As a member of Audubon’s Finance Team, the Controller will be responsible for overseeing the financial accounting staff and facilitating preparation of financial statements and reporting. He or she will be an integral part of managing Audubon’s cash and investments, including assisting in presentations to the Investment Subcommittee of the Board of Directors. The Controller must possess excellent accounting knowledge, be client focused, and approach each assignment looking for continuous improvement. At its essence, the Controller’s responsibility is to provide structure, reporting and analysis with the goal of safeguarding the Organization’s assets.
The Controller will report to the Vice President, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and lead its staff in accounting, gift processing and accounts payable. The position is based at Audubon’s corporate headquarters in New York City (Manhattan).
- Act as the subject matter expert for Audubon’s accounting functions.
- Lead Audubon’s accounting policies and procedures, including establishing appropriate internal controls.
- Direct the day to day activities of the Accounting and Payables staff.
- Provide support for investment administration for the individual funds and pension investments that make up Audubon’s investment portfolio, including participating in meetings of the Investment Committee of the Board.
- Partner with a new assistant controller position to direct the accounting, tax and regulatory compliance of Audubon Action Fund and our international operations.
- Coordinate accounting of tax compliance activities, including reconciliation of returns and accounting records.
- Oversee the operations of gift and revenue processing, including leading efforts to gain efficiencies through automated processing and systems integration.
- Manage the accounting and financial administration of Audubon’s retirement plans, including our 403(b), 457 and frozen pension plan.
- Partner with IT and Operations to develop new systems tools to support the organization and provide leverage as Audubon grows.
- Provide excellent customer service to a variety of stakeholders - Audubon’s state programs, centers, chapters, and national departments.
- Work closely with the Human Resources department, providing oversight for financial reporting, administration and compliance of Audubon’s retirement plans. Provide financial analysis in evaluating benefit contracts.
- Manage all audit engagements including internal, financial statements, grants, and benefit plans.
- Oversee and improve accounting for Audubon’s government and foundation grants.
- Leadership in guiding the Accounting team towards achieving the organization’s strategic goals.
- Act decisively to focus group priorities on Audubon’s core values and vision by demonstrating curiosity about the work of the field and setting a standard of excellence for all aspects of Audubon’s accounting activities.
- Clearly and enthusiastically convey information and ideas in a manner that engages and persuades stakeholders.
- Develop and mentor staff and create a learning environment focused on continuous improvement and client service.
- Use humor, optimism and respect for individual differences and perspectives to foster workforce cohesiveness and strengthen our ability to achieve our goals.
- Minimum 3 years not-for-profit financial experience working with diverse funding sources, including public funding.
- Experience in both not-for-profit and for-profit sectors desirable, especially with a decentralized organization.
- Strong financial systems expertise; experience with Financial Edge a plus.
- Superior project management skills.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and management skills.
- Experience providing excellent customer service to a wide range of constituents.
- Genuine interest in the environment and conservation and a commitment to Audubon’s mission.