Controller

I. Primary Purpose
Reporting to the Senior Director of Finance (“Senior Director”), the Controller is responsible for the oversight of accounting and financial reporting. The Controller will be a crucial contributor to the financial leadership of Spence-Chapin. The Controller will work closely with the Senior Director and will lead the day-to-day accounting operations of Spence-Chapin. The Controller has functional responsibility for accounting operations including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, budgeting and financial reporting for the organization’s budget of $9MM -$11 MM. The Controller supervises a team of 2 staff members. This position is based in New York, New York. Spence-Chapin currently requires staff to work onsite for a minimum of four days per week after completing one year full of employment.

Spence-Chapin is a non-profit organization based in New York City that has been providing adoption services and adoption support for more than 110 years. At Spence-Chapin, we believe that every child deserves a family, and we work tirelessly to advocate for children in need of a permanent, loving home. Over our history, Spence-Chapin has served more than 25,000 children, women, and families through our main program areas: Comprehensive Domestic and International Adoption Programs; Birth Parent Services; Well-being Services; and International Humanitarian Aid through programs like our Granny Program to support children living in orphanages overseas.

Our work is made possible by the dedicated staff. At Spence-Chapin, we find joy in celebrating each other, our co-workers, and our clients. Everyone is treated with respect and dignity to strengthen the vibrancy of our community. We celebrate a culture of excellence, inclusivity, compassion, flexibility, and support. Being part of the Spence-Chapin team is being part of a legacy, which for more than 110 years has provided critical services to children, women, and families around the world.

II. Key Performance Indicators
• Oversee all accounts, ledgers, and reporting, ensuring compliance with appropriate GAAP accrual accounting standards, regulatory requirements, and management reporting efficiency.
• Manage and execute the month-end and year-end closing process, including reconciliation of accounts and maintenance of accounting schedules.
• Prepare monthly rolling cash-flow forecasts and track investment portfolio to ensure adequate liquidity for operational needs.
• Oversee relationships with banking and merchant services providers.
• Analyze financial data and prepare and present financial reports in an accurate and timely manner; clearly communicate monthly, quarterly and annual financial statements; monitor progress and keep Director abreast of organization’s financial status.
• Prepare financial reporting for grant agreements, working closely with program team on expenditures and budgets.
• Track restricted and unrestricted funds according to underlying agreements.
• Lead the budgeting and financial reporting function for the organization working closely with leadership across all functions as a business partner.
• Ensure proper maintenance of all accounting systems and functions and ensure the fidelity of data and timely monthly, quarterly, and year-end reporting.
• Manage the payroll function ensuring timely and accurate processing and recording of all employee pay, benefits, taxes and fees.
• Work directly with the Director to ensure the full coordination of Spence-Chapin’s fiscal audits and the gathering of required audit information, resulting in the production of accurate and timely financial statements, IRS 990 preparations, and clean financial audits.
• Maintain continuous lines of communication with team and keep the Director informed of all accounting issues.
• Identify and drive the organization to achieve the most efficient possible team structure, documenting processes and developing/evolving systems where necessary.
• Regularly evaluate the systems of internal control as Spence-Chapin continues to grow and evolve and identify and report any gaps along with recommended improvements.
• Drive the organization’s technological advancement of its accounting systems and processes to maximize impact and efficiency.
• Work directly with the Director and other leadership members to ensure financial operations are aligned with the organization’s strategic goals.
• Supervise and mentor direct reports, utilizing an empathetic and supportive leadership style to maintain a high level of performance across the department.

III . Education & Experience
• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible accounting and/or auditing experience; experience in the nonprofit sector strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience managing teams.
• Public accounting experience is desirable but not required.
• Ability to work on multiple projects at once without sacrificing quality.
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or business administration.

IV. Technical Skills

• Thorough understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) pronouncements.
• Up to date on nonprofit expertise regarding audit best practices and state and federal law regarding nonprofit operations.
• Knowledge of financial compliance and risk management including but not limited to statutory and regulatory requirements for nonprofit organizations.
• Experience with QuickBooks Online, Excel, MS Office (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook), payment processing platforms (Stripe), expense reporting applications (Zoho Expense).
• Experience with Raiser’s Edge or similar CRMs preferred.

V. Key Competencies
• Strong organizational skills, and ability to meet tight deadlines.
• Ability to multitask; strong execution skills; thorough follow through, and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to build relationships with key stakeholders cross-functionally to manage and enhance financial operations.
• Ability to communicate complex financial information.
• Ability to work in a collaborative environment with various departments, which supports both individual and cooperative work.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
• Passion for the mission and work of Spence-Chapin.

Compensation and Benefits: This is a full-time, exempt role. The salary range for this role is $145,000 - $160,000. Our compensation package includes an exceptional benefits package focusing on employee physical, mental and financial wellness.

  Our Commitments:
Spence-Chapin upholds an equal opportunity employment policy and employs personnel without regard to race, creed, color, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, physical or mental ability, veteran status, military obligations, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law. This policy applies to all applicants, employees, consultants, third-party workers.

This job description is not intended to detail every aspect of your job or list every task you may perform. It is provided as a general overview of the responsibilities and skills required to do this job successfully.