Controller at The Ali Forney Center in New York, NY 10018

Job description

• Salary Range
• $140,000.00 - $140,000.00 Salary
• Level
• Experienced
• Position Type
• Full Time
• Job Shift
• Day
• Category
• Finance
• The Ali Forney Center (AFC) protects LGBTQ+ youth from homelessness and helps them build the tools needed to live independently. Founded in 2002, AFC provides housing, healthcare, and educational support to thousands of youth each year. AFC creates an affirming, supportive environment where LGBTQ+ youth can thrive.
• WORKPLACE FLEXIBILITY: Hybrid 1 day remote
• The Controller will oversee AFC’s day-to-day accounting operations and safeguard the accuracy and integrity of the agency’s financial records. This role supervises the in-house Bookkeeper, reviewing and approving their work across accounts payable, accounts receivable, expense coding, and card tracking. The Controller will work closely with the agency’s outsourced finance firm and various departments to approve transactions, monitor budgets, coordinate finance workflows, and liaise between programs and finance.

Responsibilities

• Accounting Operations
• Manage the day-to-day operations of the accounting function, including the general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll allocations.
• Maintain the chart of accounts and ensure accurate and consistent coding of revenue and expenses across programs, departments, locations, and funding sources.
• Serve as the agency’s primary liaison with the outsourced finance firm regarding accounting operations, month-end close, financial reporting, and required deliverables.
• Review and approve the Bookkeeper’s work, including invoice processing, vendor onboarding, expense coding, and account reconciliations.
• Monitor the integrity and completeness of accounting records and ensure transactions are recorded accurately and timely.
• Accounts Payable & Expenses
• Review and approve vendor bills and payment requests in accordance with agency policies and established approval requirements.
• Review and approve new vendor setups and ensure appropriate documentation is maintained.
• Oversee timely and accurate submission and reconciliation of corporate card activity through BILL Spend & Expense.
• Ensure appropriate segregation of duties between the preparation, review, approval, and payment of financial transactions.
• Monitor general ledger activity to ensure transactions are appropriately coded by grant, location, account, department, and funding source.
• Cash Flow & Budget Monitoring
• Oversee cash flow forecasting and monitor cash balances to support sufficient liquidity for operational needs.
• Review weekly and monthly cash flow projections and communicate significant changes, risks, or anticipated cash needs to the CEO and appropriate finance leadership.
• Review and approve disbursements and recommend payment timing in accordance with agency policy and cash flow requirements.
• Monitor budget-to-actual performance, analyze variances, and provide explanations and recommendations to department directors.
• Attend department budget meetings and help leaders understand and interpret financial results, budget performance, and available resources.
• Accounts Receivable & Revenue
• Post or review development-related revenue activity and reconcile transactions with the organization’s development CRM.
• Post or review contract deposits and reconcile receipts with contract records.
• Support government contract vouchering, billing, and reconciliation processes.
• Reconcile contract receivables and monitor outstanding balances, coordinating with program and contract staff to resolve aged or unpaid receivables.
• Reconcile pledges receivable and monitor outstanding balances, coordinating with Development staff on collection and reconciliation activities.
• Identify discrepancies between accounting records, contract records, development systems, and supporting documentation and coordinate timely resolution.

Requirements

• Qualifications and Benefits
• AFC Core Competencies (examples)
• Mission alignment and commitment to affirming, youth-centered practice
• Cultural humility and ability to work effectively with diverse LGBTQ+ youth populations
• Trauma-informed, strengths-based approach to service delivery and collaboration
• Clear communication, professionalism, and accountability
• Adaptability, sound judgment, and ability to respond calmly in fast-paced environments
• Role-Related Competencies
• Accounting & Financial Acumen Demonstrates strong knowledge of general ledger accounting, reconciliations, financial reporting, accounts payable/receivable, and nonprofit accounting.
• Financial Analysis & Judgment Analyzes financial information, identifies discrepancies and variances, and applies sound judgment to financial decisions.
• Internal Controls & Compliance Understands segregation of duties, financial controls, audit requirements, and the importance of accurate supporting documentation.
• Nonprofit & Fund Accounting Understands fund, grant, restricted revenue, and/or government contract accounting within a nonprofit environment.
• Accuracy & Attention to Detail Effectively reviews, guides, and develops accounting staff while maintaining accountability for quality and deadlines.
• Leadership & Staff Oversight Effectively reviews, guides, and develops accounting staff while maintaining accountability for quality and deadlines.
• Communication & Financial Translation Clearly explains financial information, budget variances, and accounting requirements to non-financial staff and leadership. ining accountability for quality and deadlines.
• Organization & Time Management Manages multiple accounting priorities, deadlines, reconciliations, and reporting requirements in an organized manner.
• Systems & Process Improvement Effectively uses financial systems and identifies opportunities to improve accounting workflows, controls, and efficiency.
• Collaboration & Professional Judgment Builds effective working relationships across Finance, Programs, Development, Operations, and external finance partners while exercising appropriate judgment and confidentiality.

Skills

Required

• Reconciliations
• Financial reporting
• Accounts payable/receivable
• Nonprofit accounting
• Financial analysis and judgment
• Internal controls and compliance
• Segregation of duties
• Audit requirements
• Fund and grant accounting
• Restricted revenue accounting
• Government contract accounting
• Accuracy and attention to detail

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) with up to a 5% employer match (vested after five years)
• Generous Paid Time Off, Sick Leave, Personal Leave, and 12 Paid Holidays
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Mission-driven, inclusive workplace culture