Controller

Job Description

Job Description

Salary :

ABOUT OUR ORGANIZATION :

The Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) is a non-profit leader dedicated to advancing sustainability through forest-focused collaborations. A key driver of SFIs success is its ability to engage diverse communities to deliver across its 4 pillars : Standards, Conservation, Community, Education. At SFI, we aim to foster a culture where everyone feels valued, empowered, and supported in advancing sustainability through forest-focused collaborations.

ABOUT THE ROLE :

The Controller is responsible for SFI (Parent) financial planning, tracking, reporting, audits, applicable tax returns, and assistance with treasury functions. The position requires directing and supporting the day-to-day tactical accounting operations, which includes both Canada and U.S. activities, while ensuring executive management remain aware of various programmatic financial spending trends. As a member of the Finance and Operations department, the Controller works to ensure all financial transactions are correctly recorded in accordance with Canadian and U.S. Accounting Standards, as well as ensure regulatory compliance is maintained.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS :

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to :

Financial Accounting, Reporting, Budgeting, and Compliance

Oversees the day-to-day operations of the accounting department according to policies & procedures, as well as Canadian and U.S. Accounting Standards.

Establishes and maintains internal controls and compliance activities to ensure alignment with statutory requirements and SFI policies & procedures.

Oversees, prepares, reviews, and coordinates the annual audit of SFI and applicable regulatory filings (e.g., 990 and T2 for U.S.) with Senior Leadership Team and external auditors, as necessary.

Leads and manages the annual budget process for SFI in consultation with executive management.

Conducts financial analysis and prepares financial reports and statements for executive management and the board of directors, as necessary.

Manage various relationships and serves as the primary point-of-contact for applicable vendors and service providers, as necessary.

Researches and performs risk management analysis and other ad hoc reporting as needed.

Oversee and lead the financial management of all grants ($15+ million), including but not limited to grant budgeting, expenditure tracking, and grant financial reporting. This includes inbound grant revenue, as well as pass-through and sub-recipient expenditure funding, and eventually will also include SFIs outbound grant expenditure program for all pillars.

Monitor and reconcile grant expenditures to ensure alignment with approved budgets, generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), and compliance with grant terms from sponsors to meet invoicing requirements and procurement guidelines and restrictions.

Prepare and submit accurate grant financial reports to align with and support written reports to US funders in accordance with their requirements.

Collaborate with the Business Director on Canadian grants, including on federal (ECCC) and provincial funding, providing back up support as needed.

Ensure compliance with all federal, state, provincial, and local regulations related to grant management, specifically from the US Federal Compliance Supplement (2CFR200, Appendix XI).

Maintain comprehensive and organized documentation for US grants, including agreements, amendments, financial reports, and correspondence.

Conduct regular compliance reviews and audits to ensure adherence to US grant requirements and organizational policies.

Assist with grant applications by providing the necessary financial data.

Serve as the point person for the Single Audit, ensuring compliance throughout the year.

Manage the Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) effectively. (Currently, SFI uses the allowed de minimis fixed rate).

Collaboration, Support, and Training

Create, design, and implement policies, processes and procedures related to grant management and proposal development. These should adhere to requirements included in compliance supplements for US and Canadian grants.

Advise program managers, VPs, Directors, and Senior Leaders regarding negotiation of new grants, effective startups, and grant management issues.

Work closely with program managers, VPs, Directors, and Senior Leaders to develop grant budgets and ensure the proper allocation of funds, including supporting allocation of staff time to fulfill grant obligation, including matching staff time.

Provide financial analysis and reporting to support program planning and decision-making.

Assist in the development and submission of grant proposals, including budget preparation and financial narratives.

Train and support staff on grant management best practices and compliance requirements.

Identify and participate in training on changes in grant regulations and accounting standards to stay current. Disseminate and train on relevant information to the team.

Other Duties

Assist with implementing applicable organizational-wide financial structure and process changes.

