Controller At Kids in Need of Defense

About KIND

Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) is a global leader in the protection of unaccompanied refugee and migrant children. Launched in 2008, KIND champions a world in which every child’s rights and well-being are protected throughout their journey to safety. Since 2008, KIND has accepted over 23,000 referrals of children seeking legal representation in their immigration proceedings. KIND has welcomed more than 41,000 attendees to trainings since its founding, cultivating partnerships with over 670 law firms, corporate legal departments, law schools, and bar associations across the country.

KIND’s social services program ensures that migrant and refugee children – who have often endured trauma – receive counseling, educational support, medical care and other comprehensive services.

To address the root causes of child migration from Central America and strengthen protection of unaccompanied children, KIND advocates for policy changes and educates lawmakers, the media, and the broader public on the conditions that drive these children to flee their home countries. KIND supports children returning to their home countries by connecting them to essential support services and sponsors gender-based violence prevention programs in Central America to protect children in countries of origin and transit.

KIND is also building upon its expertise in the protection of unaccompanied children to encourage the development of pro bono initiatives across Europe in partnership with European NGOs.

Position Description:

KIND seeks a Controller who will oversee and manage the day-to-day financial operations while maintaining the accounting records and internal controls in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. S/he will direct all accounting functions, including general ledger, accounts payable/ receivable, procurement, payroll, balance sheet reconciliations, audit, insurance and tax reports. The Controller ensures accurate and timely preparation of internal financial reports and submission of external reporting. The Controller will collaborate with the Finance and Operations team to create and improve systems, processes, and policies in support of KIND’s mission and vision.

Essential Functions:

General Ledger

• Oversee all financial transactional activity, including accounts payable, accounts receivable and payroll and ensures that all financial transactions and journal entries are recorded both timely and accurately in accordance with organization policies, GAAP and governmental regulations.
• Ensure monthly closes are done on a regular and timely basis.
• Review monthly balance sheet reconciliations, account analyses and G/L to subsidiary ledger reconciliation.
• Maintain structure, chart of accounts and ensures maximization of accounting software.
• Research treatment of accounting transactions to be in accordance with GAAP and government regulations.

Financial Statements and External Reporting

• Oversee the preparation of monthly, quarterly and annual financial statements and reports.
• Oversee the preparation of Form 990, and other statutory reporting.

Compliance

• Comply with local, state and federal government reporting requirements and tax filings and ensure all returns are filed timely and accurately.
• Oversee the annual financial audit.
• Formulate, recommend and implement sound fiscal policies, procedures and internal controls.

Other

• Provide leadership to accounting personnel through effective objective setting, delegation and communication.
• Conduct meetings to ensure that personnel are well informed of changes in programs, policies and procedures.
• Assist the CFO and other members of the leadership team (as required) with analysis and Board communication as needed.
• Communicate fiscal policies and procedures to all KIND employees.
• Lead and participate in special projects that further the goals of the finance department.
• Stay abreast of trends and changes in the accounting field.
• Maintain the highest level of confidentiality regarding discussions and decisions made by Senior Management and take all required actions to ensure that staff adhere to these requirements.
• Bring commitment and integrity to all accomplishing KIND’s mission and goals in this and other duties as assigned and commit to personal and professional implementation of KIND’s core values. Performs other duties, as assigned.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Undergraduate degree in Finance, Accounting or related field required. CPA and/or graduate degree preferred.
• At least six years of collective experience in Finance, Accounting or a related field, plus three years of supervisory experience.
• Demonstrated experience working in a nonprofit with a mix of funding sources.
• Thorough understanding of nonprofit accounting and Generally Accepted Accounting Standards (GAAP).
• Demonstrated ability to analyze numbers; must be detail oriented with excellent organizational and interpersonal skills; ability to work both autonomously and collaboratively.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, prioritize tasks and meet deadlines and objectives.
• Proven experience using technology to improve financial management systems.
• Adept at presenting complex financial information in a clear manner to various audiences including senior management, staff members and others.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate diplomatically in a diverse, multi-cultural environment.
• Experience with accounting systems required.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• Ability to work within an office environment and have regular interaction via telephone, videoconference, IM, and email with KIND’s team.