstrated ability to respect confidentiality and exercise discretion with sensitive information.
• Strong problem-solving ability to evaluate and recommend solutions.
• Excellent oral and written communication, organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and a high-level of accuracy and project follow-through.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and work independently, as well as collaborate well with others.
• Thorough familiarity with Canadian and U.S. Accounting Standards, internal controls, and regulatory compliance (i.e., CRA for Canada, IRS for U.S.) requirements for a non-profit organization.
• Proficient knowledge of financial systems; Sage Intacct experience preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office software; intermediate MS Excel skills required.
• Proficient ability to synthesize data and learn technical aspects of SFI revenue streams.
• Ability to travel if/as required throughout Canada and the U.S.

Nice To Haves

• Direct experience in the forestry, natural resources, or education sectors preferred.
• Multiple language skills a plus.

Responsibilities

• Oversees the day-to-day operations of the accounting department according to policies & procedures, as well as Canadian and U.S. Accounting Standards.
• Establishes and maintains internal controls and compliance activities to ensure alignment with statutory requirements and SFI policies & procedures.
• Oversees, prepares, reviews, and coordinates the annual audit of SFI and applicable regulatory filings (e.g., 990 and T2 for U.S.) with Senior Leadership Team and external auditors, as necessary.
• Leads and manages the annual budget process for SFI in consultation with executive management.
• Conducts financial analysis and prepares financial reports and statements for executive management and the board of directors, as necessary.
• Manage various relationships and serves as the primary point-of-contact for applicable vendors and service providers, as necessary.
• Researches and performs risk management analysis and other ad hoc reporting as needed.
• Oversee and lead the financial management of all grants ($15+ million), including but not limited to grant budgeting, expenditure tracking, and grant financial reporting. This includes inbound grant revenue, as well as pass-through and sub-recipient expenditure funding, and eventually will also include SFI’s outbound grant expenditure program for all pillars.
• Monitor and reconcile grant expenditures to ensure alignment with approved budgets, generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), and compliance with grant terms from sponsors to meet invoicing requirements and procurement guidelines and restrictions.
• Prepare and submit accurate grant financial reports to align with and support written reports to US funders in accordance with their requirements.
• Collaborate with the Business Director on Canadian grants, including on federal (ECCC) and provincial funding, providing back up support as needed.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, provincial, and local regulations related to grant management, specifically from the US Federal Compliance Supplement (2CFR200, Appendix XI).
• Maintain comprehensive and organized documentation for US grants, including agreements, amendments, financial reports, and correspondence.
• Conduct regular compliance reviews and audits to ensure adherence to US grant requirements and organizational policies.
• Assist with grant applications by providing the necessary financial data.
• Serve as the point person for the Single Audit, ensuring compliance throughout the year.
• Manage the Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) effectively. (Currently, SFI uses the allowed de minimis fixed rate).
• Create, design, and implement policies, processes and procedures related to grant management and proposal development. These should adhere to requirements included in compliance supplements for US and Canadian grants.
• Advise program managers, VPs, Directors, and Senior Leaders regarding negotiation of new grants, effective startups, and grant management issues.
• Work closely with program managers, VP’s, Directors, and Senior Leaders to develop grant budgets and ensure the proper allocation of funds, including supporting allocation of staff time to fulfill grant obligation, including matching staff time.
• Provide financial analysis and reporting to support program planning and decision-making.
• Assist in the development and submission of grant proposals, including budget preparation and financial narratives.
• Train and support staff on grant management best practices and compliance requirements.
• Identify and participate in training on changes in grant regulations and accounting standards to stay current. Disseminate and train on relevant information to the team.
• Assist with implementing applicable organizational-wide financial structure and process changes.
• Participate in special projects and perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family.
• Retirement plan with generous employer contribution and additional matching contribution up to 11% of your salary, provided you also contribute 4%.
• Paid Time Off – generous vacation policy ranging from 2 weeks to 5 weeks, increasing with experience, all federal holidays, plus 4 floating holidays annually that may be used to observe additional religious, cultural, or traditional occasions that are meaningful to you, and 12 sick days annually.
• Educational assistance and investment in professional development.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 51-100 employees