Financial Controller

Global Energy Monitor•Covina, CA

6h•$131,736 - $131,736•Remote

About The Position

Global Energy Monitor is seeking an experienced Financial Controller to join our Finance & Operations team. The Controller is responsible for maintaining the accuracy, integrity, and usability of Global Energy Monitor’s financial data and systems. This role leads the accounting function end-to-end, including oversight of financial data and systems, and ensures that financial information can be trusted to support real-time organizational decision-making. Working with the support of the Finance & Operations Director, the GEM Finance team, and an outsourced accounting firm, the Controller is responsible for building and maintaining the financial infrastructure that enables clear visibility into available restricted and unrestricted resources, alignment between spending and grant requirements, and confidence in hiring and investment decisions. According to the Intergovernmental Panel of Climate Change (IPCC), we have less than a decade to make massive and unprecedented changes in the global economy to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. To meet that challenge, Global Energy Monitor is creating trackers and other tools to provide detailed information on energy facilities, sponsors, and financing. Global Energy Monitor (GEM) is a network of researchers developing information for the worldwide climate and clean energy movement. Since the organization’s founding in 2007, GEM’s research has become an essential tool for activists, journalists, policymakers, and scientists. GEM’s data and reports are used and cited by organizations ranging from Greenpeace to The Wall Street Journal. GEM’s information is used by Bloomberg Terminals, the International Energy Agency, the IPCC, Climate Analytics, Carbon Tracker Initiative, and hundreds of others. Candidates must currently reside and work within the United States. GEM does not have a central office; instead, GEM works with employees to create suitable home offices catered to the needs of their role.

Requirements

8+ years of progressive finance experience, including nonprofit accounting.
CPA, CMA, MBA/MPA, or equivalent experience in nonprofit financial management, including audit oversight, grant accounting, and financial reporting.
Experience managing complex finances (e.g., multiple restricted grants across programs).
Experience with QuickBooks.
Strong knowledge of GAAP.
Experience transitioning from start-up/manual systems to more robust nonprofit accounting system or suite of programs.
Experience managing or supporting annual audits.
Ability to manage monthly close and financial reporting.
High proficiency in Excel.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
Clear communication skills with both finance and non-finance staff.
Fluency in English.

Nice To Haves

Experience with and preference for remote work environments.
Experience with Sage Intacct or similar fund accounting software.
Experience working with multiple business entities.

Responsibilities

Own the monthly close process in partnership with GEM’s outsourced accountant.
GL oversight: review journal entries, reconciliations, and financial statements for accuracy.
Ensure timely and accurate reporting in accordance with GAAP.
Update accounting structure to reflect organizational changes over time.
Maintain and improve forecasts, cash flow projections, and other financial tools.
Ad hoc reporting and analysis to support decision making.
Evaluate and implement new accounting and reporting tools.
Design processes that improve accuracy and reduce manual work.
Partner with staff to improve how financial data is structured and used.
Support scalable systems that meet the needs of a growing organization.
Lead audit preparation and serve as primary internal contact for auditors.
Maintain strong internal controls and improve financial processes.
Ensure compliance with nonprofit accounting standards and funder requirements.
Maintain compliance to grant restrictions and ensure accurate and timely information is available for grant tracking and financial reports.
Support documentation and policy development across finance operations.
Ad hoc support for data and reporting requests across the organization.
Help translate financial information for non-finance staff.

Benefits

100% paid health, vision, and dental insurance for employees & contribution towards dependent coverage
Long-term disability and worker’s compensation insurance
Voluntary life insurance available
Employee Assistance Program
Retirement plan with a 5% employer match & access to a financial advisor specializing in socially responsible investing
4 weeks paid vacation, plus 18 holidays, 15 sick leave days, and other leave
Remote work stipend
Home office set up assistance and sponsorship
Ergonomics consultation & equipment reimbursement
Paid 12-week sabbatical leave after five years
14 weeks of paid parental leave
14 weeks of paid medical and/or gender-affirming care leave