Controller
Common Cause
Accounting & Finance
Washington, DC, USA
Posted on Oct 11, 2024
We are seeking our first-ever Controller to join our Finance & Administration team here at Common Cause. This is an exciting opportunity to bring your financial and accounting expertise to play a leadership role in as we strengthen our financial processes and systems.
As our Controller, you will play an integral role in monitoring and strengthening our accounting systems to ensure accuracy, integrity and compliance with accounting standards and reporting requirements, and will oversee the annual financial statement and benefit plan audits, and support the strategic decision-making of the organization. You will also manage three direct reports, collaborate closely with other senior leaders, and serve as a point of contact for staff members from across the organization. This is a critical role that will have a direct impact on our ability to operate efficiently to meet our ambitious organizational goals.
This is a full-time role reporting to the Vice President, Finance & Administration, and is based in Washington, DC with an expectation to come into our DC office at least 2 days per week. We hope our Controller will start in January!
Responsibilities
Strategic financial management
In collaboration with the Vice President, Finance & Administration
· Manage and oversee the daily financial operations associated with the general ledger
· Oversee, manage, and assist in the month-end and year-end closing processes
· Oversee implementation of budgets, monitoring progress and presenting financial metrics both internally and externally
· Analyze, develop and implement consistent accounting and financial controls, policies, and procedures to ensure accuracy in all organizational financials
· Oversee annual financial statement audit, employee benefit plan audit, and the preparation of annual tax returns
· Advise senior leaders and staff on proper financial procedures and with financial and accounting analysis
· Prepare and deliver financial statements, budgets, and other reports as needed to senior leaders, board members, and auditors
· Perform other related duties as assigned
Support staff across the organization for effective grant management
· Oversee the accounting of grants and contributions received by the organization to ensure that funds are spent down timely and adhere to grant budgets and schedules
· Support grant budget proposals and progress reports to evaluate funding needs across our programs
· Oversee the point of contact for staff members who have questions about financial aspects of grant requirements
Team leadership
· Lead, mentor and develop three direct reports (Director of State Accounting Operations, Senior Accountant, and Financial Analyst) towards their individual and departmental goals and support their career progression and retention at Common Cause
· In partnership with other members of the management team, ensure efficient coordination between members of the Finance & Administration team and other internal teams
Risk Management and Internal Controls
· Continuously assess the design and implementation of financial policies, procedures, and systems to improve the finance department's efficiency and effectiveness, safeguard company assets, and minimize risk
· Identify and mitigate financial risk throughout the organization
You will thrive in this role if you have:
- A strong commitment to effective financial management in a mission-driven organization
- A commitment to equity in the goals of your work and in how you work with others
- A track record of building strong relationships and working collaboratively with others, navigating organizational and power dynamics to meet common goals, and respectfully navigating conflict while maintaining your values
- Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to distill complex financial concepts for a broad audience
- Innovative and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to navigate through ambiguity to achieve goals, and a resourceful approach to problem-solving
- Ability to manage multiple long-term priorities at once, with an orientation to details and the ability to also see the big picture; strong organization skills, and an ability to manage your time independently
- Openness to feedback and awareness of your own strengths and areas for growth
- Familiarity with office productivity tools within the Microsoft Suite and Zoom, and advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Sage Intacct, and Bill.com
The following is required:
- A certified public accountant (CPA) designation is a plus
- Strong understanding of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP)
- Strong understanding of nonprofit accounting, tax and budgeting principles
- At least three years' experience in a nonprofit accounting position
- A track record of leading organization-wide change initiatives
- Have managed and developed a team of at least two direct reports
- Ability to work in-person in our DC office at least two days per week, and travel 1-2 times per year for team and/or all staff retreats
- Per our nonpartisan policy, Common Cause staff members may not currently be in elected office (or running for office); on the Steering Committee or Finance Committee for any political candidate; or affiliated with the leadership of a political party
Additional information about this role:
- This position is classified as supervisory and therefore not included in the union-represented collective bargaining unit.
- Common Cause is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time; please note that if hired, you will be asked to produce documentation for authorization to work in the US.
Common Cause is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants of any race, creed, color, religion, ethnicity, national origin, income class, political affiliation, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status, or marital status, as well as applicants who have been previously incarcerated.
Common Cause (501(c)(4)) and Common Cause Education Fund (501(c)(3)) are nonpartisan, nonprofit grassroots affiliate organizations dedicated to upholding the core values of American democracy. We work to create an open, honest, and accountable government that serves the public interest; promote equal rights, opportunity, and representation for all; and empower all people to make their voices heard in the political process.
Founded in 1970 and headquartered in Washington, DC, Common Cause has more than 1.5 million members and supporters living in every congressional district in the United States, and offices in 23 states around the country.