Controller

Major Function: 

The Controller manages financial accounting and reporting, financial systems, internal controls, tax compliance and financial compliance with an emphasis on continuous improvement in the quality and effectiveness of related processes and systems. Reporting to the Director of Finance and Operations (DFO), the Controller position serves as an expert advisor to senior leadership providing guidance that will significantly advance compliance and financial stewardship.  

This is a hands-on position that requires both management and leadership skills as well as day to day operational execution. The position provides leadership ensuring both forward-looking financial planning and the daily management of accounting functions aligning to the organization’s mission, goals and budget. 

Key Responsibilities 

Planning & Budgeting 

• Partner with DFO to design, develop and implement financial strategies, systems, policies and procedures to ensure financial control and compliance requirements, as well as successful engagement of the programmatic and strategic goals of the organization. 

• Lead development of multi-year and annual budgeting process working with all departments to develop departmental budgets, consolidate expenditure projections, and create cash flow projections. 

• Evaluate cash flow needs for grantmaking and operating needs; create financial models that provide options and design solutions for robust and responsible financial goals and projections. 

 

Finance and Accounting Operations  

• Direct and manage accounting operations/activities ensuring that the financial system is accurate, efficient, and in accordance with professional accounting practices and governmental regulations. 

• Maintain the general ledger, including accounts payable, accounts receivables, vendor file, and fixed asset inventory.  

• Complete the monthly, quarterly and annual close process; ensure balance sheet entries are reconciled, reviewed, and have appropriate supporting documentation. 

• Support the treasury functions, including banking, cash management and forecasting. 

• Own the contracts and SOW review process end to end, working with staff, vendors, consultants, and Legal to keep agreements compliant with BEF guidelines and tracked so spend is managed against contract terms. 

• Manage a top-tier finance team by actively training and developing the team, mentoring, and working closely with internal and external stakeholders.  

  

Performance Management: Audit, Compliance and Reporting  

• Ensure that appropriate internal controls and procedures are in place and being followed and comply with generally accepted accounting principles. 

• Prepare accurate and timely financial reports, dashboard of key metrics and cash flow analysis/projection. 

• Lead and coordinate the submission of all tax returns and regulatory filing. 

• Support the monitoring of the organization’s Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) framework 

• Perform other related duties as assigned or requested 

  

Education and Experience: 

  

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, MBA or relevant advanced degree strongly preferred.  

• CPA desired.  

• 10 years of managerial experience at both the strategic and tactical level in financial management in nonprofit or for-profit sector.  

• Candidates who have worked in philanthropy and/or nonprofits strongly preferred. 

  

Skills and Abilities: 

  

• High ethical standards and strong sense of fiduciary duty and high levels of discretion, integrity and judgment are required. 

• Demonstrated commitment to a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace: building and managing a nimble, collegial, and collaborative team. 

• Commitment to taking initiatives and producing results; 'can-do" mindset; outstanding problem-solving ability. 

• Thorough knowledge of accounting principles and procedures 

• Excellent organizational, communication and management skills. 

• Flexible and independent, and able to work effectively across the institution as well as lead a team.   

• Able to successfully delegate, supervise and meet deadlines.   

• Proactive, creative, flexible, responsive, hands-on strategic thinker with vigilant attention to detail. 

• Requires exceptional time management and good organizational skills. Accuracy with numbers is necessary. 

• Exceptional analytical, and critical thinking skills with the ability to handle multiple tasks under tight deadlines and competing priorities. 

• Strong financial modeling, budgeting, and analytical skills utilizing advanced Excel techniques. 

• Oral and written English fluency is required. Proficiency Spanish is a plus. 

• Flexibility to respond to periods of high pressure is required. 

  

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:  

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer. 

• May require extended hours for urgent issues or to meet established deadlines. 

• This position is based in Washington, DC  

• Able to travel as needed. 

 

The salary range for this position is $205,000-$255,000. 

  

This is a paid position. Bezos Earth Fund is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all federal, state, and local laws concerning employment discrimination. The Earth Fund recognizes diversity as an asset essential to accomplishing its work. We actively welcome all qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, sex, gender identity or expression, genetic information, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, national origin, ethnicity, disability, military/veteran status, compensation history or any other basis prohibited by law.