Controller & Director of Accounting

Candid; New York (NY); On-site; USD 130,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan with employer match

Paid time off

Disability insurance

Transit benefits

PSLF eligible employer

Job summary

Candid, a nonprofit delivering data and insights for the social sector, seeks a Controller & Director of Accounting to lead the accounting function. You will manage GAAP reporting, ensure ASC 606/ASC 958 compliance, and oversee a six-person team for a budget around $37 million.

Reporting to the COFO, you will drive process improvements, collaborate across departments, and support strategic planning while ensuring strong internal controls and timely financial close.

Qualifications

• BS in Accounting or Finance required; CPA preferred.
• Must have at least 12 years of relevant accounting experience.
• Minimum 5 years of supervising staff in accounting/finance.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day accounting operations (AP/AR/GL/payroll).
• Manage month-end and year-end closes; ensure accurate financial reporting.
• Own revenue recognition across subscription, grants, and contributions (ASC 606/ASC 958).
• Oversee grant/contract accounting, net asset tracking, and funder reporting.
• Prepare monthly/quarterly/annual financial statements (BS/IS/CFS).
• Coordinate external audits, tax filings, and regulatory compliance.
• Manage treasury: cash forecasting, banking relations, investments, reserves.
• Develop/update accounting policies and internal controls; ensure GAAP compliance.
• Drive process improvements using automation and AI to strengthen controls.

Job description

Position Summary

Candid is a nonprofit that provides the most comprehensive data and insights about the social sector. We get you the information you need to do good. Candid currently has an opportunity for a Controller & Director of Accounting. The Controller & Director of Accounting plays a critical role in overseeing Candid's accounting operations and financial reporting processes. Reporting directly to the Chief Operating and Financial Officer (COFO), this position is responsible for overseeing all aspects of accounting operations, GAAP financial reporting and providing support to the COFO. The Controller leads a team of six accounting professionals and oversees the accounting operations supporting an annual operating budget of approximately $37 million and an organization of approximately 150 staff, with revenue spanning contributions, grants, and earned subscription products.

Position:

Controller & Director of Accounting

Reporting to:

Chief Operating & Financial Officer

Supervises:

Senior Accountant, Senior Accounting Manager & Assistant Controller

Schedule:

35-hour work week, Monday through Friday

Compensation

$130,000 - $160,000 (this range is for the NYC area and will be adjusted for other localities; additionally, factors like skills and experience will be considered).

Location

Remote. In-person attendance is expected twice per year during our annual, weeklong all-staff summits. Additional in-person meeting participation is expected at least once per quarter for senior leaders and at least once per month for the executive team. Staff not located in the NYC area are expected to travel for these meetings.

Benefits

Health insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement contribution with additional option for a match, paid life insurance and AD&D, paid leave time (PTO, compassionate leave, volunteer, holiday, parental), short-term and long-term disability, pre-tax transit, flexible spending accounts, supplemental insurance, summer hours, and Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program eligible employer.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship, now or in the future.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the accounting team, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, and payroll.
• Manage the month-end and year-end close processes, ensuring accuracy and timeliness of financial reporting.
• Own revenue recognition across Candid's revenue streams - including subscription and other earned-revenue products, contributions, and grants - ensuring consistent application of ASC 606 and ASC 958, accurate deferred revenue balances, and appropriate contribution-versus-exchange-transaction determinations.
• Oversee grant and contract accounting, including tracking of net assets with and without donor restrictions, release of restrictions, funder budget-to-actual reporting, and compliance with grant terms and applicable federal award requirements.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements.
• Coordinate and manage external audits, sales tax filings, and other regulatory compliance requirements.
• Manage treasury operations, including cash forecasting, banking relationships, and support of the investment and reserve policies in coordination with the COFO and the Finance and Audit Committee.
• Develop and maintain accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls to ensure compliance with GAAP and regulatory requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement across the accounting function by regularly evaluating existing workflows, identifying opportunities to automate and streamline manual processes, and leveraging system tools and AI to strengthen controls, shorten close cycles, and improve the accuracy and timeliness of financial data.
• Provide financial analysis and insights to support strategic decision-making and business planning.
• Manage and mentor a team of accounting professionals, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with other departments to drive process improvements and optimize efficiency.
• Stay abreast of changes in accounting standards, regulations, and best practices, and ensure implementation as necessary.

Requirements

• BS in Accounting or Finance. CPA preferred.
• 12 years of relevant accounting experience
• Minimum 5 years supervising/managing staff in an accounting or finance environment.
• Working knowledge of SaaS and subscription accounting, including ASC 606 revenue recognition for multi-year and multi-element subscription arrangements, deferred revenue and billing schedules, and capitalization of internal-use and cloud software costs under ASC 350-40.
• Strong understanding of nonprofit accounting principles and practices and financial controls and experience preparing or reviewing Form 990 preferred.
• Proficiency with accounting system software, experience with NetSuite, Salesforce, Stripe, UltiPro, Avalara, Tipalti, Nexonia and PBCS a plus; advanced Excel skills and experience with using AI to improve procedures
• Exceptional analytical, quantitative, forecasting, and financial modeling skills.
• Ability to work on several projects simultaneously and to thrive in a deadline-based environment.
• Outstanding solution driven problem solver who is a self-starter with a high degree of integrity.
• Demonstrates flexibility and timely responsiveness to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent presentation, written and verbal communication skills.
• Willingness to perform other duties and special projects as needed/requested.
• Sensitivity and respect for racial, gender, sexual orientation, and cultural differences
• Champions and represents Candid's core values: We're driven, direct, accessible, curious, and inclusive.

About Candid

Candid's mission is to get you the information you need to do good.

The world's problems are only growing, and change can't wait. Nonprofits are needed now more than ever, but all too often their work goes without adequate support.

Candid makes it easier and faster for nonprofits and funders to connect in pursuit of solutions to change the world. Candid is where nonprofits find grants, donors find nonprofits that inspire them, and all can gain insights about the work being done for good.

Candid is a qualifying nonprofit organization as defined by the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. As such, Candid employees may claim their employment time on their PSLF application. We offer a competitive salary and excellent benefits. Due to the high volume of applicants we typically receive, we regret that we can only contact candidates we would like to interview.

For more information on positions available at Candid, please visit our website: Work with us

Candid is an equal opportunity employer. Candid provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.

For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.