Controller

Description

Position:                     Controller 

Location:                    Remote

Category:                   Full time Exempt 

Reports to:                 VP, Finance and Administration  

Direct Reports:          Finance staff 

About Benetech  

Benetech believes that equitable access to education is a human right. Our technology and services break down systemic barriers and empower all learners regardless of ability. Around the world, we partner with local communities to expand inclusive and equitable education opportunities. To date we have delivered more than 20 million accessible books helping over 1.5 million students, jobseekers, and adults to read, learn, and pursue their dreams. People at Benetech believe strongly in the mission, and we work hard to embody our Truths each day.

Attracting candidates from all backgrounds  

Our Benetech team reflects the diversity of the people we impact. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds, including members of historically marginalized or oppressed communities because it makes our organization stronger. 

Research shows that individuals only apply to jobs if they meet all of the qualifications. We know there are great candidates who might not check all of the boxes and possess important skills we haven’t thought of. If that’s you, apply and tell us about yourself. 

The Opportunity  

Benetech is seeking a special hands-on finance leader who is highly motivated to help us make a positive social impact and enjoys a continually evolving, fast-paced environment.  The successful candidate will thrive in a deadline-driven environment, work independently, can explain financial information to a variety of audiences, demonstrate impeccable attention to detail, and bring a high degree of accuracy and professionalism to their work.

Reporting to the VP, Finance and Administration (VPFA), the Controller will be responsible for the overall management of the accounting operations. The Controller will supervise a team of staff members and lead all day-to-day accounting operations, including functional responsibility for accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, payroll in conjunction with the People & Culture (P&C) team, balance sheet management for all bank account reconciliations, audit, and financial reporting. The Controller will also be responsible for the close of the month-end and year-end books, assisting independent auditors with annual audit and tax returns, and assisting with the financial analysis of our organization. The Controller serves as a key financial consultant to the VPFA and assists in short and long-term operational support processes, leading change, improve efficiency and automation, and is responsible for government reporting calculations (i.e. NICRA rate).

Key Responsibilities  

Accounting and Administration

• Oversees all accounts, ledgers, and reporting systems, ensuring compliance with appropriate GAAP and funder requirements (2CFR 200, OMB Single Audit, FAR, etc.), regulatory requirements (including IRS Form 990, States filings, etc.), OMB Single Audit requirements and all applicable federal, state, and local regulatory laws and rules for financial and tax reporting.
• Responsible for the monthly and year end close, to include but not limited to recording necessary transactions and adjustments, reviewing, reconciling accounts, and resolving issues that relate to all g/l accounts - revenue, receivables, and collections; expenses, payables, and disbursements; prepaids, fixed assets, and other asset accounts; accruals, deferrals, and other liabilities.
• Perform other aspects of the accounting process, such as general ledger maintenance, journal entry preparation, documenting period fluctuations, and researching/clearing issues with account transactions as they arise.
• Prepare and continuously update the Net Asset Roll Forward; make recommendations with regards to grant allocations in collaboration with the Program & Development teams and record appropriate entries and adjustments.
• Advises on accounting problems and assists other finance employees with work as necessary.
• Supervise, direct, and review the work of the finance team.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to the finance team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional development.
• Support the VPFA in the preparation of accurate and timely monthly financial reports to management and the Board of Directors.
• Support the VPFA in identifying and implementing improvements and actionable remedies to accounting, internal control, and compliance processes and procedures that optimize efficiencies and improve the quality of financial analysis and reporting.
• Support the VPFA in proactively monitoring financial risks to develop, promote, and maintain best accounting practices around strong internal controls.
• Maintain compliance with and documentation of fiscal policies and procedures.
• Collaborate with the P&C team in financial aspects of employee lifecycle including but not limited to onboarding, offboarding, and payroll review; Serve as backup for payroll processing.
• All other duties as assigned.

Grant and Contract Management

• Collaboratively work with the Program and Development teams in the creation and review of financial documentation required for funding proposals and funder reports. Responsible for the creation of all proposal budgets.
• Review award letters and expense contracts, providing guidance to and working collaboratively with the Program team to ensure revenue and expense transactions strictly adhere to donor conditions, restrictions, and reporting requirements ensuring overall compliance and efficiency of execution of all awards and contracts.
• Apply 2 CFR 200 Uniform Guidance regulations to specific grants. Applying direct and indirect costs, assessing these costs, and preparing indirect cost rate calculations.
• Oversee all financial, project/program/grant accounting and contract invoicing. responsible for the preparation of financial reporting materials for government, and non-government grants.
• In collaboration with VPFA, develop policies and procedures to ensure effective and compliant management of grants and cost allocation, and oversight of sub-awards and vendors.
• All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required: 

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field.
• 10+ years of accounting experience with increasing responsibilities including at least 5 years of management and supervisory experience; Controllership experience.
• 5+ years of accounting experience in the not-for-profit sector working with US Government Grants and Contracts and Foundations.
• Thorough understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP);
• Knowledge of and experience with U.S. government cost principles and contracting, and FAR. Experience negotiating and modeling indirect rates (NICRA, etc.).
• Experience with the monthly financial close process and creating/presenting financial statements/management reports to review monthly performance.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, manage, and analyze budgets.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver high-quality, accurate work within tight deadlines.
• High level of proficiency with cloud-based complex financial technologies (e.g. Sage Intacct, Bill, Concur)
• High level of proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Prior staff or team management experience.
• Experience collaborating with individuals at all levels of the organization.
• Experience in payroll processing, preferably in a multi-state environment.
• Analytical thinker - a passion for metrics and the ability to be detail oriented while focusing on the big picture.
• Team player, creative problem-solver, entrepreneurial spirit, genuine passion for Benetech’s mission.
• Operations and systems savvy: continuous improvement mindset to maximize efficiencies in our systems environment.
• Ability to translate financial concepts to, train, support, and collaborate with programmatic and fundraising colleagues without finance backgrounds.

Preferred:

• CPA, CMA, MBA or other related certifications

Travel Obligations: 5%

Physical Demands and Working Environment: 

The bullet points below are representative of the physical demands and working environment that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.  

• Standard / Remote office setting; proximity to office equipment that includes electronic devices 
• Must remain at a workstation for at least 50% of the time; will need to use equipment that includes electronic devices 
• Perceive and interact with text, media, and people 
• Communicate and accurately exchange information with text, media, and people