Role: Controller

Location: New York, NY or Washington, DC (hybrid)

Reports to: Chief Financial Officer

Compensation: $120,000 - $130,000

Who We Are

ideas42 is a nonprofit that applies insights from behavioral science—the study of how people make decisions and act in the real world—to improve lives and drive social change. Working globally, we reinvent the practices of institutions and create more effective products and policies that can be scaled for maximum impact.

For the past 15 years, we've been at the forefront of applying behavioral science to create a more equitable world. As we've developed our expertise, we've helped define an entire field. Our efforts have extended to 50+ countries as we've partnered with hundreds of governments, foundations, NGOs, private sector entities, and philanthropic leaders.

About the Role

The Controller plays a pivotal role in driving the organization’s success by overseeing the accounting operations and financial reporting of the organization. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the controller will be responsible for managing monthly full-cycle accounting functions, developing financial reports, and monitoring financial procedures to ensure internal controls are maintained.

Key Responsibilities

Manage day-to-day accounting operations including AP, AR, payroll, general ledger, and bank reconciliations.
Prepare accurate and timely financial statements, including Statement of Activities, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow Statements.
Lead month-end and year-end closing processes.
Streamline accounting processes to manage intercompany activities and ensure consolidated financial reporting is accurate.
Implement and maintain accounting systems to streamline processes and improve efficiency.
Ensure accurate tracking of deferred revenue and contract billings.
Partner with CFO to implement effective internal controls to safeguard company assets and ensure accurate financial reporting.
Regularly review and update financial policies and procedures.
Ensure compliance with GAAP and other applicable accounting standards.
Coordinate the annual audit and filing of 990 tax returns with external firm, ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements.
Remain up to date on nonprofit audit best practices and state and federal law regarding nonprofits.
Optimize and manage financial systems and tools.
Ensure legal and regulatory compliance regarding all financial functions.
Ensure integrity of cash, receivables, and payables management.
Recommend technology and process improvements to enhance financial transparency and operational efficiency.
Lead a team of 2 colleagues; Senior Staff Accountant and Finance Operations Associate.

Qualifications:

Experience: 3-5 years of progressive experience in accounting/finance; 3 years of people leadership experience
Education: Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA or CMA preferred.
Multi-Entity Accounting: Proven experience managing accounting and reporting across multiple entities, including intercompany transactions and consolidations.
Technical Skills: Strong proficiency with financial systems (e.g., Sage Intacct, Ramp) and advanced Excel skills; familiarity with Salesforce
Knowledge of Accounting Standards: Thorough understanding of GAAP, especially in relation to ASC 606.
Hands-On Approach: Willingness to roll up your sleeves and dive into the details
Communication Skills: Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to explain complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders.
Analytical Mindset: Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to provide data-driven recommendations.

Working with Us

We are a culture-first organization where rules or processes do not take precedence – people and their ability to make well-reasoned decisions do. You’ll find that our team members are deeply caring, wicked smart, and both tenacious and rigorous in their work.

Our core values are at the heart of everything at ideas42:

We live and breathe what we do. We look at everything through a BEHAVIORAL LENS.
We take OWNERSHIP. We don’t just work at ideas42, we take shared responsibility for it.
We DO GOOD. We use our expertise to improve millions of lives and create a better world for all.
We have fun. We let PLAYFULNESS inform the way we work and our approach to the world, helping to drive our creativity and improve our solutions.
We live with a SPIRIT OF GENEROSITY. We approach our colleagues, partners and people whose lives we seek to improve with an attitude of selflessness and cooperation.
We are TENACIOUS. We never take the easy route, but push to stretch the limits of what’s possible.
We are RIGOROUS in how we think and how we tackle problems.

Application Process Overview

The ideas42 application process has four stages:

Application: Submit your application and resume
Case Study: Selected candidates will receive a short assignment, to be completed over approx. 1 week
First Round Interview: Selected candidates will be invited to interview with an ideas42 program team member
Final Round Interview: Selected candidates will be invited to interview with an ideas42 senior team member. References will also be requested and contacted during this time.

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