Controller, Finance

Washington, DC, United States

The German Marshall Fund is a thought leader on issues critical to transatlantic interests in the 21st century, including the future of democracy, security and geopolitics, alliances and the rise of China, and technology and innovation. By drawing on and fostering a community of people with diverse life experiences and political perspectives, GMF pursues its mission by driving the policy debate through cutting-edge analysis and convening, fortifying civil society, and cultivating the next generation of leaders on both sides of the Atlantic.

The Finance workstream provides key decision support and advisory services to the organization. It encompasses a broad range of activities that include accounting, financial planning, business intelligence, monitoring and evaluation, and reporting. As a strategic partner to the programmatic workstreams, it plays a central role in ensuring achievement of organizational objectives.

Job Summary:

The Controller is responsible for the accounting operations of the company, including preparation of financial reports, maintaining an accurate system of accounting records, implementing the systems and infrastructure needed to support GMF’s financial objectives and administering a comprehensive set of controls designed to mitigate risk, ensure accuracy of the organization’s financial reporting, and compliance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

· Manage the day-to-day operations of the accounting staff.

· Directly supervise, mentor, coach and provide leadership to accounting team.

· Implement, document and maintain adequate and effective internal controls.

· Ensure compliance with required regulations, financial standards and donor requirements.

· Fully understand financial processes and implement changes, as needed, to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

· Implement and maintain accounting software. Ensure staff is trained on the use of the software.

· Coordinate, organize, and oversee all monthly and fiscal year end closing activities.

· Monitor and manage external grants, cooperative agreements and other funding mechanisms to ensure GMF is in compliance with the terms and conditions of grants, agreements and federal government uniform guidance as required.

· Prepare internal monthly financial statements, variance analysis, adhoc financial reports, and reports needed for board meetings

· Coordinate, plan, and work with auditors in conducting grant audits and annual audits of the company.

· Prepare IRS Form 990, in conjunction with external tax accountant.

· Manage cash balances, cash flows and assist with cash flow forecasting.

· Maintain current accounting policies and procedures manual.

· Supervise investment accounting and be point of contact with the back office of the external investment advisor.

· Monitor grant revenue recognition including proper deferred revenue and receivable balances.

· Manage payroll function, assuring accurate, timely payments, compliance with all regulations, and appropriate accounting.

· Monitor monthly financial reporting from our European offices.

· Provide direction and assistance to other workstreams and offices regarding accounting policies and procedures.

· Research and resolve complex accounting issues and serve as liaison to workstream teams.

· Assist the VP/CFO with reviewing and approving financial reports to donors and reconcile to the general ledger prior to submission.

· Actively support the VP/CFO in the annual operating budget process and appropriate related analysis throughout the year.

· Actively support the VP/CFO with the periodic forecasting process and subsequent reporting to the board of trustees.

· Assist the VP/CFO with projects as necessary.

Knowledge and Skills Needed:

· Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance.

· CPA or advanced degree preferred

· Eight years of progressive accounting experience in a professional office environment

· Three years of supervisory experience required

· Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles is essential

· Non-profit accounting and grant allocation experience required.

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office software and other financial transaction processing and reporting software.

· Critical to the performance of this job is a demonstrated ability to function as a team member together with the ability to consistently exercise good judgment, excellent analytical skills, accuracy, and attention to detail.

· Must be interested in understanding processes and recommending changes/implementing improvements. Must take initiative where appropriate and possess a strong follow-through to bring projects to timely completion.

Salary: $131,301 – $ 164,127

We highly encourage individuals from underrepresented backgrounds to apply. Historically, underrepresented groups include (but are not limited to) Black, Latinx/o/a/e, Indigenous, Asian, Arab, Middle Eastern, Pacific Islander, biracial, multiracial, female-identifying, the disability community, LGBTQIA+, and other marginalized identities.

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At GMF we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic workplace, so if you are excited about this role, but your experience does not align perfectly, we encourage you to apply. You may just be the right candidate for this or other roles at GMF.

GMF is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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