Job Description

Internews Job Description

Controller

Job Title: Controller

Career Level: Level 5, M2/P4

Salary: $110,000 to $120,000

Department: Business Operations

Job Family: Finance

Job Sub-Family: Multi-Discipline

Location: Remote in United States

Work Location: Fully Remote (Washington DC)

Term: Non-Term

Funding: Overhead/Project Support

Status: Exempt

Supervisor: Chief Finance Officer

Supervises: Finance Officer

GENERAL FUNCTION

The Controller is responsible for planning, directing, and managing the organization's accounting operations to ensure the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of financial records and reporting. The position oversees the general ledger, financial close process, financial statement preparation, audits, internal controls, and accounting compliance while supporting the organization's strategic financial objectives.

Working under the direction of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), the Controller serves as the organization's chief accounting professional and ensures compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), governmental accounting standards (as applicable), organizational policies, grant requirements, and regulatory reporting obligations.

The Controller collaborates closely with the Finance Officer to ensure efficient financial operations and with the Senior Project Finance Manager to support project accounting, grant reporting, and capital project financial management.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following, with other duties upon request:

Accounting Operations

• Direct and oversee all accounting operations, including general ledger maintenance, account reconciliations, journal entries, and financial recordkeeping.
• Ensure the integrity, accuracy, and completeness of Internews financial records.
• Maintain the chart of accounts and accounting structure.
• Establish and monitor accounting procedures that support organizational objectives and regulatory compliance.
• Review accounting transactions to ensure proper classification and documentation.

Financial Reporting

• Lead the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes.
• Prepare accurate and timely financial statements and supporting schedules.
• Develop financial reports for executive leadership, management, and external stakeholders.
• Analyze financial results and explain significant variances.
• Assist the CFO in preparing reports for the Board of Directors and executive leadership.

Internal Controls and Compliance

• Develop, implement, and maintain effective internal accounting controls.
• Monitor compliance with accounting standards, policies, and financial procedures.
• Recommend improvements to strengthen financial controls and reduce organizational risk.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local financial reporting requirements.
• Maintain accounting policies and procedures documentation.

Audit Coordination

• Coordinate annual financial statement audits and other external audits.
• Prepare audit schedules and support documentation.
• Serve as the primary liaison with external auditors.
• Monitor implementation of audit recommendations.
• Support grant, program, and compliance audits.

Budget Support

• Assist the CFO with development of the annual operating budget.
• Monitor departmental budgets and provide variance analysis.
• Support financial forecasting and organizational planning.
• Provide financial information to department managers to support decision-making.

Cash and Treasury Oversight

• Review cash management activities and banking transactions.
• Monitor cash flow reporting prepared by the Finance Officer.
• Review investment and debt accounting as assigned.
• Ensure appropriate accounting for restricted and designated funds.

Financial Systems

• Administer accounting software and financial reporting systems.
• Recommend improvements to accounting technology and reporting capabilities.
• Maintain accounting system controls and user access.
• Support implementation of new financial systems and reporting tools.

Leadership and Staff Development

• Supervise, coach, and evaluate accounting staff.
• Establish work priorities and ensure timely completion of accounting activities.
• Promote continuous improvement within the accounting function.
• Develop staff knowledge of accounting standards, policies, and procedures.

Collaboration

• Work closely with the Finance Officer to ensure efficient processing of financial transactions.
• Collaborate with the Senior Project Finance Manager to ensure accurate accounting for grants, and restricted funding.
• Provide accounting guidance to department managers and program leaders.
• Support organizational initiatives requiring financial expertise.
• Develop staff knowledge of accounting standards, policies, and procedures.

In all duties, uphold Internews’ Core Values and demonstrate commitment to fostering a culture of Belonging, Dignity, and Justice.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• 10+ years of Controller or Senior Accountant experience in nonprofit or NGO sector, ideally within organizations exceeding $25M in annual budget.
• Deep understanding of nonprofit accounting, funder compliance, and grant management with varied and complex funders.
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance or related field required; Masters Degree in Accounting Business Administration, or Finance preferred.
• CPA strongly desired.
• Experience preparing audited financial statements.
• Experience managing month-end and year-end close processes.
• Supervisory experience preferred.
• Thorough knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting principles.
• Knowledge of internal control frameworks and audit practices.
• Understanding of budget development and financial analysis.
• Advanced proficiency with QuickBooks and Microsoft Excel.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to interpret and communicate complex financial information.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS and WORK ENVIRONMENT:

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

Specific vision abilities required by this job include normal color perception and close vision for use of computer terminal and reading printed and electronic materials. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to the risk of radiation from regular exposure to computer VDTs.

Expected office hours are generally Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.

The above noted job description is not intended to describe, in detail, the multitude of tasks that may be assigned but rather to give the associate a general sense of the responsibilities and expectations of their position. As the nature of business demands change so, too, may the essential functions of this position.