Controller
Washington, DC, United States
DEFENDERS OF WILDLIFE
POSITION DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE: Controller
CLASSIFICATION: Professional 6
SALARY: $120,000 - $133,000
FLSA: Exempt
DEPARTMENT: Finance and Compliance
LOCATION: Headquarters, Washington DC
REPORTS TO: Vice President of Finance / CFO
NUMBER OF DIRECT REPORTS: 2
LAST REVISED: September 2023
POSITION SUMMARY
The Controller supervises the Accountant and the Senior Accountant, Grants Management. The Controller is responsible for proper recognition and recording of all revenue for the Organization. The Controller ensures optimum compliance with generally accepted accounting principles; the efficient and effective use of internal controls; and regular application of best practices.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Cash Receipts and Unrestricted Revenue
Supervise the Accountant in the cash receipts process
Ensure proper accounting for cash receipts; ensure the integrity of cash receipts data imported into the Accounting database from the from the CRM Database
Work closely with the Marketing department on all matters related to cash receipts data imported into the Accounting database from the from the CRM Database
Ensure proper recording of all Bequest revenue, working closely with the Development Planned Giving department
Ensure proper accounting / revenue recognition for all contracts
Manage the invoicing process for any reimbursement-based contracts
Restricted Revenue
Supervise the Senior Accountant, Grants Accounting in the restricted grant management process.
Ensure proper accounting of restricted grants in accordance with FAS 116
Ensure compliance with relevant OMB circulars for all federal restricted grants
Oversee proper allocation of overhead to restricted grants
Manage the restricted grant lifecycle within the Project Management System
Manage monthly restricted grant meetings, using the Project Management System, to include members of the Development department and Conservation Program departments to review the life cycle of all active restricted grants ensuring timely spend down
Cash Management
Supervise the Accountant in the cash management process
Oversee for the daily cash management and reporting process
Manage the communication of wire/ach/stock gift information to appropriate departments
Manage the communication of retuned bank items information to the appropriate departments
Manage the communication of banking information to appropriate departments
Month-End Close/Reconciliations
Manage the completion of monthly investment account reconciliations
Manage the proper completion of revenue related balance sheet account reconciliations including accounts receivable (grants /bequests/ list rental/misc.), deferred revenue, etc.
Responsible for the generation of month-end restricted and unrestricted revenue reporting for distribution to relevant staff
Annual Budget
Work closely with Development department to develop annual restricted revenue budget
Work closely with Conservation Program departments to develop annual restricted and unrestricted expense budgets
Develop annual overhead expense budget
Year-End Close
Work with Director, Accounting and Database Administration and the Vice President, Finance on the year-end audit process and annual Form 990 process, including communicating with the external auditors and completing audit requests
Leadership, Supervision and Coaching
With the CFO, lead the Finance team in effective support of the Organizations’ Finance needs
Communicate duties and responsibilities to direct report and monitor performance
Provide regular coaching and counseling
Prepare and deliver performance appraisals for direct reports
Other
Undertake special projects as assigned
Continually identify and implement process improvements
Perform all other related duties as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Bachelor’s (B.A./B.S.) degree or equivalent
Experience: 10 years of relevant experience; 5 years supervisory experience
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities for All Defenders
KSAs for all Defenders will be linked back to the website
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities for Professional 6
Administrative
Ability to accurately maintain electronic and physical records
Anticipate and meet the needs of internal and/or external stakeholders delivering excellent service
Communication
Ability to clearly and accurately communicate with internal and external stakeholders
Ability to articulate complex ideas clearly, accurately and concisely
Ability to convey effective messages to broad and diverse constituencies
Ability and willingness to effectively represent Defenders’ interests in external environments
Ability to exert influence and build consensus with internal and external stakeholders
Critical Thinking
Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with discretion
Strong research and data analysis skills, including ability to gather and synthesize information from multiple sources to produce high quality work products in a consistent, efficient, accurate, and timely manner
Creative problem-solving and troubleshooting skills with willingness to experiment and innovate new methods.
Facilitate and promote the integration of diversity, equity and inclusion strategies into Defenders’ work
Ability to independently exercise appropriate judgment in response to complex and/or fluid environments
Strategic thinker with the ability to create high-level strategy, identify organizational-level impact, and translate strategy into relatable points and action steps.
