Controller, Finance & Banking, Financial Manager

Controller – American Rivers

About American Rivers

American Rivers is championing a national effort to protect and restore all rivers, from remote mountain streams to urban waterways. Healthy rivers provide people and nature with clean, abundant water and natural habitat. For 50 years, American Rivers staff, supporters, and partners have shared a common belief:
Life Depends on Rivers℠. American Rivers centers the ongoing work of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in all that we do. The beauty of rivers is that they connect all people and communities, and we seek to build and embody this diversity in our organization and throughout the conservation field. The life experiences, knowledge, innovation, and talent that everyone brings to our work provides perspectives, experiences, and competencies which are critical to our effectiveness in protecting wild rivers, restoring damaged rivers, and conserving clean water for people and nature.

Job Summary

The Controller is responsible for the day-to-day accounting for American Rivers’ financial transactions, as well as for developing, implementing, and ensuring compliance with financial policies and procedures consistent with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). The Controller maintains and continuously improves the system of financial controls, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, banking and cash management, payroll, and benefits. This position oversees the monthly close, corporate financial statements for both American Rivers and American Rivers Action Fund on a monthly basis and for the annual audit and is the primary liaison between staff and the auditors.

This position supervises the Senior Staff Accountant.

Principal Responsibilities

• Finance and Accounting – Ensure accounts, ledgers, and reports comply with GAAP and regulatory requirements.
• Work with the CFO to develop and maintain a service-centered financial system that meets the information needs required for external reporting, internal financial planning, and program implementation.
• Prepare, review, and approve financial statements and month-end entries and accounting report package for accuracy and timely distribution to the Executive Team, as well as the Finance Committee and Board as needed. Monitor financial performance and keep CFO informed of significant variances across periods and impact on cash needs.
• Maintain internal controls and safeguards for receipts, payments, fixed assets, and recording transactions.
• Serve as primary point of contact with outside auditors to coordinate audit activity.
• Recommend and implement improvements for accounting processes to increase efficiency and accuracy.
• Provide training and guidance to stakeholders on finance and accounting current best practices to support effective program implementation.
• Cash Management – Monitor operating account balances and recommend necessary cash transfers among bank accounts and/or investment accounts. Administers bank portal. In consultation with the CFO, maintains and sets up new accounts as needed with the bank.
• Internal Controls – Develop, communicate, and update Finance and Accounting policies and procedures. Review and update Finance SOPs to clarify roles and responsibilities. Coordinate with the CFO to ensure a balanced separation of duties. Enforce established internal controls and recommend changes as necessary.
• Team Leadership – Supports CFO with team management in line with AR’s vision and core values. Lead team members to develop skills and increase their knowledge base. Clarify roles and responsibilities while building a supportive team environment. Strengthen internal communications with staff; promote process efficiency and accuracy across functions and departments.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance and CPA required.
• Minimum of 10 years of nonprofit experience. At least 10 years of supervisory experience and 15 years of progressive experience in finance and accounting with management experience.
• Knowledge of tax laws and related issues for 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations, including UBI, lobbying disclosures, federal and state filings,…