Controller - Budgeting and Financial Reporting

Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS) seeks an experienced candidate to become the Controller - Budgeting and Financial Reporting in the Finance Department.

BDS is a public defense office representing low-income New Yorkers in criminal, family, immigration, and civil legal matters. For nearly 30 years, BDS has worked, in and out of court, to protect and uphold the rights of individuals and to change laws and systems that perpetuate injustice and inequality. Our legal expertise work with clients is focused on the intersections of these legal systems that disproportionately impact Black and Brown communities living in poverty.

BDS represents thousands of people each year who have diverse, complex, and multi-faceted legal needs. In addition to a zealous legal defense, our interdisciplinary teams of attorneys, social workers and advocates provide a wide range of legal and advocacy services, including for housing, public benefits, education, and employment. BDS staff work collaboratively and across disciplines to deliver high-quality legal services that serve the people we represent, their families and communities.

Under the general supervision of the Associate Chief Financial Officer, the Controller will be responsible for the preparation of the annual budget and monthly budget updates. In addition, the Controller will be responsible for financial reporting and analysis including budget vs. actuals, preparation of interim financial statements, trend analysis, and financial dashboards.

Responsibilities

• Develop the annual budgets. Prepare organization annual budget by establishing schedules, collecting, analyzing, and consolidating financial data, and recommending plans. Perform monthly budget updates to maintain the budget and facilitate informed decisions.
• Develop and generate various reports including variance reports, trend reports, exception reports, and financial dashboards.
• Analyze financial data and prepare monthly interim financial statements and financial narratives.
• Perform internal audits and assist with the preparation and coordination of the independent and funder audits.
• Devise and maintain the cost allocation plan and cost allocation tables.
• Prepare payroll uploads and fringe allocations.
• Communicate with co-workers, management, and others in a courteous and professional manner.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting. A minimum of seven years’ progressive experience in accounting, finance, and budget planning with strong general accounting (GAAP) knowledge, including supervisory experience. Extensive and advanced computer background and experience, including accounting software and Microsoft Excel.
• Excellent mathematical and analytical skills.
• Excellent interpersonal communication, written communication, presentation and organizational skills.
• Excellent computer skills, including MS Office experience, including Excel (spreadsheets), Word (word processing) & PowerPoint (presentations) and accounting and billing software
• Ability to multitask, consistently meet deadlines, and demonstrate strong time management skills.
• Ability and desire to supervise, mentor, and develop staff.
• Ability to plan, organize, and direct activities accordingly.
• Ability to exercise good judgment.
• Ability to work cooperatively with others.
• Ability to understand and adhere to all corporate compliance and other regulatory requirements governing the functions of the position.

Position Information

This is an exempt, salaried position. The normal schedule is Monday to Friday 9am-5pm. The position is based at BDS’s offices in downtown Brooklyn.

For this position, there is a salary range of $155,000-$175,000. BDS offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance and a 403(b) retirement plan. In order to support work/life balance and family-friendly policies, BDS has generous vacation, sick, holiday, family, and medical leave policies.

 Application Instructions

Please visit our career center to submit a cover letter and resume on our online application portal. Please submit your application by July 3, 2025.

Brooklyn Defender Services is a proud equal opportunity employer committed to celebrating diversity and maintaining an equitable and inclusive work environment. We strongly encourage candidates of all identities, expressions, orientations, disabilities, and experiences to apply. If you require an accommodation due to a disability or another reason, please contact the Managing Director, H.R, Christina Wallace, at cwallace @ bds.org.