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Neighborhood Defender Service · 23 hours ago

Controller

Detroit, MI

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level

$100K/yr - $150K/yr

6+ years exp

Neighborhood Defender Service is building a community-based, client-centered public defense office and is seeking a Controller to join their team. The Controller will oversee accounting operations, ensure compliance with accounting standards, and support strategic financial decisions while contributing to a positive office culture.

CharityLegalNon Profit

Culture & Values

Responsibilities

Embrace NDS’ philosophy of client-centered, community-based, holistic representation and commitment to excellence by providing vigorous representation with energy and enthusiasm to the communities we serve

Oversee the day-to-day accounting operations general ledger activities, month-end and year-end close processes for all or designated segments of the organization

Ensure timely and accurate preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP (or applicable standards)

Maintain consistent accounting policies and internal controls in alignment across all locations

Identify and implement opportunities to improve accounting processes, internal controls, reporting efficiency, and data accuracy to support flawless audits

Maintain responsibility over all or designated segments accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and grants administration

Provide short-term analysis of all financial information, forecast for future needs as well as provide long-term projections to support the growth of the organization

Assist with audits, including Single Audit (if applicable), and serve as one of the key contacts for auditors

Supervise accounting staff as assigned and support cross-location collaboration

Support the implementation and optimization of accounting and financial systems

Monitor program budgets and actual expenditures to ensure alignment with approved funding

Ensure thorough, consistent analysis of financial data and the timely preparation and clear communication of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports; monitor financial performance and trends

Assist in the annual budgeting and planning process; administer and reviews all financial plans and comparison to actual results

Actively engage in financial, program and grants accounting; ensure that expenditures are consistently aligned with grant and program budgets throughout the grant/fund period; collate financial reporting materials for government, corporate, and foundation grants

Oversee designated accounting for grants and restricted funds, including proper classification, tracking, and release of restrictions, and review and ensure that all grant invoicing is prepared directly from general ledger data

Ensure compliance with grant agreements, donor requirements, and reporting deadlines

Support grant budgeting, monitoring, and variance analysis in coordination with program staff

Partner with all department functions to enhance and better integrate finance, HR, and IT functions

Perform other related duties as assigned to support organizational needs and priorities as they arise

Qualification

Accounting experienceFinancial reportingGrants managementBudget developmentAccounting softwareAnalytical skillsCommunication skillsOrganizational skillsProblem-solving skills

Required

Substantial accounting and finance experience, ideally beginning in accounting and audit, followed by experience gathering, evaluating, presenting and reporting financial information to executive teams and external stakeholders. Experience in a complex nonprofit that has multiple activities is preferred

A bachelor's degree, preferably in accounting or finance

Demonstrated experience coordinating audit activities and managing reporting, budget development and analysis, accounts payable and receivable, general ledger, payroll, and accounting for investments

Demonstrated experience in grants management as it relates to compliance and reporting of government, corporate and foundation grants is essential

Technology savvy with experience selecting and overseeing software installations and managing relationships with software vendors; advanced knowledge of accounting and reporting software

An ability to quickly build relationships across varying identities, income levels, races and ethnicities

Clear and effective communication skills, both orally and in writing, particularly in communicating key data

Keen analytic, organizational and problem-solving skills which allows for strategic data interpretation

Ability and desire to translate complex financial concepts to individuals at all levels including non-finance managers