Controller

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Controller will lead day-to-day finance operations of a budget of $2.9 million, including functional responsibility over accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and grants administration. The Controller will ensure that Propeller has the systems and procedures in place to support effective program implementation and conduct flawless audits. The Controller will work closely with Propeller’s Leadership and team members, not only to educate them regarding finance and accounting procedures but also to explore how the finance function can support program operations.

The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented and strategic finance professional with a strong track record of managing comprehensive financial operations in a dynamic environment. This individual is both a technical expert and a collaborative partner with the ability to translate financial concepts for non-finance staff while proactively identifying ways the finance function can strengthen program delivery. They are highly organized, solutions-oriented, and comfortable working closely with Leadership to ensure financial practices not only meet compliance standards but actively support the organization’s broader goals. Candidates without prior nonprofit accounting experience will not be considered.

This position requires periodic evening and weekend work. This is a salaried and exempt position.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & OUTCOMES

Finance and Accounting

• Manage monthly close process and monthly and annual financial reporting materials and metrics for presentation to the Board of Directors and CEO. 
• Manages Propeller’s Bill.com and processes all accounts payable. 
• Manage Propeller’s contract process ensuring all vendors and contractors have complete contracts, W-9 form, and NDA, if necessary.
• Maintain internal control and safeguards for receipt of revenue, costs, and program budgets and actual expenditures.
• Resolves issues with custodian bank.
• Coordinate all audit and 990 activities, and tax activities when applicable
• Coordinate Propeller’s annual budgeting, financial forecasting, and cash flow for the organization and for each department
• Manage the annual review of Propeller’s financial policies and procedures

• Consistently analyze financial data and present financial reports in an accurate and timely manner; provide monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements; monitor progress and changes and keep senior leadership and Propeller’s Finance Committee abreast of Propeller’s financial status.
• Prepares pre-grant financial due diligence reviews in accordance with Propeller policy.
• Coordinate grant reporting including preparation of reports requested by the Development team and timely updates to grant ledger activity.
• Continuously collaborate with program staff to assess the financial efficacy of program operations and establish finance and administrative systems to support program operations.

Operations

• Process semi-monthly payroll and Simple IRA contributions, including but not limited to coding, verifying, and auditing all earnings and deductions, and maintaining payroll documentation and records in accordance with Propeller policies, procedures, and Federal and State regulations. Communicates with all external vendors related to payroll. Serves as the primary contact with the third-party vendor on all payroll related matters.
• Provides training, information, and assistance to staff on Propeller accounting policies and procedures on payroll and attendance matters.

CRITICAL COMPETENCIES

• A minimum of 2 years experience in non-profit accounting.
• Ability to manage an annual audit process from start to finish.
• Ability to manage an annual Form 990 preparation and coordination.
• Personal qualities of emotional intelligence and maturity, humility, and unwavering commitment to Propeller’s mission.
• A proactive, hands-on professional who will take ownership of accounting operations.
• Solid experience coordinating audit activities and managing reporting, budget development and analysis, accounts payable and receivable, general ledger, payroll, and accounting for investments.
• A track record in grants management as it relates to compliance and reporting of government, corporate and foundation grants is essential.
• Keen analytic, organization and problem solving skills which allows for strategic data interpretation versus simple reporting.
• Ability and desire to translate complex financial concepts to individuals at all levels including finance and non-finance managers.
• Payroll administration experience. Detailed knowledge of federal and state regulations related to wage and hour law, taxable earnings and benefits.
• Advanced knowledge of accounting and reporting software.
• Project management skills, with demonstrated experience stewarding projects from inception to completion.
• Builds trust and credibility in relationships by demonstrating consistency between words and actions. 
• Self-motivated, innovative, and works with considerable independence within the context of an overall strategy and collaborative team. 
• Attention to detail and demonstrated success with budgeting, scheduling, managing multiple projects and deadlines, and establishing priorities.
• Strong interpersonal skills, personable demeanor, and ability to collaborate and work cross-departmentally internally and externally to key stakeholders.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s or equivalent knowledge in accounting + 5 years of progressive accounting experience, or Master’s or equivalent knowledge + 3 years’ experience; CPA and/or a minimum of 2 years in a non-profit accounting role preferred.
• Direct experience with grant compliance and reporting.
• Experience in or knowledge of nonprofit accounting, audit cycles, and platforms such as QuickBooks, Bill.com, or comparable platforms. 
• Experience working alongside prominent New Orleans communities of color (Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Vietnamese-American, and others).
• Written and verbal familiarity in the history of structural racism in the US and its current manifestations in New Orleans and nationally, particularly in the area of business development. Fluency in this area is highly desired.

Learn about Propeller here