Controller

POSITION TITLE: Controller

PROGRAM: Finance

SUPERVISOR: Chief Financial Officer

LOCATION: Remote USA (some US states excluded); strong preference for Washington, DC area

SALARY RANGE: $101,000 - $130,000 depending on experience

DEADLINE: The priority application deadline is March 1, 2026. After that, the position will be kept open until a strong candidate pool is identified.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION:

The Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) uses the power of law to protect the environment, promote human rights, and ensure a just and sustainable society. We currently employ a staff of nearly 70 in 8 countries with an organizational budget of ~$10M, mostly from private foundations. This role supports financial operations in two separate legal entities using three core currencies. The Finance department consists of the CFO, controller, and three accountants.

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Controller will manage all day-to-day operations of the finance department, including accounts payable and receivable, monthly reconciliations, general ledger, payroll, relationship management with banks and other vendors, and audit preparation. They will assist with budget development, reporting, and analysis, and collaborate with a variety of internal constituents, including the CEO, CFO, COO, and other CIEL Management.

The Controller will be charged with identifying new opportunities to improve efficiencies, eliminate backlogs, and respond proactively to other departments' needs. They will need to analyze the existing processes and systems and work closely with the CFO and other finance and administrative/ operations staff to streamline current systems, leverage new information technology, and establish standard operating procedures that provide maximum benefit to all parties involved. This position will supervise two accountants.

This is an outstanding opportunity for a proactive, hands-on finance manager who brings a successful track record of creative problem-solving and strengthening infrastructure to work in a mission-driven organization.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Financial Management (70%)

• Manage all accounts, ledgers, and reporting systems ensuring compliance with appropriate GAAP standards and regulatory requirements.
• Manage monthly and annual close, including reconciliation oversight.
• Maintain internal control safeguards for the receipt of revenue and disbursement of expenditures, including accurate evaluation of conditional and non-conditional funds.
• Oversee accounting operations including AP, AR, payroll, cash receipts across two nonprofit entities.
• Implement consistent accounting policies, practices, and procedures across all programs.
• Coordinate all audit activities (organization, project, and benefits).
• Contribute to budgeting and the implementation of budgets, with a focus on monitoring progress, adding to the accounting system, and sharing financial metrics.
• Manage cash flow and liquidity forecasting.
• Account for and track the performance of CIEL investments in keeping with the policies and investment guidelines established by the finance committee.
• Act as financial thought partner to CFO and executive leadership.

Team Management (25%)

• Provide day-to-day supervision, management, and ongoing feedback for assigned staff and consultants.
• Assist CFO and other Admin/Ops staff as needed to provide work planning and implementation support to the Finance, Admin, and Ops program.
• Ensure regular and proactive communication with the CFO and assist in information flow within the Finance, Admin, and Ops program, with CIEL Leadership and with other CIEL departments.
• Contribute to the CIEL Management team as expected with other Managers.

Administration: (5%)

• Support fundraising efforts, such as proposals and reports, as relevant.
• Maintain own timesheets and submit them on time.
• Meet regularly and as requested with supervisor and other team members.
• Participate in weekly staff and team meetings and other organizational activities, including a regular staff performance evaluation.
• Meet target dates, prioritize tasks, and ensure high-quality work products.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Prior nonprofit finance experience with a successful track record in a senior financial management role for 5+ years
• Experience working with US nonprofit finances and regulations (GAAP)
• Ability to anticipate the infrastructure and systems needs in a complex, national, multisite nonprofit
• Demonstrated experience supervising or providing management to others
• Recognized success in developing and monitoring systems to manage both internal operations and programmatic work that involve high levels of collaboration, particularly with program directors and other senior leadership
• Keen analytic, organization, and problem solving skills that support and enable sound decision making in a complex organization; demonstrated resourcefulness in setting priorities and guiding investment in people and systems
• Direct and concise communication skills; an active listener; ability to translate complex financial concepts to individuals at all levels including finance and non-finance managers
• Technology savvy with the ability to manage data for financial reporting quickly and effectively
• Commitment to incorporating principles of justice, equity, and inclusion into all aspects of the work.
• Ability to successfully work on multiple priorities concurrently, including having strong planning and organizational skills, and ability to work well under pressure.
• Ability to work both independently and in close coordination with a team.
• Able to travel internationally, and for periods of 1-2 weeks (public safety guidelines permitting).
• Familiarity with Sage Intacct or major ERP system

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience managing finances across multiple currencies and across jurisdictions in an international nonprofit setting
• Professional proficiency in French, in addition to English

English required, French preferred