Summary

350.org is looking for a Controller to oversee all accounting operations of 350.org which has $20M+ annual revenues and processes $20M+ of transactions annually.

Description

About 350.org

350.org is building a global grassroots movement to solve the climate crisis. Our online campaigns, grassroots organizing, and mass public actions are led from the bottom up by thousands of volunteer organizers in over 188 countries. 350.org works hard to organize in a new way—everywhere at once, using online tools to facilitate strategic offline action. We want to be a laboratory for the best ways tostrengthen the climate movement and catalyze transformation around the world. The values that guide and drive our work are listed here. 

350.org is an equal-opportunity employer. 350.org strives to be an inclusive and collaborative group of people who bring a variety of approaches to the work we do. We’re committed to the principles of justice, and we try to build a safe workplace where everyone is treated fairly and enjoys workingtogether. We value new perspectives, ideas of all sorts, and different ways of working. Diverse perspectives and experiences improve the way 350.org carries out our work – including what we decide to work on and how creatively/effectively we do that. We do our best to make staff positionsaccessible to all potential team members, regardless of race, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, assigned gender, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation or identity, religion or creed, veteran status, marital or parental status, and genetic information. We also strive to include teammembers in communities most impacted by climate change or impacted by other kinds of environmental, social, and economic injustice.

About the Controller role

This senior position requires proven, hands-on experience in end-to-end accounting management, team management and a strong understanding of both nonprofit accounting and US GAAP accounting.  This position includes exercising independent judgment to accomplish job duties, implementing global process improvements and being proactive at keeping processes moving forward.  The Controller provides overall leadership for all areas of the accounting function, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, banking, month end close, payroll, general ledger, journal entries, audit support, administrative support, etc.  This role exercises responsibility for the accuracy of financial data and reports and promotes the safeguarding of the organization’s assets through the maintenance of adequate internal controls.  The Controller’s responsibilities span across an international, global organization that operates in 20+ currencies, 30+ countries, 4 separate entities and 2 separate organizations (501c3 and 501c4). This position reports into the Global Director of Finance and is an important leader within the Finance & Accounting Department and the organization as a whole. 

Job Responsibilities 

 Accounting Functions, Financial Reporting and Financial Systems

  • Lead the accounting function by assigning, directing and monitoring all tasks in this area.
  • Overseeing and managing accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll accounting and payroll processing, preparing journal entries, general accounting activity, banking activity and account reconciliations.
  • Create, implement and manage a global month end close (MEC) process to ensure financials are timely, accurate and complete.  Review and manage the process end-to-end and implement improvements where necessary to drive efficiency and accuracy.  Make adjustments and journal entries where necessary and ensure staff has completed their MEC duties properly and on-time.  
  • Conduct account analysis and ad hoc reporting after month end close to check for thoroughness, consistency or other requests.  Review P&L, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow Statement and Trial Balance reports for consistency, trending, anomalies, missing transactions, corrections needed, etc. every month during MEC.  
  • Assign responsibilities as needed to accounting team members to ensure a smooth and efficient MEC process.
  • Assist the members of the Finance & Accounting Department in preparing budgets, forecasts, reports, etc. 
  • Responsible for managing operational and financial data and ensuring data integrity and accuracy.
  • Assist the Director of Finance and other management in development and documentation of operational procedures.
  • Assist the Director of Finance and other management in development of system controls to ensure data integrity and internal controls to safeguard assets.
  • Assist the Director of Finance and other management in production of accurate and timely financial statements.
  • Oversee all accounts, ledgers, subledgers and reporting systems.
  • Ensure compliance with appropriate US GAAP standards, external laws/regulations, and translations from IFRS wherever appropriate. 
  • Assist the Director of Finance and other team members with compliance for regulatory filings, tax filings, etc. in overseas entities in South Africa, UK and other locations.
  • Stay up-to-date on accounting changes, including for the nonprofit sector.  Design and implement new processes to keep financial transaction recording and financial reporting up-to-date with new standards to remain compliant.
  • Assist the Director of Finance in annual audit and Tax Form 990 preparation.  Prepare, review and/or approve detailed audit schedules and reconciliations.  Identify any write offs, adjustments, reclasses, etc. prior to the audit and record in the accounting system. 
  • Assist the Director of Finance in remediating any audit issues that result from the annual audit in an effort to continually improve processes and results.
  • Create, maintain and revise, as needed, global accounting manuals containing accounting policies and procedures and other working documents as needed to ensure staff adhere to recommended practices and procedures. 
  • Oversee entire Accounts Payable process and Accounts Receivable function (supervise in consultation or liaise with development team to ensure accurate recording of revenue and corresponding restrictions).  Implement best practices for accounts payable and accounts receivable functions in consultation with other finance and accounting team members or other staff.
  • Responsible for timely and accurate bank reconciliations, credit card reconciliations, debit card reconciliations, etc. for all 350 accounts, including those in non-USD currencies.
  • Act as expert on accounting system(s) setup, capabilities and technical requirements.  Ensure accounting system integrity and make recommendations to COO and Director of Finance for ongoing improvements in functionality as required. 
  • Responsible for review and approval of payroll processing and payroll accounting entries in multiple countries, including US, Canada, South Africa, UK, etc.  Work with various payroll providers in each country for timely payroll submission and payment, and to ensure compliance with local laws and regulations.  Maintain reconciliations for payroll liabilities, including retirement/pensions, taxes and other benefits.
  • Understand intercompany and inter-entity accounting and cost allocations, including due-to due-from accounting.
  • Consistently prepare financial data, analyze financial data and share reports in an accurate and timely manner as requested from the Director of Finance, COO or other management. Clearly communicate monthly, quarterly and annual financial statements.  Keep management informed of any material changes.

