Controller

Northwest Justice Project (NJP) is a not-for-profit statewide law firm with a mission of Combatting Injustice • Strengthening Communities • Protecting Human Dignity. NJP secures justice for people in or near poverty through high quality legal advocacy that promotes the long-term well-being of low-income individuals, families and communities through legal representation, community partnerships, education, and other advocacy. 

NJP seeks applications from qualified Controller candidates. The Controller will report to the Director of Finance and will directly supervise accounting personnel. The Controller will interact with the organization’s executive management, program personnel, auditors, grantors, contractors and sub-contractors. This is a full time exempt position located in Seattle.

Job Duties 

The position responsibilities will include, but will not be limited to the following:

• Assist the Director of Finance with all aspects of fiscal administration, cash management and reporting.
• Develop a working understanding of the NJP accounting systems. 
• Supervise billing, accounts payable, payroll and general ledger processes and accounting personnel.
• Manage the preparation of the monthly internal financial reporting.
• Assist with the administration and monitoring of grants, contracts, sub-contracts, leases and subleases. Develop grant summaries and compliance schedules.
• Assist executive staff and other program staff with budgets, grant applications, grant proposals, grant renewals, contracts, sub-contracts, leases and sub-leases.
• Assist the Director of Finance with preparation of grant proposals, forecasts, financial recaps and reports. 
• Attend relevant compliance and financial trainings and develop expertise with respect to grant conditions and compliance requirements. NJP grantors currently include the Legal Services Corporation (LSC), State of Washington (OCLA), Department of Justice (DOJ) and other Federal, State, Local and private funding sources.
• Oversee the preparation of the annual financial statement, the annual fiscal and compliance audits and Form 990. 
• Oversee preparation of the annual 403(b) plan financial statement, the annual audit and Form 5500.
• Participate in field audits or inspections.
• Become familiar with NJP case management and time keeping systems. Compile, review and analyze case management statistical data.
• Assist with procedures and policies in the areas of accounting, grants management, case management and grant compliance.

Supervision of Staff

Communicates clear performance expectations for staff as well as provide necessary support to enable staff to meet expectations. 

• Works collaboratively to provide basic tools required to perform duties, including identification and support of training needs.
• Performance management: Provides regular, ongoing supervision and informal coaching in addition to participating in NJP’s defined performance appraisal process. 
• Professional Development: Works collaboratively with staff to identify opportunities for skill development, leadership opportunities, staff recognition and rewarding achievement; takes appropriate steps to improve any deficiencies in performance.
• Makes final hiring decisions for any additions of any non-management/supervisory staff to the Accounting Team.

Program Policy and General Compliance

The Controller is expected to lead the Accounting team in a manner which is consistent with/in furtherance of:

• NJP Strategic Plan and other strategic goals and initiatives 
• NJP Hiring Practices;
• Program process related to performance review of office/unit staff; 
• Administrative and Accounting Procedures, including Timekeeping and Grant Compliance;
• NJP’s Race Equity and Justice Initiatives; 
• Personnel Policies;
• Collective Bargaining Agreement;

NJP Program Policies; 

• Caseload guidelines; 
• Other program policies and procedures as from time to time established and/or revised by NJP.

Leadership

• Leads Accounting Department to it to ensure high quality services, to create a cohesive work environment, to maintain good morale and to address support needs within the department
• Participates in development of and implements NJP’s Strategic Plan and other initiatives. 
• Communicates staff concerns to Director of Finance, Human Resources staff or other appropriate members of the Senior Management team
• Communicates impacts of program policy to Senior Management and related staff needs, accomplishments of team efforts and other staff recognition, etc. 
• Advises the Senior Management as to policy initiatives, advocates for department team needs, recognizes and rewards innovative solutions to client and community needs and report as appropriate
• Participates in and contributes to meetings with NJP Management Staff 

Equity and Inclusion

NJP has an organizational commitment to fight racism and to incorporate equity and inclusion in both the work we do and work environment we create. All staff are expected to uphold this commitment and approach their role with a desire to learn and grow in this area. The Controller is expected to act as a leader in these efforts with a willingness to identify, address and combat personal and organizational shortcomings. 

Qualifications:

• BA in accounting. 
• CPA or equivalent.
• 8 – 10 years of relevant experience.
• Prior experience successfully managing or supervising others in a professional environment
• Commitment to advancing racial equity and experience with incorporating racial equity principles into advocacy and leadership 
• Familiarity with not-for-profit accounting and understanding of government regulations, including the Uniform Guidance.
• Effective written and oral communication skills. 
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Familiarity with automated payroll and general ledger systems.
• Experience with Outlook, Word, MS Teams and Excel. 

Compensation: Starting salary is based upon years of experience with an annual salary range of $85,0000 – $110,000 We offer a comprehensive benefits package, which includes 100% paid employee health premiums and significant premium shares for family health premiums, as well as generous time off.

Northwest Justice Project is especially interested in qualified candidates whose professional, personal and/or service experience allow them to contribute to and support the legal aid community’s commitment to race equity.

Hours of work: 9:00 – 5:00, Monday through Friday

Please apply HERE

Cover letter should include description of any past experience and competence, personal or professional, working with low income or other marginalized communities. 

Application deadline: Open until filled

Northwest Justice Project is committed to a policy of equal opportunity in an environment free of barriers and discriminatory practices for its client communities, Board and staff. NJP actively promotes mutual respect, acceptance, teamwork and productivity among people who are diverse in work background, experience, race, color, national origin, sex, age, religious preference, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, sensory, mental or physical abilities, veteran status, or any other perceived differences. This policy strengthens the program while reinforcing its commitment to basic fairness. People of color, people who identify as transgender, lesbian, gay, or bisexual, and those with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. If you have questions about this position, please contact Human Resources at (206) 464-1519.