Controller

POSITION: Controller
DEPARTMENT: Finance
POSITION REPORTS TO:  Chief Financial Officer
LOCATION: Hybrid (Midtown, NY)
FLSA STATUS : Exempt

The New York City Bar Association (City Bar), founded in 1870, is a voluntary association of lawyers and law students. The City Bar’s mission is to equip and mobilize a diverse legal profession to practice with excellence, promote reform of the law, and uphold the rule of law and access to justice in support of a fair society and the public interest in our community, our nation, and throughout the world.
As the nonprofit 501(c)(3) arm of the New York City Bar Association, the City Bar Fund mobilizes New York City lawyers to do good work for people in need and for the legal profession. The City Bar Fund’s four programs — the City Bar Justice Center , the Cyrus R. Vance Center for International Justice , the Office for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging , and the Lawyer Assistance Program — channel the power of volunteering into positive impact.

JOB FUNCTION
The Controller oversees daily accounting and finance operations to ensure the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of the Association’s and City Bar Fund’s financial records. This position supervises a team of accounting staff and works closely with the CFO, department managers, and external auditors to support financial reporting, compliance, and planning.

Areas of responsibility include, but are not limited to:

• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate a team of four accounting staff; assign work, review deliverables, and ensure compliance with policies and procedures.
• Oversee daily cash management, including monitoring receipts and disbursements, and maintaining manual and projected cash flow logs.
• Maintain the general ledger and chart of accounts; ensure all transactions comply with U.S. GAAP and FASB standards.
• Review and approve journal entries, reclassifications, and reconciliations.
• Prepare and review analyses and audit schedules of balance sheet and income statement accounts.
• Lead the monthly close process, ensuring adherence to the close calendar and timely completion of all close and compliance activities.
• Prepare and review monthly and annual financial statements; analyze budget variances and financial trends.
• Coordinate fiscal year-end close, calendar-year A/P close, and ERP roll-forward; ensure all income and expenses are properly accrued.
• Manage audits and compliance activities, including preparation and review of audit schedules, responding to auditor inquiries, and supporting tax filings (Forms 990, 990-T, 1120 support, CT-13, pension audits).
• Prepare the Association’s tax filings directly and provide review support for the City Bar Fund’s tax filings prepared by the CBF Accounting Manager.
• Lead preparation of the annual operating and salary budgets for the Association; support department heads and manage revisions through Board approval.
• Collaborate with the CBF Accounting Manager on intercompany due to/due from accounts.
• Support the CFO with financial analysis, system maintenance, and special projects.

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance; CPA preferred.
• 8-12 years of progressive accounting experience, including 3-5 years of management experience.
• At least 5 years of nonprofit accounting experience.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP.
• Strong experience of Fund accounting, budgeting, and audits.
• Experience with NetSuite and advanced Excel skills.
• Prior experience as a Controller, Assistant Controller, Senior Accounting Manager, or equivalent leadership role preferred.
• Familiarity with AVID Pay and ADP WorkForce Now a plus.

Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States. We are not able to sponsor visas for this position.

This position will have a hybrid work schedule with some flexibility for the days scheduled to be in the office (generally 2 days each week). The hybrid schedule is subject to review and revision based on the departmental needs. 

The annualized salary for this role is in the $130,000 to $140,000 range. We provide a competitive benefits package including generous paid time off (vacation, personal, sick time, holidays including office closure during the last week of the calendar year through New Year’s Day, day off for volunteer work, extra time off in summer), choice of medical plans, dental, vision, eligible for 401K when employment begins (with discretionary employer match up to 3% after 1 year), life insurance, commuter benefits program, Employee Assistance Program, short-term/long-term disability insurance, free New York City Bar Association membership and CLE programs, employee discounts, and more!

To apply: It is suggested that qualified applicants should include a cover letter, to explain why you are interested in the position when applying. Applications will be considered when received until a qualified candidate is hired. Finalists will be asked also to submit three professional business references.

We actively seek a diverse applicant pool and encourage candidates of all backgrounds and unique experiences to apply. We welcome diversity of all kinds. It is the policy of the City Bar to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, creed, age, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, gender (including gender identity), sexual orientation, disability, arrest or conviction record, pregnancy, credit history, salary history, caregiver status, marital status, partnership status, or status as a victim of domestic violence, stalking and sex offenses, religion, sex, genetic information, military status, unemployment status or any other characteristic as protected by law. With regard to the Americans with Disabilities Act and other related laws, the organization will endeavor to make reasonable accommodations for persons due to their religious beliefs, disability, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition or because the individual was a victim of domestic violence, sexual violence or stalking.

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