Participate in special projects and perform other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES :

This position will supervise and support 1-3 direct reports and manage various consultant relationships to fulfill essential job functions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS / TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS :

Physical requirements include the ability to work from a desk at a computer for prolonged periods of time. This position requires occasional travel to Canada and the U.S., up to 15% of time.

WORK LOCATION

SFI has offices in Washington, DC and Ottawa, Ontario. Individuals located within commuting distance of downtown DC are preferred, but individuals that work elsewhere in the continental U.S. will be considered, provided they are in close proximity to major commuting hubs. Employees located withing commuting distance of Washington, DC are required to work from the office 2 days per week, with Tuesdays and Wednesdays as designated in-office days. For the remaining days of the week, you may choose to either work from the office or remotely from your home. SFI reserves the right to increase in-person days to three or more days per week in the future.

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS :

Bachelors degree in accounting required.

Certified Public Accountant (U.S.) license required.

Minimum eight years of progressive experience in finance or accounting.

Two years of experience in a non-profit setting, preferably experience with grants.

Minimum five years of supervisory experience.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS & TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS :

The ideal candidate :

Works cooperatively, respectfully, and collaboratively with other employees; functions as a team player; and accepts constructive suggestions for improving job performance from others.

Exercises discretion and independent judgment in the responsibilities associated with job functions.

Adaptable and able to meet fast-paced deadlines while conducting oneself in a professional manner.

Demonstrated ability to respect confidentiality and exercise discretion with sensitive information.

Strong problem-solving ability to evaluate and recommend solutions.

Excellent oral and written communication, organizational and interpersonal skills.

Excellent attention to detail and a high-level of accuracy and project follow-through.

Demonstrated ability to take initiative and work independently, as well as collaborate well with others.

Thorough familiarity with Canadian and U.S. Accounting Standards, internal controls, and regulatory compliance (i.e., CRA for Canada, IRS for U.S.) requirements for a non-profit organization.

Proficient knowledge of financial systems; Sage Intacct experience preferred.

Proficient in Microsoft Office software; intermediate MS Excel skills required.

Proficient ability to synthesize data and learn technical aspects of SFI revenue streams.

Direct experience in the forestry, natural resources, or education sectors preferred.

Ability to travel if / as required throughout Canada and the U.S.

Multiple language skills a plus.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS :

We are committed to equity in our salary practices. The salary range for this position is $140,000 to $160,000; the successful candidates actual salary will depend on a number of factors, including geography, education / training, experience, time-in-role, management qualifications (as applicable), and skillset.

We are proud to provide our employees with a collaborative, dynamic, and rewarding professional experience, with a competitive compensation and benefits package and growth opportunities. Our benefits include (but are not limited to) :

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family.
• Retirement plan with generous employer contribution and additional matching contribution up to 11% of your salary, provided you also contribute 4%.
• Paid Time Off generous vacation policy ranging from 2 weeks to 5 weeks, increasing with experience, all federal holidays, plus 4 floating holidays annually that may be used to observe additional religious, cultural, or traditional occasions that are meaningful to you, and 12 sick days annually.
• Educational assistance and investment in professional development.

APPLY :

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until we find the right candidate. If youre interested, apply promptly early applicants will be prioritized.

We value authenticity and transparency in our recruitment. SFI does not use AI for rsum screening, candidate scoring, or hiring decisions. Every applicant receives individualized consideration from our HR team.

OUR COMMITMENT TO EQUAL OPPORTUNITY :

SFI is proud to provide our employees with a collaborative, dynamic, and rewarding professional experience, with a competitive compensation and benefits package and growth opportunities. We are committed to creating a diverse environment and being an equal opportunity employer. Our team represents a broad range of cultures, education, disciplines, and work and life experiences, and we strive to leverage these differences in our daily work. We will not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected characteristic. We believe in creating an empowered and supportive team that is committed to advancing sustainability through forest-focused collaborations.

Learn more aboutSFI Staff Culture, read our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy, and review our Indigenous Relations Commitment.