Controller

Job title:

Controller

Company

The Population Council

Job description

DescriptionTITLE: ControllerREPORTING TO: Vice President, Corporate Finance & Administration / CFOLOCATION: One Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, New York, NYJOBS SUPERVISED: 13 (including 4 direct reports)ASSIGNMENT LENGTH: IndefinitePOSITION SUMMARY:The Population Council, an international nonprofit organization dedicated to building an equitable and sustainable world that enhances the health and well-being of current and future generations, seeks a Controller.The Controller will oversee the financial accounting and reporting operations of the organization, ensuring sound financial management, compliance with donor and regulatory requirements, and alignment with the organization’s mission and strategic goals. The Controller will lead a multi-country accounting team, manage grant funds, ensure financial reporting accuracy, and support the CFO in driving the development of financial strategies. This role is pivotal in supporting decision-making through timely and accurate financial insights in a dynamic international NGO setting.RESPONSIBILITIES1. Financial Management & Reporting

• Direct and oversee all accounting operations, including general accounting, financial reporting, and multi-currency financial management across multiple countries.
• Ensure compliance with international accounting standards (US GAAP) and organizational financial policies.
• Prepare and present accurate and timely financial reports to senior management, donors, and the Board.

2. Grant & Donor Financial Management

• Oversee the financial management of grants, ensuring compliance with donor requirements & reporting deadlines.
• Ensure proper allocation and utilization of restricted and unrestricted funds across programs.
• Collaborate with program teams to provide financial oversight on grant proposals and donor reporting.

3. Internal Controls & Risk Management

• Design, implement, and monitor internal control systems to safeguard assets, prevent fraud, and ensure financial compliance.
• Identify and mitigate financial risks, working closely with the senior leadership team to strengthen financial transparency and accountability.

4. Audit & Compliance

• Coordinate internal and external audits, ensuring timely preparation of financial records and compliance with regulatory requirements (including US Tax Form 990). Direct annual tax filings and financial statement audits, including OMB A-133, and other special audit requests as required.
• Address audit findings, implementing improvements to financial processes where needed.

5. Cash Flow & Liquidity Management

• Ensure adequate cash flow to meet operational needs, managing cash reserves, and optimizing the organization’s liquidity.
• Manage foreign exchange risks in multi-currency operations, ensuring efficiency in currency transactions.

6. Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a decentralized accounting team, ensuring capacity-building and high performance across country offices.
• Foster a collaborative and supportive team culture, promoting professional growth and development.

7. Stakeholder Engagement

• Liaise with donors, auditors, program managers, and external partners, ensuring transparent communication and alignment on financial matters.
• Represent the corporate finance and administration division in cross-departmental/divisional initiatives and strategic discussions.

8. Other

• Investments: Responsible for maintaining Council’s investment portfolio in accordance with US GAAP, auditing monthly investment portfolio and fund accounting, monitoring the spending of investment accounts, preparation of reports for multiple stakeholders (including Auditors), oversee withdrawals from the Endowment, preparation of capital calls and distribution allocation schedules.
• Postretirement Fund: Responsible for the accounting of the postretirement benefit fund.
• Non-Resident Alien Taxation: Oversee Population Council’s Compliance process.
• Other duties and ad hoc projects as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCEWe understand that there are many paths to acquiring expertise and experience and strong candidates may not have every qualification listed here. We encourage applications from individuals who bring passion, skills, and experience in many or most of these areas.Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field is required.
• Master’s degree in finance, business administration, or a related field is preferred

Certifications:

• CPA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent accounting certification preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of 15 years of financial management experience, with at least 8 years in a similar role within an international NGO or nonprofit.
• Demonstrated experience in leading and developing finance teams across multiple locations.
• Proven experience in multi-currency accounting, grant management, and donor compliance.

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in financial management software (e.g., Oracle NetSuite) and advanced Excel skills.
• Experience with ERP systems and financial reporting tools.

Project Management:

• Demonstrated project management skills with expertise in prioritizing, coordinating, and managing multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional administrative and organizational skills with keen attention to detail.
• Experience working in a multi-location organization, including international offices, preferred.

Other Skills:

• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Team player with a mature and adaptable approach to managing a dynamic workload.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain complex accounting / financial information to non-financial stakeholders.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment and across time zones.
• Good judgment and discretion in handling confidential and high-level matters.
• Willingness to travel internationally.
• Fluency in additional languages is a plus

Core Competencies

• Financial Acumen
• Grant & Donor Compliance
• Strategic Planning
• Risk Management
• Leadership & Team Building
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Attention to Detail
• Integrity and Ethical Conduct

SALARY AND BENEFITS: Salary range between $160,000-$200,000 annually, depending on knowledge, skills and experience. Excellent benefits package includes:

• Medical, dental, vision and life insurance available immediately upon hire;
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution equal to 12% of annual salary (up to a maximum salary of $200,000) after one year of employment;
• 24 annual and 12 sick days per year (accrued semi-monthly) *
• Approximately 10 paid holidays;
• 13 weeks of paid parental leave;
• Educational assistance*
• College tuition support for dependents**

We strive to provide an environment of professional growth and development.*Pro-rated for part-time staff who work a minimum of 20 hours per week.**Employees must work full-time to be eligible for this benefitApplication Deadline: April 16, 2025When applying through the web portal please attach your CV and Cover Letter in Word or PDF format.The Population Council is an international, nonprofit, nongovernmental institution that seeks to improve the well-being and reproductive health of current and future generations around the world and to help achieve a humane, equitable, and sustainable balance between people and resources. The Council conducts biomedical, social science, and public health research and helps build research capacities in developing countries. Established in 1952, the Council is governed by an international board of trustees. Its New York headquarters supports a global network of country offices. We are seeking an individual to fill the position described. If you know of a qualified candidate or are interested in this position, please apply at: .The Population Council provides equal opportunity; it does not discriminate against any person with regard to age, color, creed, national origin, disability, political belief, veteran status, religion, marital status, gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation. Decisions on employment are based on an individual’s qualifications as related to the position for which they are being considered. The Population Council is international in the composition of its board of trustees and its staff, as well as in the nature and deployment of its activities.

Expected salary

$160000 – 200000 per year

Location

New York City, NY

Job date

Fri, 04 Apr 2025 00:22:04 GMT

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