Controller (CPA Required)

The Foundation Fighting Blindness is the largest nongovernmental foundation supporting retinal disease research in the world, funding rigorous scientific discovery and clinical trials to preserve and restore vision. Working with preeminent scientists, the FFB has funded recent breakthroughs in gene therapy, stem cells and bionic retinas, providing an historic opportunity for a promising new era in human clinical trials.

Over the past four decades, the Foundation has expanded its influence by raising more than $900 million to fund thousands of research studies at prominent institutions worldwide. We are seeking a qualified and dynamic Controller . The position reports to the Vice President, Finance.

Position Overview: The Controller is a key member of our Finance team and reports to the Vice President, Finance. This position is responsible for timely and accurate monthly financial closing and related financial reporting, while leading a small team and working collaboratively with staff throughout the organization.

Primary Responsibilities include:

The following are representative of the duties and responsibilities associated with this position and are not meant to be an all-inclusive list:

• Foster an innovative, engaging, and accountable Finance team culture to drive the goals, achieve results, and support a meaningful employee experience in alignment of the Foundation’s mission and values.
• Supervise the daily functions of general accounting, accounts payable, and payroll operations
• Manage the preparation of monthly financial schedules and statements.
• Direct the year-end financial closure procedures, encompassing the preparation and scrutiny of audit analyses and schedules.
• Assist in the annual consolidated audit and 990s preparation.
• Oversee and manage the preparation and review of annual organizational department budgets; work closely with the VP, Finance and other Foundation team members in various departments to explain process and assist with creating and refining budgets as required; serve as the resource regarding budget related questions.
• Manage timely filing of reports and charitable registrations with regulatory agencies, including compliance with fundraising laws and regulations.
• Partner with the Gift Processing Manager and Assistant Controller to synchronize the donor database with the accounting system for seamless integration and accuracy
• Provide support as a contingency for Vice President of Finance as required and within authorized parameters
• Explore opportunities for enhancing operational efficiencies and innovating financial procedures within the Foundation
• Oversee or support various projects and emerging opportunities as they arise

The successful candidate will have:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance required, CPA prioritized consideration
• A minimum of 10 years of financial experience. Nonprofit finance experience required.
• Expert-level experience with payroll and database systems (NetSuite, Virtuous, Adaptive, ADP or comparable platforms)
• Requires 5+ years’ experience leading a team, with demonstrated ability to motivate people and obtain results through others.
• Must be fully proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook), with experience using Excel’s advanced features, such as conditional formatting, VLOOKUP, and pivot tables.
• Applied knowledge of regulatory compliance and government grant accounting, state and local tax laws and regulations.
• A detail-oriented, clear communicator.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to meet deadlines by effectively prioritizing workload.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Must be fully vaccinated for COVID and requires documentation of vaccinations.

Position Specifics:

• Must live in one of the following locations: Mid-Atlantic: D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia area; Mid-West: Chicago, Minneapolis, Indianapolis; East: Raleigh, Detroit, New York City, (Relocation not provided)
• Home-office based; technology and monthly stipend provided
• Salary range: $115,000 – $130,000 annually

The range is what we reasonably expect to pay for this role. The range considers a wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to: geographic markets, business or organizational needs, skill sets, experience, training, licensure, and certifications.

• Annual Incentive Bonus Eligibility up to 8%
• Direct Reports: Payroll Manager, Assistant Controller
• Reports to Vice President, Finance

To apply: Send resume with cover letter highlighting your non-profit experience and explaining your interest in working at the Foundation to HR@fightingblindness.org

Resumes will be reviewed on a rolling basis and interviews will be scheduled as qualified candidates are identified. Do not wait to apply!

Health Insurance: Coverage provided by United Healthcare (includes out-of-network coverage, prescription coverage and vision exam). The Foundation provides for over 80% of the staff member premium cost and a substantial portion of dependent cost.  

 $2500 in travel expense reimbursement to obtain needed medical services if a service is legally available in another state, but not the state the staff member resides in. This is available for any staff or family member enrolled in our medical benefits.

 Dental Insurance: Dental through United Healthcare. The Foundation Fighting Blindness pays over 80% of staff member premium cost and substantial portion of dependent cost.

 Vacation:      Vacation is accrued, 10 days the first years

Sick/Care Leave: 9 days/year (72 hours) are accrued at a rate of 3 hours per pay. Accumulated sick leave may carry over to the following year, up to 240 hours. In July (new fiscal year), accumulated sick hours above 240 will be converted to vacation days at the rate of two sick hours to one vacation hour                                       

10 Paid Holidays and End Of Year Paid Time Off: The Foundation Fighting Blindness provides paid time off for the days between the paid Christmas holiday and paid New Years Day holiday. The specific number of days may vary from year to year.  

Personal Days:       5 days. Non-accrual benefit.  

Volunteer Days: 2 paid days to allow the flexibility to volunteer during the workday. Non-accrual benefit. 

Professional Development: Each year the Foundation provides training and development for staff members via experiential sessions, guest speakers, workshops, webinars, and written materials.  The Foundation also provides reimbursement for professional memberships and/or certifications. 

Flexible Schedules: Staff members are afforded the ability to flex their workday/workweek to balance personal needs with work responsibilities.  

403(b) Thrift Plan:   Eligible to join immediately. The Foundation match is $1/$1 of the staff

member’s first 6% contribution (for a total contribution of 12%). 

 Technology Allowance: The Foundation provides $120/mo. to offset the business use of

personally owned devices and/or services. 

Annual Incentive Bonus Plan (AIP): An annual cash incentive payment based on organizational

performance and staff member’s overall performance during each fiscal. Amounts range

from 3% to 10% dependent on accountability in role