Assistant Controller

THE NEIGHBORHOOD DEFENDER SERVICE is building a community-based, client-centered, holistic public defense office in Wayne County and we invite you to join our team as we represent our clients with excellence. Building on 30 years of experience of providing high quality representation, we are expanding our efforts to bring the same caliber of representation to the communities of Wayne County. We are seeking a team of highly organized, self-driven, and resilient individuals dedicated to our mission. The Criminal Defense Practice at NDS Detroit will represent residents of Wayne County who are charged with felony crimes and cannot afford to hire a lawyer. Clients are represented by teams composed of lawyers, investigators, social workers, client advocates, and team administrators. NDS adheres to a client-centered approach to representation that emphasizes a heightened responsiveness to clients’ needs prior to arrest, while a case is pending, and after the case concludes. NDS is committed to addressing the comprehensive legal and social service needs of clients while treating each client with dignity and respect.  

The Assistant Controller, a position that reports to the Controller, will have significant accounting experience and an in-depth understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and standard company practices. This position will perform complex accounting activities. This is a very hands-on position that will involve active participation in the closing activities, system implementations, account analyses, and interaction with outside auditing. Exceptional organizational skills, communication skills, time management and attention to detail are a must to succeed in this role.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Accurate and timely completion of all core accounting functions including general ledger, accounts receivable and payable, and account reconciliations.
2. Prepare and analyze monthly financial statements including supporting schedules.
3. Manage accounting of NDS bank and credit accounts to ensure accurate and timely recording of all transactions.
4. In coordination with the Controller lead the external year-end audit process including preparation of extensive reconciliations and required schedules.
5. Manage workers’ compensation, 403(b), IRS Form 990 and NYS CHAR 500 filing, and other audits as needed.
6. Oversee contracts management (i.e. timely billing and contract budget monitoring), and improve financial management and reporting.
7. Develop and implement improved policies, procedures, internal controls, and financial reporting, ensuring compliance with GAAP, funder fiscal policy, and other applicable rules, regulations, and best practices.
8. Assist in month-end and year-end closing including journal entry creation/posting, balance sheet reconciliations and expense allocations.
9. Own activities within accounting team to ensure proper and timely entries are made in accordance to GAAP.
10. Documenting and monitoring internal controls
11. Identify any discrepancies in the accounts, troubleshoot origin, and make correcting entries to ensure accurate financial reporting.
12. Interfacing with Human Resources to manage new processes, payroll changes, charge code structure, and W2 mapping.
13. Assisting with financial audits.
14. Coordinating complex accounting projects and initiatives within the accounting and finance teams with guidance to other departments.
15. Utilizing accounting, other business software to write reports and perform duties and responsibilities.
16. Partner with the COO, HR staff, Facilities staff and information technology (IT) consultants to enhance and better integrate Finance, HR, Operations, and IT functions.

QUALIFICATIONS: The ideal candidate will bring:

1.      10+ years progressive accounting experience: G/L entries, reconciliations, AP, AR, payroll, P/L reviews, and tax filings.

2.      Bachelor’s degree in Accounting.

3.      4+ years of experience directly managing the accounting function.

4.      Solid knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

5.      Experience with financial and accounting systems (Financial Edge).

6.      Strong knowledge of MS Office and advanced skills in Excel.

7.      Strong attention to detail, proficient at establishing priorities and meeting deadlines.

8.      Capability to work in fast-paced environment, with demonstrated ability to juggle multiple competing tasks and demands.

9.      High level of interpersonal skills to handle sensitive and confidential situations.

10.  Ability to work in a positive and cooperative manner with fellow team members.