Project Management
Ability to work well under pressure and tight deadlines while balancing competing assignments
Ability to administer and enforce department procedures inside and outside of the Finance department to ensure efficient operations
Ability to remain flexible and adaptable to shifting priorities while remaining responsive to urgent requests and adhering to established policies and procedures
Ability to take ownership of a project or process and to use problem solving skills to resolve issues
Ability to manage deadlines on multiple cross-functional projects in a dynamic environment
Demonstrated ability in managing competing interests on complex issues
Ability to independently initiate project and initiative ideas; managing projects and initiatives through to completion
Coalition and Community Engagement (if applicable)
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to form effective working relationships with diverse constituencies including federal/state agencies; elected officials and their staff; Defenders’ members and donors; private landowners; hunters and anglers; community leaders; religious, scientific, and academic communities; and /or the general public.
Ability to lead diverse stakeholders in collaborative activities, to anticipate policy issues impacting wildlife and make recommendations within Defenders, other organizations, and coalitions.
Networking skills to engage with leaders in the conservation community, federal and state agencies, NGOs, and other organizations.
Leadership and Management
Ability to foster a team culture which models the tenets of the Commitment Statement
Ability to connect employees and their work to Defenders’ mission
Ability to set and maintain clear expectations, ensuring clarity of roles, accountabilities, and responsibilities
Ability to ensure that staff have the skills and support required to perform at the highest level
Working knowledge of Defenders’ business and people systems and processes
Ability to create and maintain a diverse, inclusive, and high-functioning environment
Ability to prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion in team/department-level decisions
Ability to manage employee conflict and resolve escalations in an inclusive and healthy manner
Ability to effectively lead and manage change
Ability to develop staff to their highest capabilities, through delegation, coaching, empowerment, and professional growth opportunities
Ability to provide effective feedback in real-time
Ability to create and implement team/department strategies in support of Defenders’ Strategic Plan
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities for Controller
CPA Certification preferred
Experience in application of non-profit GAAP, including FAS 116 and FAS 117
Experience in application of OMB circulars for Federal Grants/Awards
Intermediate to advanced Excel skills
Microsoft Dynamics SL/GP or similar accounting database experience a plus
NetSuite OpenAir or similar project management database experience a plus
Revolution Online or similar CRM database experience a plus
PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES, ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS, PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Physical Activities
Check all that apply
Frequency
(N)Never, (O)Occasionally or (C)Constantly
Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like.
N
Moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spaces.
N
Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.
C
Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.
O
Adjusting or moving objects up to __ pounds in all directions.
O
Communicating with others to exchange information.
C
Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.
C
Operating machinery and/or power tools.
N
Operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment.
N
Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned.
C
Environmental Conditions
Check all that apply
Frequency
(N)Never, (O)Occasionally or (C)Constantly
Low temperatures.
O
High temperatures.
O
Outdoor elements such as precipitation and wind.
N
Noisy environments.
O
Hazardous conditions.
N
Poor ventilation.
N
Small and/or enclosed spaces.
N
No adverse environmental conditions expected.
Physical Demands
Check only one
Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.
X
Light work that includes moving objects up to 20 pounds.
Medium work that includes moving objects up to 50 pounds.
Heavy work that includes moving objects up to 100 pounds or more.
Visit www.defenders.org to apply.
All employees are required to satisfactorily perform the essential duties and responsibilities of their positions. The essential duties and responsibilities listed above are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
Defenders requires employees who engage in in-person work activities, including business travel or onsite work, to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. An applicant (i) who is disabled or pregnant or who has a qualifying medical condition that contraindicates a COVID-19 vaccination or (ii) who objects to being vaccinated on the basis of a sincerely held religious belief, observance or practice may request an exemption from this vaccination policy. This determination will be made on a case-by-case basis and in accordance with applicable law. Any medical information concerning an applicant's disability will be treated as a confidential medical record in compliance with applicable federal, state and local laws.
Defenders of Wildlife provides equal employment opportunity to all qualified individuals without regard to their race, color, creed, religion, sex,national origin, ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, personal appearance, family/parental status, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, or any other legally protected characteristic in all personnel actions.
Please be advisedthatthis position isNONunion-eligible.
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