Assistant Controller

New York, New York, United States;
Washington, District of Columbia, United States

FULL‑TIME JOB VACANCY

Assistant Controller

Finance Division

New York or Washington DC Office

Final date to receive applications:
January 6, 2026

Human Rights Watch (“HRW”) is seeking an Assistant Controller for its Finance Division. The Assistant Controller will assist the Global Controller of the Finance Division to ensure the highest standards of designing, developing, and implementing the division’s strategy. The Assistant Controller will also liaise with other parts of the organization to ensure the content supports the work of the organization and help manage the division.

This role is responsible for leading the preparation, review, and reconciliation of financial statements across multiple regions, ensuring accuracy and compliance with U.S. GAAP, IFRS, and local accounting standards. The position also oversees global payroll and intercompany transactions, while serving as a key point of contact for internal and external audits worldwide. The ideal candidate will bring deep technical accounting expertise, strong leadership skills, and a proven ability to operate effectively in a complex, multinational environment.

This position reports to the Global Controller of the Finance Division based in Washington, DC. This is a full‑time remote position and will be based in New York or Washington DC. In‑office attendance is required once every six weeks.

• Partner with the Global Controller to design, develop and implement strategies, and set priorities for multiple units and teams;
• Innovate and lead new opportunities, initiatives, and areas of interest for the department that will achieve strategic goals;
• Support system enhancements, policy development, and process improvements to optimize financial operations as assigned by leadership;
• Assist the Global Controller in leading the division and assume duties in the absence of the Director;
• Interact and partner regularly with HRW staff across all departments to ensure effective organization‑wide coordination and delivery of activities, processes, and outcomes;
• Lead the preparation, review, and reconciliation of financial statements for global operations, ensuring accuracy and compliance with U.S. GAAP, IFRS, and local accounting standards;
• Oversee global payroll processing and manage inter‑company transactions, ensuring timely execution, accuracy, and regulatory compliance across all regions;
• Lead and coordinate external and internal audits for multiple regions, maintain strong internal controls, and ensure timely resolution of audit issues;
• Provide accounting guidance and support to global teams, ensuring consistency in financial reporting and adherence to regulatory requirements;
• Prepare comprehensive board reports and assist with regulatory filings, such as IRS Form 990, to support executive decision‑making and compliance;
• Assist the Global Controller in regularly monitoring the budget and ensuring that resources are allocated appropriately;
• Assist the Global Controller in leading the division’s hiring process;
• Oversee, recruit, train, and supervise the US Payroll Manager and Reporting Accountant in alignment with organizational expectations, and
• Perform additional responsibilities as required.

Education: A bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in accounting, business administration, or a related field is required.

Experience: A minimum of ten years of relevant work experience is required, preferably within a global, large‑scale, diverse, and dynamic mission‑driven organization operating internationally.

• Ability to process, reconcile, and report on multi‑location payroll is required.
• Solid experience with general accounting and bookkeeping is required.
• Strong computer knowledge including advanced skills with Microsoft Excel and a highly developed understanding of spreadsheet and database systems are required.
• Excellent time‑management skills, strong attention to detail, ability to prioritize tasks, and ability to work independently with minimal supervision, as well as function as a member of a team are required.
• Strong…