Controller

Spence-Chapin Services to Families and Children; New York (NY); On-site; USD 145,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Exceptional benefits package

Focus on employee wellness

Job summary

Spence-Chapin Services to Families and Children is seeking a Controller to oversee accounting and financial reporting while contributing to the financial leadership. The role requires overseeing accounts payable, payroll, budgeting, and managing a team of two staff members.

The ideal candidate will have significant experience in accounting and nonprofit sectors, possess strong leadership skills, and ensure compliance with GAAP. The position offers a competitive salary range of $145,000 – $160,000 and an exceptional benefits package.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of responsible accounting/auditing experience, preferably in a nonprofit context.
• 3+ years of team management experience.
• Public accounting experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Oversee accounting and financial reporting for the organization.
• Manage month-end and year-end closing processes.
• Prepare financial reports and forecasts.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Nonprofit sector experience

Financial reporting

Leadership

Accounting software proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance or business administration

Tools

QuickBooks Online

Excel

MS Office

Stripe

Zoho Expense

Job description

Primary Purpose

Reporting to the Senior Director of Finance (“Senior Director”), the Controller is responsible for the oversight of accounting and financial reporting. The Controller will be a crucial contributor to the financial leadership of Spence-Chapin, working closely with the Senior Director to lead the day‑to‑day accounting operations. The Controller has functional responsibility for accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, budgeting, and financial reporting for the organization’s budget of $9 MM – $11 MM. The Controller supervises a team of two staff members. This position is based in New York, New York. Spence-Chapin requires staff to work onsite for a minimum of four days per week after completing one year of employment.

Spence-Chapin is a non‑profit organization based in New York City that has been providing adoption services and support for more than 110 years. The organization believes that every child deserves a family and works tirelessly to advocate for children in need of a permanent, loving home. Over its history, Spence-Chapin has served more than 25 000 children, women, and families through its main program areas: Comprehensive Domestic and International Adoption Programs; Birth Parent Services; Well‑being Services; and International Humanitarian Aid through programs such as the Granny Program that support children living in orphanages overseas.

Key Performance Indicators

• Oversee all accounts, ledgers, and reporting, ensuring compliance with GAAP, regulatory requirements, and management‑reporting efficiency.
• Manage and execute the month‑end and year‑end closing process, including reconciliation of accounts and maintenance of accounting schedules.
• Prepare monthly rolling cash‑flow forecasts and track investment portfolio to ensure adequate liquidity for operational needs.
• Oversee relationships with banking and merchant services providers.
• Analyze financial data and prepare and present financial reports accurately and timely; communicate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements; monitor progress and keep the Director informed of the organization’s financial status.
• Prepare financial reporting for grant agreements, working closely with program teams on expenditures and budgets.
• Track restricted and unrestricted funds according to underlying agreements.
• Lead the budgeting and financial reporting function as a business partner, working closely with leadership across all functions.
• Maintain proper maintenance of all accounting systems and functions, ensuring data fidelity and timely reporting.
• Manage the payroll function, ensuring timely and accurate processing and recording of all employee pay, benefits, taxes, and fees.
• Work directly with the Director to ensure full coordination of Spence‑Chapin’s fiscal audits and the gathering of required audit information, resulting in accurate and timely financial statements, IRS 990 preparations, and clean financial audits.
• Maintain continuous lines of communication with the team and keep the Director informed of all accounting issues.
• Identify and drive the organization toward the most efficient possible team structure, documenting processes and developing or evolving systems as necessary.
• Regularly evaluate internal controls, identify gaps, and recommend improvements as Spence‑Chapin grows and evolves.
• Drive the organization’s technological advancement of its accounting systems and processes to maximize impact and efficiency.
• Ensure financial operations are aligned with the organization’s strategic goals.
• Supervise and mentor direct reports, using an empathetic and supportive leadership style to maintain a high level of performance across the department.

Education & Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible accounting and/or auditing experience; experience in the nonprofit sector strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience managing teams.
• Public accounting experience is desirable but not required.
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously without sacrificing quality.
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or business administration.

Technical Skills

• Thorough understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) pronouncements.
• Up‑to‑date on nonprofit expertise regarding audit best practices and state and federal law regarding nonprofit operations.
• Knowledge of financial compliance and risk management, including statutory and regulatory requirements for nonprofit organizations.
• Experience with QuickBooks Online, Excel, MS Office (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook), payment processing platforms (Stripe), and expense reporting applications (Zoho Expense).
• Experience with Raiser’s Edge or a similar CRM is preferred.

Key Competencies

• Strong organizational skills and ability to meet tight deadlines.
• Ability to multitask with strong execution skills, thorough follow‑through, and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to build relationships with key stakeholders across functions to manage and enhance financial operations.
• Ability to communicate complex financial information clearly.
• Ability to work collaboratively with various departments, supporting individual and cooperative work.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
• Passion for the mission and work of Spence‑Chapin.

Compensation and Benefits

This is a full‑time, exempt role. The salary range for this role is $145,000 – $160,000. The compensation package includes an exceptional benefits package focusing on employee physical, mental, and financial wellness.

Our Commitments

Spence‑Chapin upholds an equal‑opportunity employment policy and employs personnel without regard to race, creed, color, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, physical or mental ability, veteran status, military obligations, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law. This policy applies to all applicants, employees, consultants, and third‑party workers.

This job description is not intended to detail every aspect of your job or list every task you may perform. It is provided as a general overview of the responsibilities and skills required to do this role successfully.