Controller

TITLE: Controller
CLASSIFICATION: Senior Director
SALARY BAND: B
REPORTS TO: Chief Financial Officer
LOCATION: Washington, DC Hybrid or Remote

Click here to apply

About American Rivers
American Rivers is a national conservation organization working to make every river clean and healthy for people and wildlife. We combine evidence-based solutions with enduring partnerships to safeguard the 4.4 million miles of rivers and streams that are essential to our nation’s clean drinking water, extraordinary wildlife, and the strength of our communities. For more than 50 years, our staff, supporters, and partners have been driven by a common belief: Life Depends on Rivers.

The beauty of rivers is that they connect all people and communities – including within our organization. The life experiences, knowledge, innovation, and talent that different people bring to our work provides perspectives, experiences, and competencies which are critical to our effectiveness in protecting wild rivers, restoring damaged rivers, and conserving clean water for people and nature.

JOB SUMMARY
The Controller is responsible for the day-to-day accounting for American Rivers’ financial transactions, as well as for developing, implementing, and ensuring compliance with financial policies and procedures consistent with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). The Controller maintains and continuously improves the system of financial controls, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, banking and cash management, payroll, and benefits. This position oversees the monthly close, corporate financial statements for both American Rivers and American Rivers Action Fund on a monthly basis and for the annual audit and is the primary liaison between staff and the auditors. This position supervises the Senior Staff Accountant.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Finance and Accounting
  • Ensure accounts, ledgers, and reports comply with GAAP and regulatory requirements.
  • Work with the CFO to develop and maintain a service-centered financial system that meets the information needs required for external reporting, internal financial planning, and program implementation.
  • Prepare, review, and approve financial statements and month-end entries and accounting report package for accuracy and timely distribution to the Executive Team, as well as the Finance Committee and Board as needed. Monitor financial performance and keep CFO informed of significant variances across periods and impact on cash needs.
  • Prepare annual financial statements and notes. Oversee and consolidate information in the preparation of annual tax returns.
  • Maintain internal controls and safeguards for receipts, payments, fixed assets, and recording transactions.
  • Serve as primary point of contact with outside auditors to coordinate audit activity.
  • Recommend and implement improvements for accounting processes to increase efficiency and accuracy.
  • Provide training and guidance to stakeholders on finance and accounting current best practices to support effective program implementation.
• Cash Management
  • Monitor operating account balances and recommend necessary cash transfers among bank accounts and/or investment accounts.
  • Administers bank portal.
  • In consultation with the CFO, maintains and sets up new accounts as needed with the bank.
  • Consolidate and prepare multi-year cashflow model for c3 and c4 entities to report to Executive Team and Board
• Internal Controls
  • Develop, communicate, and update Finance and Accounting policies and procedures.
  • Review and update Finance SOPs to clarify roles and responsibilities. Coordinate with the CFO to ensure a balanced separation of duties.
  • Enforce established internal controls and recommend changes as necessary.
• Team Leadership
  • Supports CFO with team management in line with AR’s vision and core values.
  • Lead team members to develop skills and increase their knowledge base. Clarify roles and responsibilities while building a supportive team environment.
  • Strengthen internal communications with staff; promote process efficiency and accuracy across functions and departments.

 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance and CPA required.
• Minimum of 10 years of nonprofit experience. At least 10 years of supervisory experience and 15 years of progressive experience in finance and accounting with management experience.
• Knowledge of tax laws and related issues for 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations, including UBI, lobbying disclosures, federal and state filings, and internal controls
• Expertise in accounting software and office software products (Sage Intacct preferred).
• Superior understanding of all aspects of nonprofit accounting, financial management, and FASB pronouncements.
• Experience in accounting for deferred gifts.
• Excellent organizational and management skills.
• Strong verbal and written communications skills.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize duties.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with discretion.
• Able to produce high quality work and exercise good judgment.

Candidates who are unsure if they meet all minimum qualifications or who have transferable skills and experience beyond the conservation sector are encouraged to apply.

LOCATION
Washington, DC hybrid preferred, though remote may be considered.

COMPENSATION 
American Rivers offers marketable compensation that reflects the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate. The salary range for this position is $106,000 – $135,000, annually, depending on experience and qualifications. We provide a comprehensive Total Rewards package to our full-time, regular employees, including:

• Health and Wellness: Medical, dental, vision, long-term and short-term disability, and life insurance.
• Financial Security: After one year of service, American Rivers begins contributing a 3% employer contribution. There is no vesting schedule for employer contributions as employees are 100% vested upon participation.
• Time Off: Four weeks of paid leave, eleven paid holidays, three floating holidays, and sick leave.

At American Rivers, we are committed to supporting our employees’ well-being, professional growth, and financial security, ensuring they can thrive both at work and in life.

COMMUNITY AND OPPORTUNITY

• At American Rivers, our core values drive everything we do – we Lead with Collaboration and Trust, Infuse Equity and Justice, Deliver Results, and Ensure Staff and Volunteers Thrive. We are committed to fostering a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to make a difference.
• Our culture prioritizes work-life thriving through Focus Fridays (no internal meetings), professional development opportunities, a home office stipend and our comprehensive leave policies, including sabbatical leave (every seven years) and paid parental leave (six weeks w/ one year of service).
• We also ensure leadership stays connected to staff needs through an internal advisory group, fostering open communication and continuous improvement.
• At American Rivers, our people are our strength, and we are dedicated to building a thriving, inclusive workplace where everyone can grow and contribute to our mission.

Click here to apply

American Rivers is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to request reasonable accommodation, please contact the Human Resources department at 202-243-7040 or recruitment@americanrivers.org. Please note that one week’s advance notice is preferred.

Applicant must be legally allowed to work as an employee in the United States. American Rivers is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Candidates of all personal and professional backgrounds are encouraged to apply.