Assistant Controller

Who We Are

The Mountaineers is a community of outdoor recreationists and conservationists founded in 1906 to explore the peaks and waterways of the Pacific Northwest. Today, we have nearly 16,000 members located in seven branches across Western Washington, where we deliver most of our outdoor education programming. Thanks to the work of generations of volunteers and our internationally-recognized publishing division, we continue to enjoy an outstanding reputation in the fields of outdoor education, recreation, and public lands conservation and advocacy.

Our dedicated volunteers and staff get people outside to experience the power of the natural world. We advocate for access to and protection of recreational lands so that future generations can enjoy these places as well. Our core value of community reflects our belief that a diverse and inclusive outdoors inspires unity, respect, and passion for the places we love. Our staff of 57, divided between our program centers and our nonprofit publishing division, Mountaineers Books, and 3,000+ volunteers work together to achieve our mission to enrich lives by helping people explore, conserve, learn about, and enjoy the lands and waters of the Pacific Northwest and beyond. 

Visit mountaineers.org to learn more.

Position Overview

The Assistant Controller is responsible for managing both the monthly and annual closing processes. This includes ensuring all the components that feed the process are completed timely and accurately. Working with the finance team this position will also ensure appropriate controls and procedures are in place to foster financial integrity and compliance with accounting principles and relevant legislation as well as established best practices. The Assistant Controller will also be a thought partner with the Director of Finance and Administration and Staff Accountant as we build out the capabilities of the finance team and its role in supporting The Mountaineers initiatives and growth.  

You will love this job if:

• You have a passion for the outdoors and want to work with and learn from like-minded people in a small nonprofit environment.
• You enjoy working with colleagues who love creative problem-solving, and who you’ll want to adventure with on the weekends. 
• We hire smart, collaborative people who love the outdoors.
• You are interested in an environment in which finance is a key member of the overall organizational team and direction.
• You are service-minded and motivated by being part of a mission-driven organization. 
• You would enjoy supporting a community of dedicated volunteers and supporters.  
• You are excited about a blend of standard, transactional accounting and forward-looking, direction shaping projects.
• You are a self-directed, big-picture thinker who also enjoys being in the details.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Accounting and Reporting

• Manage the day-to-day finance operations that culminate in monthly financial reports while fostering the clarity and integrity of accounting methods, revenue reporting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll and benefits, preparing and posting journal entries, and gift/grants administration.
• Partner with the Director of Finance and Administration on all accounts, ledgers and reporting systems ensuring compliance with GAAP standards, regulatory requirements and best practices.
• Maintain fixed asset and depreciation schedules and ensure agreement with general ledger.
• Ensure all internal controls, safeguards and accounting practices are in compliance with legal guidelines and established accounting principles. Recommend improvements.
• Support the annual budget and forecasting processes including ongoing budget management and cost controls for both staff-driven and volunteer-driven program areas. Recommend benchmarks for measuring the financial and operating performance of departments and branches.
• Oversee the monthly closing process, including reconciliations, and compile the resulting financial reporting package to be provided to the board and its committees accurately and timely.
• Monitor and analyze monthly operating results against budget. Interpret financial data and recommend changes to improve systems, financial performance and reporting.
• Monitor cash flow and manage key tenets of non-profit accounting, i.e. restrictions and designations.
• Play a vital supporting role in the annual audit and 990 processes. 
• Ensure compliance with local, state and federal financial reporting requirements including requisite filings.
• Work with volunteers, vendors, customers and employees to meet all the above requirements; supporting Branch treasurers and committee leaders with reports and analysis as needed.
• Work with Publishing Division to ensure accurate divisional reporting and balance inter-fund entries.
• Thought partner with Director of Finance & Administration and Staff Accountant as we continue to grow the capabilities of the department.
•  Work on special projects as needed.

 Human Resources

• Administer benefits programs such as life, health, dental and disability insurance, pension plans, and time off accruals.
• Administers workers compensation and unemployment plans including reporting to state agencies.
• Offer coaching and leadership to supervisory staff on personnel issues.
• Act as a resource for all staff regarding concerns, suggestions, and requests for information.
• Review, monitor and maintain personnel policies and procedures. Coordinate with supervisory staff to ensure compliance with policies.
• Prepare and process new hire documentation and employment status changes.
• Maintain personnel files.

Candidate knowledge, skill, and abilities

• Bachelor's degree (B. A.) from four-year College or university; or five years demonstrated experience in a similar role; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Nonprofit accounting preferred. CPA a plus.
• Personal qualities of integrity and credibility. Must be able to use the utmost discretion in all presentations/correspondence and communication for staff, volunteers, Board of Directors and Executive Director.
• Must enjoy working with a team and on an individual basis.
• Ability to work effectively with different work styles; builds strong, trust and respect-based relationships.
• Experienced user of Microsoft office: Word, Excel, and PowerPoint software; Acumatica Accounting or similar software; ADP payroll systems; and Google Suite. 
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively at all levels and to build and maintain strong internal and external customer relationships.
• Experience collaborating with volunteers and volunteer committees.
• Creative problem solving abilities; analytical thought process and attention to detail.
• Experience with HR systems, practices and procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively deal with ambiguous situations and problems. 
• Ability to work independently with minimal day-to-day supervision while managing multiple projects. Can prioritize multiple tasks, organize work, and follow through independently. Self-motivated and takes individual initiative. Sets and follows through on priorities. Holds self and others accountable for performance.

Commitment to Equity and Belonging

Cultivating an inclusive staff and a sense of belonging is central to The Mountaineers focus on advancing equity. Our core values are Adventure, Advocacy, Community, Education, and Volunteerism, and we believe a diverse and inclusive environment inspires unity, respect, and passion for our work and one another. We’re interested in hearing from people who can work with colleagues of varied experience and background. The Mountaineers is an equal-opportunity employer, and candidates from all backgrounds are considered, and as an organization that values equity and inclusion, we highly encourage people of color, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and veterans to apply.

Work Environment 

This role is based in Seattle, WA, at The Mountaineers Program Center in Magnuson Park. Supporting a people-centric outdoor community, this position should prepare to have a regular presence in our Seattle-based program center Monday-Friday 9am-5pm, with opportunities to flex time in the office with a partial remote work schedule. The Mountaineers will provide a laptop computer for remote access. For remote work, our Assistant Controller is expected to have a suitable remote work environment, including broadband internet access, to accomplish their job duties.

Physical Demands

• Availability to work occasional evenings or weekends, typically no more than 1x/month.
• Typing, writing, reading, hearing, and speaking.
• Ability to work in an open office format with a fluctuating noise level - Mountaineers office is an open floor plan and teams often meet in person to collaborate. Noise levels can be low to moderate.
• Occasionally lifting up to 20 pounds; however, assistance with lifting or moving items can be provided.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.