Controller, Finance

Controller, Finance

Who We Are:

The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights,a 501(c)(4) organization, is the premier coalition of more than 240 organizations that promotes and protects civil and human rights in America. The Leadership Conference has coordinated national lobbying efforts on behalf of every major civil rights law since 1957. To learn more about The Leadership Conference, please visit www.civilrights.org.

The Leadership Conference Education Fund, a 501(c)(3) organization, builds public will for federal policies that promote and protect civil and human rights in the US. Founded in 1969 as the education and research arm of The Leadership Conference, the Education Fund’s campaigns empower advocates to push for progressive change in the US. To learn more about the Education Fund, please visit www.leadershipconferenceedfund.org.

About the Role:

We are seeking a Controller to join our Finance Department. The ideal candidate is responsible for performing highly specialized accounting tasks required to maintain both organizations’ general ledger. The candidate must have a working knowledge of accounting principles applicable to not-for-profit organizations. Having the ability to work both autonomously and collaboratively is paramount for success. Displaying a posture that is conducive to team coaching and providing a culture of unity are critical qualities for this role.

The Controller will update and maintain the accounting manuals of the C3/C4 organizations, ensuring full compliance with IRS, GAAP, and FASB’s evolving codifications, while also providing accurate financial reporting for both internal and external stakeholders. This role directs and coordinates daily accounting activities, including reviewing and approving both organizations' revenues, expenditures, assets, and liabilities. This position is also responsible for preparing monthly and annual financial statements, reviewing tax returns (including Form 990), and managing an annual audit, to achieve no material findings. This position is responsible for maintaining both C3 and C4 nonprofit status to support financial health and longevity.

This position will report to the VP, Finance, and lead a team of two (2) accounting staff members.

This position is not part of the collective bargaining unit.

What you will do:

- Supervises, directs, reviews, and enhances the accounting functions and processes (including, but not limited to, cash reconciliations, investment account reconciliation, accounts receivable transactions, fixed asset activity, accounts payable transactions, recording of revenue and expenses, etc.).

- Oversee the maintenance of the organization’s accounting systems and accounts payable process while assisting in formulating internal controls and policies to comply with established best practices in a not-for-profit.

- Prepares monthly Balance Sheet account reconciliations (intercompany due to and due from, prepaids, advances, accrued expenses, etc.) and reviews reconciliations and journal entries prepared by the staff accountant.

- Manages the organization’s corporate card accounts, including issuing new cards, deactivating old cards, and reconciliations.

- Liaise with the People and Culture team for biweekly payroll preparation and ensure payroll registers and related reports are shared with Finance. Assist with setting up new state registrations as needed. Perform quarterly reconciliation of payroll costs to the filed Form 941s.

- Produces monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and ad hoc financial reports, including asset schedules and tax returns (990 & 990-T) in compliance with GAAP.

- Leads the annual audit process with auditors, staff, and external agencies and manages the year-end financial audits and reporting.

- Perform other duties as necessary and related.

What you will bring:

- A minimum of 9 years of progressive experience in accounting/finance in a non-profit environment.

- At least 5 years of managing accounting staff.

- CPA with a BS Degree in Accounting or Finance.

- Experience in Microsoft Office and proficiency in Microsoft Excel.

- Proficient in Sage Intacct or other ERP accounting software.

- Strong budgeting, financial forecasting, and financial analysis skills are required.

- Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate clearly with all staff.

- Experience in special projects and/or grant reporting and budget development.

What We Offer:

The Leadership Conference offers its employees a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, and generous personal leave and vacation time. Staff can also take advantage of Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and a retirement savings account.

Salary Range – $139,775 – $180,814, dependent on years of related experience.

To apply, please visit our Career Center and submit your resume and cover letter. Cover letters are required and should be attached.

Telework Policy:

The Telework Policy is implemented in three phases.

The first phase, as of September 1, 2025; staff members will be required to work in-person from the office at least two days per month. The second phase begins January 1, 2026; staff members will be required to work in-person from the office at least one day per week. The final phase begins April 1, 2026; staff members will be required to work in-person from the office at least two days per week.

All positions are subject to the telework policy summarized above. (A more detailed description of the telework policy – to include how in-office workdays are to be scheduled – is available upon request from People & Culture).

Please note staff members are exempt from working in-person if they have received medical accommodation or their position is designated as temporarily or permanently remote.

Our Commitment to an Inclusive Workplace

The Leadership Conference and The Education Fund are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability.