Assistant Controller

Assistant Controller

Job Summary:

The Assistant Controller serves as the primary backup to the Controller and supports the oversight of accounting operations for American Bible Society (ABS) in accordance with US GAAP. This role is responsible for the day-to-day management of the monthly close process, including journal entry review and posting, review of bank reconciliations, as well as oversight of accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll processing. The Assistant Controller supervises and develops accounting staff, oversees annual 1099 and W-2 reporting, and serves as a backup signatory for treasury transactions and payment approvals in the Controller's absence. The role also supports accounting for grants and donor-restricted contributions. The Assistant Controller assists in the development and documentation of accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls; supports preparation of materials for the Board's Finance and Audit Committees; partners with IT on accounting systems and process improvement; and supports the Controller in coordinating with external auditors and preparing regulatory and tax filings.

Minimum Spiritual and Personal Commitment:

• Demonstrate a personal commitment to Jesus Christ.
• Identify with and participate in a Christian church and proactively seek to grow in their Christian faith.
• Actively participate in organizational prayer, devotional times, and organization-wide events.
• Maintain an exemplary standard of Christian ethics, behavior, and conduct within ABS and in their public and private life outside of ABS and always seek to uphold ABS' Standards of Conduct and Affirmation of Biblical Community.
• Demonstrate Christian maturity in all interactions as displayed by good judgment based on biblical values and principles.
• Actively incorporate their faith in all aspects of their daily work.
• Demonstrate desire and ability to support organizational biblical and religious goals and participate in regular work-related spiritual activities without reservation.
• Have a personal passion for and belief in the Word of God, its ability to transform lives, and the mission of American Bible Society.
• Demonstrate alignment with the vision, mission, and values of American Bible Society.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage the monthly close process including journal entry review and posting, bank reconciliation review, and inventory accounting, serving as primary backup to the Controller.
• Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll processing functions, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with internal controls.
• Supervise, train, and develop accounting staff; set performance standards, review performance, and provide regular and ongoing feedback.
• Oversee preparation of annual 1099 and W-2 reporting.
• Serve as a backup signatory for the organization and work with Treasury to approve payments and other treasury transactions in the Controller's absence.
• Assist in the development, documentation, and implementation of accounting policies, procedures, workflows, and internal controls to safeguard assets.
• Support the preparation of monthly and annual financial statements and supporting schedules in compliance with US GAAP.
• Assist in the accounting for grants and contributions with donor restrictions, ensuring compliance with donor-imposed stipulations and proper recording of net assets released from restrictions.
• Assist the Controller in preparing financial materials and supporting schedules for presentations to the Board's Finance and Audit Committees.
• Partner with IT and the Controller to enhance accounting systems, develop automated dashboards and reporting, and identify opportunities for process improvement and automation.
• Assist in the preparation of annual IRS Forms 990 and 990-T, state tax filings, and other regulatory compliance filings.
• Assist the Controller in coordinating with external auditors and preparing supporting documentation for the annual financial statement audit and the 403(b) retirement plan audit.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements to accelerate close timelines and improve the efficiency of accounting operations.
• Perform other duties and special projects assigned by the Controller.

Qualifications:

Education: Undergraduate degree in accounting or finance.

Experience: Five to seven years of progressive accounting and finance experience, including supervisory or management experience. Nonprofit experience preferred, including exposure to grant/restricted-fund accounting, endowment and investment accounting, and split-interest/planned giving agreements. 

Technical Skills: CPA and/or CMA highly preferred. Experience with Salesforce CRM and NetSuite ERP systems

Key Competencies:

Strong problem-solving, analytical, and organizational skills; detail-oriented and service-minded; effective communicator.

All ABS staff must demonstrate the following skills:

• Demonstrate desire and ability to support organizational biblical and religious goals and participate in regular work-related spiritual activities without reservation.
• Have a personal passion for and belief in the Word of God, its ability to transform lives, and the mission of American Bible Society.
• Demonstrate alignment with the vision, mission, and values of American Bible Society.

All staff must demonstrate the following skills at a level fitting their role:

Communication Skills:

• Advanced Communication: Communicates clearly and professionally, and effectively conveys financial information to colleagues and stakeholders across the organization.

Teamwork and Collaboration:

• Team Collaboration: Works effectively within and across teams, building strong working relationships and contributing to a positive team dynamic.

Cultural Competence and Inclusion:

• Inclusive Practices: Demonstrates awareness of and respect for diverse perspectives and fosters an inclusive team environment.

Service Orientation:

• Service Delivery: Understands the needs of internal and external stakeholders and delivers effective, timely solutions.

Adaptability and Flexibility:

• Change Adaptability: Adjusts approach in response to changing priorities and supports the team through periods of change.

Time Management and Organization:

• Process Optimization: Manages competing priorities effectively, meets deadlines, and improves team workflows.

Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking:

• Applied Problem-Solving: Identifies problems, analyzes root causes, and implements effective, practical solutions.

Leadership and Initiative:

• Team Guidance: Provides day-to-day guidance and support to team members, fostering accountability and engagement.

All people managers must demonstrate the following skills at a level fitting their role:

Strategic Thinking and Decision Making:

• Sound Judgment: Makes well-reasoned decisions within area of responsibility, considering the impact on the team and broader organization.

Continuous Learning and Development:

• Staff Development: Supports the growth and development of team members through coaching, training, and constructive feedback.

Innovation and Creativity:

• Process Improvement: Encourages new ideas and approaches to improve team efficiency and effectiveness.
• Additional job-specific skill: Ensures adequate cross-training and backup coverage of key accounting functions to maintain continuity of operations.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

Physical Demands:

This position operates in a professional, climate-controlled office environment with a moderate noise level (such as computers, printers, and light foot traffic). The role routinely utilizes standard office equipment, including computers, laptops, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets. Requires close visual acuity to read financial data, prepare reports, or view a computer monitor for extended periods.

American Bible Society is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with disabilities and ensuring a workplace free from discrimination. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws, we will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to participate in the application process and perform the essential functions of their job.

Office Location: Hybrid Work Location: 2 days in the office, 3 days remote

ABS Headquarters (Philadelphia)

Core Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., EST