Controller (Remote)

Job Description: Controller (Remote)

Reports to: Chief Financial Officer

FLSA: Exempt (Full-time)

Location: Virtual

Industry: Philanthropy

ABOUT FUNDERS FOR LGBTQ ISSUES

Funders for LGBTQ Issues is a network of foundations and corporations dedicated to increasing the scale and impact of philanthropic resources aimed at enhancing the wellbeing of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer communities, promoting equity, and advancing racial, economic, and gender justice. We provide three key services for the field of philanthropy:

1. Convening & Collective Action - We convene grantmakers committed to LGBTQ issues so they may connect with one another, learn from each other, coordinate their efforts, and maximize their impact. We host working groups and initiatives on specific topics to help funders shape funding strategies and leverage opportunities for new philanthropic partnerships. Through participation in philanthropic conferences and partnerships with other funder networks, we also broaden our reach and ensure LGBTQ voices are present in vital funding conversations.
2. Outreach & Support Services - We conduct individualized outreach and engagement of funders not currently funding LGBTQ issues to demonstrate how LGBTQ issues intersect with a range of grantmaking priorities. We connect with allies in foundations not yet funding LGBTQ issues and work with them to build institutions that are more inclusive and responsive to LGBTQ communities.
3. Research & Communications - We produce an annual tracking report and other special reports to monitor the charter of LGBTQ funding in order to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities; Our reports on domestic and global LGBTQ funding are considered the field’s most reliable and useful source of data on resource flows to LGBTQ communities; Many of our reports have been cited by academic journals, think tanks, non-governmental organizations, government agencies, newspapers, blogs, and other media.

Funders for LGBTQ Issues has a long history of tracking LGBTQ grantmaking by both U.S.,  foundations and international institutions. The organization is the premier hub for information and resources related to LGBTQ philanthropy. Funders for LGBTQ Issues prides itself on living its values internally and externally. The Controller plays an instrumental role in upholding our values and operationalizing our mission through a financial lens.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Controller will be essential in increasing the organization’s efficiency and effectiveness. The critical areas of responsibility are supporting the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Administration through strategic financial analysis and reporting (100%).

The Controller will play an essential role in strengthening and streamlining organizational systems. The successful candidate will love building-out innovative systems and creating a first-in-class financial environment - whether a spreadsheet analysis or a new workflow for managerial reporting. The job will include a wide range of tasks, large and small, but patience for financial and administrative minutiae and managing up is a must. Philanthropic experience is not required for this position, but we are seeking candidates with a passion for LGBTQ issues and social change and a deep curiosity and interest in understanding the world of funders; The position will work closely with the CFO.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Management & General Ledger

• Oversee all accounts, ledgers, and reporting systems, ensuring compliance with appropriate Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) standards and regulatory requirements;
• Responsible for up-to-date and reliable financial data for managerial and financial reporting by leading AR/AP data entry and managing vendors, grantors, and grantees during monthly preparation for annual audit;
• Prepare and manage the company’s annual audit, in partnership with the organization's CFO, auditors, and tax returns (990 PF, CHAR 500…etc.);
• Guide the finance silo and implement strategy, policies, guidelines, regulations, and practices while monitoring systems to identify financial trends for the betterment of the organization and to improve the quality of financial analysis;
• Support the CFO in proactively monitoring financial risks to develop, promote, and maintain best accounting practices around solid internal controls for receipt of revenue, costs, program budgets, and actual expenditures;
• Collaborate with CFO, Treasurer, and Finance & Audit Committee on Investment Policy, Reserve Policy, Line of Credit Policy, Document Retention & Destruction Policy, and Accounting Policies and Procedures to keep them up to date;

• Manage and track the performance of invested assets in keeping with policies and investment guidelines;

• Maintain and update the fixed asset schedule;
• Interacts with the auditors, bankers, investment advisors, insurance brokers, consultants, and other vendors as appropriate.

Financial Analysis, Planning, and Reporting

• Execute timely and accurate monthly close and prepare monthly managerial and financial reports prepared to the CFO for review and distribution and manage outsourced accounting consultants;
• Consistently analyze financial data and present financial reports accurately and promptly; clearly communicate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements; monitor progress and changes; and keep senior leadership abreast of silo or organization’s financial status;
• Provide Managers with the necessary support for continuous financial learning, training, and development of their teams; review and update main financial training infographics: Statement of Activities, Statement of Financial Position, Statement of Cash Flow, and Financial Ratios;
• Collaborate with the Human Resources team to analyze and select benefit updates per the annual Benefits Survey and Consultant Survey;
• Strategize and lead internal 990 analysis and external philanthropic serving organizational analysis.

Accounts Payable & Grants Receivables

• Ensure invoices' payments and grant receivables comply with the original contracts and agreements; ensure the required documentation and approvals are obtained;
• Manage the Accounts Payable and Grants Receivable function, including contractor payments and grantor and members payments, insurance payments, all facilities management payments, and the development of the 1099’s;
• Execute employee reimbursements and review expense reports in the expense management system.

