Controller, Build Up Justice NYC

Since 1968, Build Up Justice NYC (formerly Brooklyn Legal Services Corporation A) has provided free legal services for low-income residents of Brooklyn, pursuing neighborhood-based mission of justice, empowerment, and community development. For over half a century, we have utilized an array of legal and advocacy strategies—community organizing, affirmative civil rights litigation, and eviction defense to defend the rights of individuals and families. Collaboration with the city, state, and federal officials to enforce housing laws and develop legislative solutions is also an integral part of our strategy. Build Up Justice NYC has three core programs—Preserving Affordable Housing (PAH) Program, Consumer & Economic Advocacy (CEA) Program, and Community & Economic Development (CED) Program—each of which has unique initiatives and plays a vital community role to ensure basic needs are met and fundamental rights affirmed.

The Opportunity:

Build Up Justice NYC seeks a Controller who will be responsible for financial management and oversight of a $25M organization budget to include ensuring proper tracking and reconciliation of grants using an automated fund accounting system, and compliance with all fiscal reporting requirements, as delineated in agency contracts; managing grant-related post-award functions, including but not limited to A133 audits, budget and expense analysis, periodic invoicing, financial reporting, labor distribution changes, reconciliations, budget modifications and grant closeout functions. Reporting to the CFO, the Controller will also provide support and oversight of all accounting aspects of the agency; including, but not limited to, monthly financial statements, cash flow projections, agency-wide budget vs. actual expenditure analysis and other reports

The Controller will:

• Complete understanding and documented experience managing a diverse portfolio of institutional grants, including Federal, New York State & City grants and audits;
• Manage the preparation and submission of all grant and government contract project budgets, financial grant reports, and reimbursement requests;
• Experience managing A-133/Single Audits, a must;
• Strong presentation, communication, and problem-solving skills;
• Knowledge and demonstrated experience with MS Office package software and financial management systems;
• Strong financial and analytical skills, including expertise in Excel, and advanced skills including Pivot Tables, V-LOOK UPS and SUMIF formulas;
• Ability to analyze, evaluate and summarize financial records for accuracy and conformance to procedures, rules, and regulations;
• Understanding of accounting concepts and practice;
• Strong reporting and recordkeeping skills, including the ability to synthesize lots of quantifiable and qualitative data into clear, plain language and readable charts and checklists;
• Ability to effectively communicate financial information to program managers and work comfortably with staff at all levels of the organization;
• Must be able to work strategically within a team structure as well as independently, multi-task and work under tight deadlines;
• Dependability, good time management and organizational skills and be attentive to detail; and
• Thorough commitment to Build Up Justice’s mission.

To be successful in this role, the candidate must have a Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in accounting, finance, business or other related field preferred, CPA a plus; and a minimum of six (6) years accounting experience in a non-profit or grant financial management is a plus.

The most important competencies for the role are:

• Knowledge of finance, accounting, budgeting and cost control principles including Generally Accepted Accounting Principal, particularly as they apply to non-for-profit organizations in general;
• Ability to analyze financial data and prepare financial reports, statements and projections.
• Knowledge of automated financial and accounting reporting systems;
• Excellent problem-solving skills, follow-through with projects and strong attention to detail;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with direct experience in working with and presenting to Board of Directors;
• Collaborative management and working style with a diverse workforce;
• Strong leadership and managerial skills with ability to delegate, train, coach and motivate staff;
• Strong computer skills (Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook with demonstrated experience in accounting software);
• Energetic self-starter with demonstrated ability to think strategically, tactically, and creatively; and
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging principles and demonstrated ability to interact with client/tenants of different races, ethnicities, ages, and sexual orientations in a multicultural environment.

Compensation & Benefits

Annual salary $135,000-155,000, dependent on years of experience. Benefits highlights - employer paid health insurance; 27 days annual vacation, employer contribution to 401(k); and paid parental leave NOTE: Build Up Justice NYC has a hybrid work policy with three-days in-office and two-day remote work.

Benefits highlights - employer paid health insurance; 27 days annual vacation, employer contribution to 401(k); and paid parental leave. NOTE: Build Up Justice NYC has a hybrid work policy with three-days in-office and two-day remote work.