Cash Flow Management and Controls

  • Responsible for overall management and safeguarding of cash, including banking, bank transfers and other cash-equivalent/investment accounts.
  • Maintain internal controls and safeguards for receipt of revenue and actual expenditures. 
  • Develop documentation of procedures and recommendations for cash control process improvements.
  • Assist Director of Finance in organizational cash flow forecasting as needed.
  • Complete and/or review reconciliations for all cash or cash-equivalent/investment accounts on a monthly basis.

Other

  •  Oversee accounting staff, including members of accounts payable, accounts receivable and general accountants and/or specialists. 
  •  Develop and manage a high-performing accounting team with an employee-oriented culture that emphasizes quality, process improvement and employee retention.  Manage direct reports, including motivation, performance evaluations, feedback, training/support and accountability, while maintaining the goals of the Finance & Accounting Department and Operations Department. 
  • Support the Finance & Accounting Department and Operations Department when called upon for various requests.  Assist in special projects as necessary and other duties as assigned by the Director of Finance, COO and/or Managing Director.
  • Participate or support organizational initiatives or events.
  • Take initiative to learn about climate change and the mission and programs of 350.org

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree in Accounting.
  • Minimum 8+ years of accounting experience, demonstrating a clear increase in responsibilities.
  • Minimum 5+ years as a manager within the accounting or finance function, including 3+ years of direct supervision.
  • Excellent and expert knowledge of US GAAP.
  • Experience in developing, implementing and managing the month end close process for an international organization. 
  • Experience in an international nonprofit organization, including experience in multi-entity, multi-currency and international transactions/accounting.
  • Strong experience and working knowledge of general ledger, accounts payable, domestic and international disbursements, nonprofit revenue recognition, accounts receivable, payroll, and banking required.
  • Experience in being a key player for audit support.
  • Experience implementing or migrating to a new accounting system or ERP or other similar project management experience.
  • Familiarity and knowledge of best practices in key accounting functions such as accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash management, etc.
  • Ability to translate financial concepts to individuals at all levels in the organization – including non-finance colleagues.
  • Keen analytic, organization and independent problem-solving skills.  Experience in effectively communicating key data, including presentations to management.
  • Meticulous attention to detail – demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness, organized, monitors own work and the work of others to ensure quality.
  • Expert at managing self, including prioritizing multiple tasks and meeting deadlines, while also managing multiple team members. 
  • Proactive, hands-on thinker and problem solver.
  • Customer-oriented, positive attitude.
  • Excellent written and communication skills and proficiency in the English language (spoken and written) are required.
  • Excellent ability to improve global and team processes. 
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, complex organization while prioritizing multiple different projects and processes.

Desired skills and experiences

  • A CPA or accounting certification is a plus. 
  • Some understanding of IFRS is a plus.
  • Commitment to a work environment that incorporates cultural values and is mission-driven, professional, direct, naturally collaborative, and collegial.
  • Comfortable working in partnership with senior staff within the organization. 
  • Experience with Intacct, Expensify and/or similar accounting/ERP system.
  • Experience with Google suite, including gmail, google calendar, google docs, google sheets.
  • Experience with modelling and complex functions in Microsoft Excel.

We are looking for someone who is comfortable working both independently and in teams, highly responsive, and able to lead initiatives as well as take direction from others.

Position Type: Full-time (36 hrs per week)

Application Deadline: This job is open until filled, or the hiring manager determines that they can no longer accept applications. 

Location: This is a remote position open to candidates based in the United States, South Africa, and the United Kingdom.

In the US, we can only hire in the following states: CA, CO, CT, D.C., GA, MA, MD, ME, MT, NC, NJ, NY, PA, VA, VT, WA, or WI

Compensation: This position falls under 350. org's Salary Grade 3.3, with compensation equivalent to USD 105,000 in the US, ZAR 854,616 in South Africa, and GBP 74,000 in the UK.

Applicants must have the legal authorization to work for any employer in their country of residence. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

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If you have suggestions for us on how to do this better, we really value your input and strongly encourage you to write to us at jobs@350.org with the subject line ‘Hiring Feedback’.