Neighborhood Defender Service · 8 hours ago
Controller
New York, NY
Full-time
Hybrid
Senior Level
$130K/yr - $180K/yr
7+ years expNeighborhood Defender Service (NDS) is a national nonprofit public defense organization that focuses on client-centered legal representation. The Controller plays a crucial role in overseeing accounting and financial operations, ensuring compliance and accuracy in financial reporting while supporting the Harlem office and aligning with national infrastructure.
CharityLegalNon Profit
Responsibilities
Own and oversee the general ledger, including account structure, journal entries, reconciliations, and month-end and year-end close processes for all or designated segments of the organization
Review and approve journal entries and oversee the accuracy and integrity of transactions within the accounts payable and accounts receivable systems
Perform regular reconciliations of bank accounts, balance sheet and income statement accounts, interfund activity, and federal payroll tax filings (including Form 941)
Oversee payroll and benefits reconciliations, ensuring that payroll registers and benefit deductions align with vendor invoices, ADP records, and general ledger records
Ensure the timely and accurate preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP and applicable accounting standards
Maintain consistent accounting policies, internal controls, and documentation across locations, with direct responsibility for general ledger integrity and accuracy
Monitor financial performance, trends, and variances; prepare and clearly communicate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports
Provide short- and long-term financial analysis, forecasting, and projections to support organizational planning and growth
Lead and support audit activities, including serving as a primary point of contact for external auditors and coordinating Single Audits, as applicable
Identify and implement improvements to accounting processes, internal controls, reporting efficiency, and data accuracy to support strong audit outcomes
Ensure compliance with accounting standards, grant agreements, donor requirements, and reporting deadlines
Oversee accounting for grants and restricted funds, including proper classification, tracking, release of restrictions, and alignment with approved budgets
Ensure grant invoicing and financial reporting are accurate, timely, and prepared directly from general ledger data, with appropriate reconciliations between grant activity and the general ledger
Partner with program staff to support grant budgeting, monitoring, variance analysis, and financial reporting for government, corporate, and foundation funders
Assist with the annual budgeting and financial planning process, including reviewing financial plans and analyzing actual results against budget
Monitor program budgets and expenditures to ensure alignment with approved funding and organizational priorities
Supervise accounting staff as assigned and support collaboration across locations and teams
Support the implementation, optimization, and effective use of accounting and financial systems
Partner with colleagues across finance, HR, IT, and program teams to strengthen systems integration and organizational effectiveness
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a closely related field
At least 7-10 years of progressive accounting and financial management experience, including direct ownership of a general ledger in a complex organization
Minimum of 4 years in a senior accounting or Controller-level role with responsibility for journal entries, account reconciliations, month-end and year-end close, and financial statement preparation
Demonstrated experience preparing financial statements in accordance with GAAP and maintaining strong internal controls
At least 3 years of experience coordinating audits, including serving as a primary point of contact for external auditors and managing audit schedules, documentation, and follow-up
Substantial experience in grants accounting and compliance, including financial reporting and invoicing for government, corporate, and foundation funders
Advanced proficiency with accounting and financial reporting systems and demonstrated experience maintaining accurate, reliable financial data
Ability to clearly communicate financial information, risks, and trends to non-finance managers and senior leadership
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with consistent attention to detail, accuracy, and follow-through
Demonstrated ability to build effective working relationships across diverse teams, roles, and identities
Preferred
Experience in a multi-site or nationally structured nonprofit organization with complex funding streams
Prior background in public accounting or audit earlier in career progression
Experience supporting or leading Single Audits and managing compliance requirements associated with federal funding
Experience selecting, implementing, or significantly optimizing accounting or financial systems, including managing vendor relationships
Experience translating complex financial data into practical guidance for program, operations, or executive leadership
Demonstrated commitment to equity-driven, client-centered work and to organizations serving historically marginalized communities
Benefits
Full medical and dental benefits
Retirement plan with company match
Robust time off perks
Paid parental leave
Other benefits
Company
Neighborhood Defender Service
Neighborhood Defender Service offers family, criminal, civil, immigration defense, and youth law services.
51-200 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageLeadership Team
Andrea Bridgewater
Chief Operating Officer
Shannon Anglero
Chief Advancement Officer
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