Vice President, Controller

About Rare:Rare inspires change so people and nature thrive. For 50 years, across 60 countries, we have inspired and empowered millions of people and their communities to shift their behaviors and practices to protect our shared planet. We are a global leader in driving social change for people and nature and believe that the cumulative power of individual and community action is a vital pathway to safeguarding and restoring our shared waters, lands, and climate. Rare’s organizational culture is results-oriented and entrepreneurial, and our global programs prioritize climate change, fisheries and marine conservation, sustainable agriculture, and food security.Position Summary:Reporting to the President, the Vice President, Controller will lead the organization’s global accounting function and ensure the integrity, transparency, and compliance of Rare’s accounting operations.This role is responsible for overseeing all accounting activities across Rare’s U.S. and international field offices, ensuring strong internal controls, high-quality financial reporting, and compliance with U.S. GAAP and global regulatory and donor requirements.This is an outstanding opportunity for a seasoned leader with deep technical accounting expertise and global nonprofit experience to join a mission-driven, high-impact organization. The Vice President, Controller will bring a hands-on leadership style, with the ability to operate both strategically and tactically, and will partner closely with the President, executive leadership, and Board to strengthen financial stewardship and support organizational growth.The Vice President, Controller will hold responsibility for a globally distributed accounting team and play a critical role in maintaining a scalable, compliant, and efficient financial infrastructure to support Rare’s continued expansion. This role requires strong cross-cultural leadership and experience working within a centralized global finance model supporting international field offices.Key Responsibilities:Global Accounting & Financial OperationsOversee all global accounting operations, including general ledger, consolidations, accounts payable, payroll, and financial close processes across the centralized team and international field officesEnsure the integrity of financial records in accordance with U.S. GAAP and nonprofit accounting standardsLead the preparation of accurate and timely consolidated financial statements, including multi-currency translation and eliminationsMaintain and continuously improve global accounting policies, procedures, and standardsFinancial Reporting, Compliance & AuditLead all external audit activities, including financial statement audits, Single Audit, and IRS Form 990Ensure compliance with U.S. federal regulations (e.g., 2 CFR 200 / Uniform Guidance) and international donor requirements (e.g., USAID, EU, UN)Oversee indirect cost rate development and management (NICRA)Serve as the primary liaison to external auditors and regulatory bodiesInternal Controls & Risk ManagementDesign, implement, and maintain current systems of internal controls to safeguard organizational assets and ensure appropriate use of donor fundsStrengthen and scale Rare’s global control environment across field offices and the centralized teamPartner with leadership to enhance enterprise risk management practices and financial compliance frameworksGlobal Operations & Field Office IntegrationOversee accounting operations across Rare’s international field offices, ensuring consistency in accounting practices, controls, and reportingSupport country program teams through financial oversight, training, and capacity buildingEnsure effective global cash management, including funding flows, banking, and liquidity across regionsLead financial integration efforts for new country operations or expansionLeadership & Organizational PartnershipLead, mentor, and develop a high-performing global accounting teamServe as a trusted advisor to the President and leadership team on accounting and compliance mattersProvide accounting insights and reporting to support executive decision-making and Board engagementSystems & Process ExcellenceLead the optimization and scaling of financial accounting systems and ERP platforms to support global operationsDrive process improvements, automation, and standardization across accounting functionsEnsure systems effectively support a globally distributed workforce and financial operationsQualifications:Minimum of 12–15 years of progressive accounting and finance experience, including senior leadership roles in a global organizationDemonstrated experience leading global accounting functions within both a U.S. centralized team and international field officesStrong background in nonprofit accounting, including donor-funded environments and restricted fundingExperience managing U.S. government funding (e.g., USAID) and compliance with 2 CFR 200 (Uniform Guidance)Proven track record overseeing audits, financial reporting, and internal control frameworks in complex global environmentsExperience with multi-entity, multi-currency consolidationsBachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field requiredCPA requiredRare is an equal-opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, gender, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic.