Controller

Our Mission in Action

Trees play a vital role in solving some of the most pressing issues facing our communities, our society, and our world today. For 150 years, American Forests has stood boldly at the forefront of the conservation movement, working collaboratively and innovatively to ensure that all people have access to the benefits of trees. As we look ahead to the next 150, continued collective action will be essential to securing a healthy, climate-resilient future for all. To support this work, we are looking for a Controller to join our Finance team.

What You’ll Do

As a part of the team, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for the organization’s accounting function, ensuring financial integrity, regulatory compliance, and scalable systems that support a remote-first workforce and geographically dispersed conservation programs.

The Controller will oversee complex nonprofit accounting across a multi-source funding portfolio—including federal/state grants, philanthropic contributions, and corporate/sponsorship revenue—and partners closely with program, development, and executive leadership to steward resources in support of our mission to protect and restore forests and enhance our communities. Major responsibilities include:

Accounting Leadership & Operations

Government Grants & Contracts Accounting

Philanthropic Accounting & Donor Stewardship 

Corporate & Sponsorship Accounting

 Audit, Compliance & Risk Management

Financial Systems, Automation & Remote Enablement

Cross-Functional Partnership & Mission Support

What We’re Looking For

Reporting and Supervision

The Controller reports to the Vice President of Finance and will work closely with multiple departments across the organization. This position does not have any direct reports at this time.

Working Conditions

This is a remote position based in the United States. Up to 10% of travel throughout the U.S. and/or to American Forests’ headquarters in Washington D.C. may be required. 

This position requires the ability to remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing) for extended periods and to operate a computer and other office equipment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to support individuals across the full range of abilities and experiences in performing the essential functions of the job.

Compensation and Benefits

This is a full-time, salaried exempt position. The budgeted salary range is between $120,000 and $140,000 annually.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package focused on health and wellness, work-life balance, and financial security, including medical, dental, and vision coverage; vacation and sick leave; paid holidays; a 401(k) with match; flexible spending accounts; disability, life, and AD&D insurance; parental bonding and bereavement leave; an employee assistance program; a technology stipend; pet benefits; and military leave.

About Us

American Forests is a national non-profit organization committed to creating healthy and resilient forests from cities to large forest landscapes, that deliver essential benefits for climate, people, water, and wildlife. We advance our mission through forestry innovation, place-based partnerships to plant and restore forests, and movement building. We envision a world in which the significant environmental, societal, and economic benefits of forests are fully realized and equitably available to all people. Established in 1875, American Forests is the oldest national non-profit conservation organization in the U.S. working to restoring urban forests and forested landscapes for over 150 years.  

American Forests is proud to be a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible workplace. These are our shared values. We welcome individuals who bring a variety of backgrounds and experiences to be a part of our team to help make a difference individually and collectively as we work toward achieving our mission. We are committed to fostering an environment that is welcoming and respectful and provides opportunities for advancement and professional growth for every team member.  

American Forests is an equal opportunity employer. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law. Reasonable accommodation may be made to provide access to all individuals along the continuum of human ability and experience. 

Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran/LGBTQ+ Encouraged to Apply 

In accordance with federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, and reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible State or local Agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information is also available in languages other than English.