Controller

Council on Foreign Relations; New York (NY); On-site; USD 230,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and wellness program

On-site fitness center

Generous leave policies

Job summary

The Council on Foreign Relations is seeking a Controller in New York City to provide strategic leadership over accounting, payroll, and accounts receivable/payable. This full-time role requires significant experience in nonprofit accounting and strong people-management skills. Responsibilities include overseeing financial reporting cycles, enhancing internal controls, managing grant activity, and leading external audits. The position offers a competitive salary range of $230,000 – $250,000 and comprehensive benefits, including wellness programs and generous leave policies.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive accounting experience, including leadership.
• Experience in non-profit or grant-based organizations.
• Strong knowledge of nonprofit accounting standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead teams across Accounting, Payroll, and Accounts Receivable/Payable.
• Oversee financial close and reporting cycles.
• Establish and enhance accounting policies and controls.
• Manage grant activity and accounts receivable/payable processes.
• Supervise payroll operations and ensure compliance.
• Lead annual external audit process.

Skills

Team leadership

Accounting expertise

Process improvement

Communication skills

Financial controls

Microsoft Dynamics

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance

CPA certification

Master's degree in relevant field

Job description

Position Summary

The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) is seeking a Controller who will provide strategic and operational leadership over CFR’s accounting, payroll, and accounts receivable/payable functions, ensuring the integrity, accuracy, and compliance of the organization’s financial records and reporting. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Controller leads the financial close and reporting cycle, maintains a strong internal control environment, and oversees accounting treatment for grants, cost allocations, and investments.

This role combines technical accounting expertise with people leadership and process improvement responsibilities. The Controller manages and develops a high‑performing accounting organization while partnering closely with FP&A, programs, development, and external auditors to support CFR’s mission, growth objectives, and financial stewardship.

This full‑time position is based in CFR’s New York City office for four days per week. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays are institutional anchor days where all staff are required to be onsite.

Essential Functions/Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop teams across Accounting, Payroll, and Accounts Receivable/Payable, fostering accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

• Oversee the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close and reporting cycles, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with applicable accounting standards.

• Establish, maintain, and enhance accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls to mitigate financial and operational risk.

• Ensure accurate recording and reporting of all grant activity, cost allocations, and indirect cost methodologies in alignment with funder requirements and organizational policies.

• Oversee accounts receivable and accounts payable processes, including revenue recognition, release of restricted funds, segregation of duties, and compliance with CFR policies (e.g., expense policies).

• Supervise payroll operations, including timekeeping, deductions, benefits‑related accounting, and related audits, ensuring accuracy and regulatory compliance.

• Partner closely with the FP&A Director to ensure strong alignment between accounting actuals, cost allocations, IDC methodologies, analytics, and strategic financing activities.

• Lead the annual external audit process and oversee preparation of required financial statements, 990, compliance filings, and regulatory reports.

• Oversee cash and investment accounting and reporting, including review of cash activity, investment transactions, and related financial insights.

• Champion automation and process improvements across accounting, payroll, and AR/AP systems to improve efficiency, timeliness, and data integrity.

• Perform any other duties or tasks as assigned or required.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required. Master’s degree preferred.
• CPA or equivalent professional certification strongly preferred.

Experience

• At least ten years of progressive accounting experience, including leadership responsibility.
• Demonstrated experience managing and developing accounting, payroll, and AR/AP professionals.
• Significant experience in non‑profit or grant‑based organizations, with strong knowledge of nonprofit accounting standards.
• Proven track record overseeing financial close, audits, compliance filings, and internal control frameworks.
• Experience partnering with FP&A and senior leadership to ensure consistency between accounting results and financial planning.

Related Skills & Other Requirements

• Strong people‑management skills, including team leadership, coaching, performance management, and talent development.
• Deep expertise in accounting operations, financial controls, and compliance within a nonprofit or grant‑funded environment.
• Ability to identify and implement process improvements and automation to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across finance and non‑finance stakeholders.
• Advanced technology skills. Experience with Microsoft Dynamics preferred.
• High attention to detail combined with the ability to think strategically and anticipate organizational needs.
• Strong judgment, integrity, and commitment to CFR’s mission and values.

Compensation and Benefits

• The full‑time annual compensation range for this position is $230,000 – $250,000, depending on experience.
• In addition to competitive salaries, the Council on Foreign Relations offers a benefits package that is among the best offered by nonprofit institutions today, including an award‑winning health and wellness program, an on‑site fitness center, and generous leave policies and health insurance programs.