Controller

POSITION SUMMARYThe Controller leads the organization's day-to-day accounting and finance operations, ensuring strong internal controls, accurate reporting, and compliance with nonprofit accounting standards and grantor requirements. The Controller oversees accounting, financial reporting, audit execution, and grants financial management, while translating strategic financial priorities into disciplined operational execution. This role manages and develops the Finance team and serves as a key partner to the CFO in supporting sound financial decision-making and organizational accountability.KEY RESPONSIBILITIESAccounting & Financial OperationsOversee all accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable and receivable, payroll, and month-end and year-end closeEnsure timely, accurate financial statements in accordance with GAAP and nonprofit accounting standardsMaintain and continuously improve internal controls, accounting policies, and proceduresManage cash flow, banking activity, and balance sheet reconciliations in partnership with the CFOResponsible for preparing quarterly financial dockets, including financial and narrative reportsGrants & Funds ManagementOversee financial tracking and reporting for existing and prospective grants and restricted funds, ensuring accuracy and compliance with donor requirementsPartner with program, grants, and development teams to support budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting related to grantmakingSupport funder financial reports, grant audits, and compliance reviewsEnsure appropriate allocation of expenses across programs and funding sourcesAudit, Compliance & Risk ManagementLead the annual audit process and serve as primary liaison to external auditors, in coordination with the CFOEnsure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including preparation of IRS filings (e.g., Form 990)Identify financial and compliance risks and work with the CFO to implement mitigation strategiesBudgeting, Forecasting, & Strategic SupportSupport annual budgeting and periodic reforecasting in partnership with senior leadershipProvide variance analysis and financial insights to inform decision-makingSupport financial planning and modeling initiatives led by the CFOTranslate strategic financial priorities into operational executionProvide detailed analysis to inform leadership decision-makingTeam Leadership & ManagementDirectly manage, coach, and develop the Finance teamSet clear expectations, priorities, and performance standards for the accounting teamEnsure appropriate delegation while maintaining accountability for accuracy, timeliness, and complianceBuild a collaborative, service-oriented finance function that supports the broader organizationEXPERIENCEBachelor's degree in accounting, Finance, or related experience; CPA required8-10+ years of progressive accounting experience, including at nonprofit or grant-making organizationsStrong knowledge of GAAP, nonprofit accounting, and restricted fund accountingExperience managing audits and complex financial reportingDemonstrated ability to work with and present to finance committeesDemonstrated experience managing and developing teams, including setting expectations, providing feedback, and supporting professional growthExceptional attention to detail with the ability to balance accuracy and efficiencyStrong communication skills and ability to partner effectively across teamsHigh organizational and quantitative skillsDemonstrated ability to prioritize and be flexible in a fast-paced, constantly evolving, and collaborative environmentAdvanced proficiency in Microsoft Office and Excel, with experience using Salesforce strongly preferredRequired: Technical proficiency in NetSuitePrevious experience with 501c3 tax filings including public charities and private foundationsSALARYWe provide a salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. The target national salary range is $145,000 to $155,000 with adjustments made for people in higher-expense markets, i.e. the San Francisco Bay Area, New York City, and Washington D.C. Equity is incredibly important to the organization, and a pay audit for equity is completed annually.BENEFITSClimate Imperative provides a comprehensive benefits package. The benefits include:Up to 100% of premium paid for medical, dental and visionSTD & LTD disability insuranceLife insuranceCarrot fertility and family planning benefitsStudent loan repayment assistance401k retirement plan with a company match contributionPublic transportation benefit optionsCell phone and health/wellness reimbursement14 paid holidays and four weeks of paid time off (PTO)Regular staff lunches and team building activitiesSF and DC office stocked with healthy snacks and beveragesAn innovative, collaborative, welcoming work cultureOUR COMMITMENTClimate Imperative is committed to diversity, equity, & inclusion and to a transparent recruitment process that fosters belonging. Our goal is to hire and advance people regardless of race, gender, ability, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, military service, medical condition, and any other protected characteristic under local, state, or federal law. We encourage people from all backgrounds to apply.We are committed to an accessible employee experience. If at any time you need a reasonable accommodation, please contact jobs@climateimperative.org.ABOUT USClimate change is governed by physical facts-about carbon sources, accumulation, impacts, and timing, and more importantly, about solutions that work. These facts must inform strategy: they show that avoiding dangerous climate change is only possible through strong policy to cut carbon, promptly, in the biggest countries. To address these issues, Climate Imperative was founded to provide resources to the field of climate policy in this decisive decade.Climate Imperative is a 501(c)(3) public charity focused on solving the climate crisis at speed and scale by providing funding, technical support, and expertise to win the world's most significant emissions reduction policy decisions this decade.