Associate Controller

The Associate Controller reports directly to the Finance Director and works closely with the other members of the Finance and Operations teams. The Associate Controller is responsible for performing and managing various transactions, with a focus on investments, revenue recognition, grant and balance sheet accounts reconciliations, annual budgets, and reporting.

The Associate Controller serves as the technical lead for the Finance Department, ensuring the highest standards of fiscal accuracy, regulatory compliance, and internal control. Reporting directly to the Finance Director, this role provides senior-level oversight of the organization’s financial health.

The Associate Controller will serve as the primary liaison to the Finance Director in leading the execution of tasks related to the month-end, year-end closing, and maintaining the integrity of the Sage Intacct database. As a subject matter expert in Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) for Non-Profits, this position will partner with the Development and Operations teams to ensure restricted funds are accurately tracked and recorded according to the GAAP.

Responsibilities

General Tasks

• Work with the Finance Director in implementing new systems that will streamline processes and align with the vision of the Center for Constitutional Rights
• Work with the Finance Director in developing and updating standard operating procedures (SOP’s) of the Finance Department’s work
• Assist the Finance Director in implementing the GAAP standards, strong internal controls based on the COSO Framework, and IRS/State compliance requirements
• Back up the Finance Director or Finance Manager in their absence as appropriate
• Participate in departmental and organizational planning and projects and organization-wide committees, and carry out work as assigned
• Perform other duties and projects as assigned by the Finance Director

Investment Activities

• Record and post investment activities monthly in the financial system
• Reconcile Investment activities of various financial institutional accounts recorded in the general ledger with monthly statements
• Prepare/update investment schedule worksheet for the Management Team and the , Investment and Finance Committees of the Board

Revenue

• Record/post cash/revenue deposits transactions into Sage Intacct to proper account codes
• Monitor incoming wire transactions and stock gifts donated through bank accounts weekly
• Track incoming check deposits into the organization’s operating account
• Reconcile revenue transactions using bank statements and credit card merchant account before posting to the general ledger
• Download PayPal and Blackbaud donations and record them in Sage Intacct
• Provide donation transactions information received in our operating accounts to Development daily/weekly
• Reconcile revenue/donation transactions with Development monthly
• Prepare worksheet of revenues to reconcile it with Development database and accounting system for donations over $5k on a monthly basis
• Work with the Development department to verify accuracy of coding and revenue class (i.e. restricted or unrestricted);
• Analyze, prepare, and post journal entries for restricted revenue releases
• Record in-kind and deferred revenue entries in the financial system
• Prepare journal entries annually for the discount on pledges receivable
• Prepare and post monthly reclassification entries to the ledger
• Reconcile revenues and other receivable accounts, and follow up on outstanding items related to receivables
• Assist the Finance Director in tracking and recording restricted grants

Balance Sheet Accounts Reconciliations and Fixed Asset Inventory

• Record prepaid transactions and perform prepaid reconciliation monthly
• Record and reconcile grant receivables account
• Reconcile other receivables and liabilities accounts monthly
• Record fixed assets additions and deletions to the general ledger
• Reconcile fixed assets to the general ledger monthly
• Work with IT and Facilities staff members in taking inventory of fixed assets
• Maintain the temporary restricted net asset tracking spreadsheet in SharePoint
• Reconcile net asset accounts quarterly

Budget Process

• Work with the Finance Director in the preparation of annual budgets
• Assist the Finance Director in providing the budget timeline and updating of budget templates
• Assist the Finance Director in reviewing budget vs actual quarterly reports prepared by the Finance Manager before they are submitted to departments
• Review budget vs actual expenses with departments quarterly

Monthly/ Year-End Audit

• Participate in the month-end and year-end closing process, including reconciliation and analysis of assigned balance sheet accounts, journal entries, reclasses, finance deposits, and merchant account fees
• Assist the Finance Director in cash flow projects
• Assist the Finance Director in the preparation of audit confirmations
• Prepare revenue, grant receivables, fixed asset, and prepaid schedules for the Audit and Form 990
• Assist the Finance Director in the preparation of revenue and expense variance analysis for the auditors
• Assist the Finance Director in the preparation of year-end allocation entries based on the cost allocation methodology

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in business administration with concentration in Accounting or Finance required
• Minimum of 8 years of accounting experience
• High proficiency in Microsoft Excel required
• Knowledge of not-for-profit accounting principles and practices required
• Experience with Sage Intacct a big plus
• Outstanding organizational and time management skills, including proven ability to efficiently manage multiple tasks and priorities under tight deadlines and in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent problem-solving skills, including ability to anticipate problems and use judgement appropriately to plan solutions
• Strong attention to detail with a high level of accuracy
• Excellent written and interpersonal communications
• Strong technology and digital skills, with proficiency in MS Office, Adobe, and Google applications
• Ability to meet deadlines, honor commitments, and respond to requests without requiring multiple follow-ups
• Ability to work independently while maintaining collaborative relationships with department leaders and peers
• Commitment to staying abreast of new developments in the field to acquire new knowledge and expertise
• Flexibility and openness to new ideas and initiatives, organizational changes, urgent situations, and/or shifting priorities
• Willingness to take initiative and personal responsibility, ability to take direction and receive constructive feedback
• Integrity and grace under pressure
• Multi-cultural competence and comfort – ability to work with a diverse team and to work across differences at all levels
• Comfort working in a progressive legal and advocacy environment
• A belief in the mission of the Center for Constitutional Rights

Reports to: Finance Director

Location: New York City In-office presence 2-3 days per week, subject to director's discretion

Benefits include employer contribution to 401K plan and flexible spending account, vacation, sick leave, and holidays, and 100 percent organization-paid health benefits including medical, dental, life, and short- and long-term disability insurance.