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Work closely with CFO in the annual participatory budgeting and planning process; administer and review all financial plans and compare to actual results to identify, explain, and correct variances as appropriate for the Treasurer and Finance & Audit Committee and board approval;
• Ensure expenses are on target with budget projections and that the organization operates within budget parameters; produce budget-to-actual reports, and communicate financial activities with Program staff;
• Oversee all financial, project/program, and grants accounting; ensure that expenditures are consistently aligned with grant and program budgets throughout the grant/fund period; collate financial reporting materials for foundation and corporate donations;
• Manage organizational cash flow forecasting by working in partnership with the program leads; continuously collaborate with CFO and Deputy Director to assess the financial efficacy of program operations and establish finance and administrative systems to support program operations;
• Support the CFO in engaging the Treasurer and Finance & Audit Committee around issues and trends in financial operating models and delivery.

Administration

• Ensure the organization is adequately safeguarded by renewing annual insurance coverage to include property insurance, workers compensation, foreign liability, umbrella liability, management liability, cyber liability, and professional liability;
• Administrator for the cash management, credit card, and expense report processing system;
• Administrator for the financial accounting systems, which includes ongoing financial process evaluations, modifications, and upgrades as required to meet the organization's financial needs; this may consist of adding users, accounts, and vendors as needed;
• Manage and ensure all organizational support systems integrate with the financial accounting system.

Other possible opportunities and cross-team support

• Participate in staff-wide projects, organizational planning, fundraising, and events;
• Participate in other meetings and activities as assigned.

QUALITIES AND ATTRIBUTES

The successful candidate will be detail-oriented and personable, combining a love of people with a love of well-organized systems; They will have an aptitude and energy for “managing up” for a friendly but busy executive and board of directors.

Some prior experience working in an office setting is required, as well as a passion for LGBTQ philanthropy and social change; Additional requirements are as follows:

• Bachelor's Degree in accounting, CPA or MBA desirable, but these three are not preferred;
• Preferred a minimum of five years of experience in an accounting role, and two years of preferred experience in a nonprofit;
• Demonstrate expert knowledge of finance, accounting, budgeting, and cost control principles, including GAAP;
• Ability to analyze financial data and prepare financial reports, statements, and projections; working knowledge of short and long-term budgeting and forecasting;
• Strong background in financial systems; knowledge of automated financial and accounting reporting systems;
• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills;
• Excellent proficiency with QuickBooks Online, MS Word and Excel, and Google Docs and Sheets;
• Preference towards early adoption of technology and ease with new technological platforms and tools; The candidate will also be using the following technology: Zoom, Bill.com, FathomHQ, Budgyt, DropBox, Asana, ADP, Expensify, BambooHR, Culture Amp, Salesforce, Survey Monkey;
• Ability to problem solve, prioritize and manage ever-shifting priorities;
• Ability to work independently and as part of a remote team and cultural competency in dealing with diverse people;
• Strong commitment to the mission.

REMOTE WORK AND MONTHLY STIPENDS

This role is remote to the continental U.S. Our New York City-based offices have contracted since the pandemic, but New York City-based staff are working permanently remotely. All staff is given the opportunity for an office rental $250 monthly stipend. All team receives a monthly stipend of $300 for internet and cell phone.

TRAVEL

Periodically, employees engage in work travel. Such work travel is voluntary, with a complete understanding of the health and safety risks involved. FLGBTQI shall not be responsible for any potential exposure to COVID-19 due to employment with FLGBTQI. Typically this position would require travel approximately once per month or less, and we expect to resume at this pre-pandemic level during 2023.

VACCINATION AND BOOSTER REQUIRED

FLGBTQI mandates full vaccinations for all employees, except those with valid medical waivers from a licensed physician. Verifying an employee’s vaccination status may be considered a condition precedent of employment. FLGBTQI shall make reasonable accommodations and document such reasonable accommodations, including a record of documentation relied upon, if an exemption is granted concerning FLGBTQI's vaccination policy.

To be considered fully vaccinated, employees must have received the updated requisite rounds of the CDC-approved COVID-19 vaccinations as follows:

• Two weeks after receiving their second dose in a two-dose series, the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, plus the accompanying booster shot; OR
• Two weeks after receiving a single-dose vaccine, the Johnson & Johnson's vaccine, plus the accompanying booster shot.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The salary is $98,000. Excellent benefits include full medical, health reimbursement, flexible spending accounts, retirement plan contributions, and a generous vacation schedule. Flexible work hours are friendly for balancing work and personal obligations. FLGBTQI staff is currently only working Monday through Thursday each week.

Funders for LGBTQ Issues value mentorship and leadership development and will work with the hired candidate to identify opportunities to support their professional growth in philanthropy and beyond.

The organization is currently reviewing and updating its total compensation policy to include a PayScale Equity Calculator Tool. This updated policy addresses salary gaps in pay equity and designs a pay scale that embodies organizational principles and culture.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume in Word or PDF format to the Controller position on our career page at lgbtfunders.bamboohr.com/jobs/. After you enter your cover letter and resume, there will be space to answer these three additional application questions below. There will only be space for 240 characters / 40 words for each question per each question:

1. How do you keep up to date with changes in financial sector trends?
2. How do you see the finance department as a partner in justice for the organization?
3. How will your personal and historical relationship with money impact your decision-making in financial reporting, financial creativity, using resources, and collaboration with staff on possible opportunities where resources need to be allocated responsibly?

Due to the expected high volume of applications, we do not accept phone or email inquiries.

Funders for LGBTQ Issues is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building the leadership of people of color, women, transgender, and gender non-conforming individuals. Funders for LGBTQ Issues does not discriminate based on race, creed, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, age, ethnicity, immigration status, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, HIV serostatus, disability, or marital status.