Controller

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION 

The Ali Forney Center (AFC) protects LGBTQ+ youth from homelessness and helps them build the tools needed to live independently. Founded in 2002, AFC provides housing, healthcare, and educational support to thousands of youth each year. AFC creates an affirming, supportive environment where LGBTQ+ youth can thrive. 

SCHEDULE: Monday - Friday 9am-5pm

LOCATION:  Manhattan, Headquarters 

WORKPLACE FLEXIBILITY: Hybrid 1 day remote 

POSITION SUMMARY

The Controller will oversee AFC’s day-to-day accounting operations and safeguard the accuracy and integrity of the agency’s financial records. This role supervises the in-house Bookkeeper, reviewing and approving their work across accounts payable, accounts receivable, expense coding, and card tracking. The Controller will work closely with the agency’s outsourced finance firm and various departments to approve transactions, monitor budgets, coordinate finance workflows, and liaise between programs and finance.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Accounting Operations

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the accounting function, including the general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll allocations.
• Maintain the chart of accounts and ensure accurate and consistent coding of revenue and expenses across programs, departments, locations, and funding sources.
• Serve as the agency’s primary liaison with the outsourced finance firm regarding accounting operations, month-end close, financial reporting, and required deliverables.
• Review and approve the Bookkeeper’s work, including invoice processing, vendor onboarding, expense coding, and account reconciliations.
• Monitor the integrity and completeness of accounting records and ensure transactions are recorded accurately and timely.

Accounts Payable & Expenses

• Review and approve vendor bills and payment requests in accordance with agency policies and established approval requirements.
• Review and approve new vendor setups and ensure appropriate documentation is maintained.
• Oversee timely and accurate submission and reconciliation of corporate card activity through BILL Spend & Expense.
• Ensure appropriate segregation of duties between the preparation, review, approval, and payment of financial transactions.
• Monitor general ledger activity to ensure transactions are appropriately coded by grant, location, account, department, and funding source.

Cash Flow & Budget Monitoring

• Oversee cash flow forecasting and monitor cash balances to support sufficient liquidity for operational needs.
• Review weekly and monthly cash flow projections and communicate significant changes, risks, or anticipated cash needs to the CEO and appropriate finance leadership.
• Review and approve disbursements and recommend payment timing in accordance with agency policy and cash flow requirements.
• Monitor budget-to-actual performance, analyze variances, and provide explanations and recommendations to department directors.
• Attend department budget meetings and help leaders understand and interpret financial results, budget performance, and available resources.

Accounts Receivable & Revenue

• Post or review development-related revenue activity and reconcile transactions with the organization’s development CRM.
• Post or review contract deposits and reconcile receipts with contract records.
• Support government contract vouchering, billing, and reconciliation processes.
• Reconcile contract receivables and monitor outstanding balances, coordinating with program and contract staff to resolve aged or unpaid receivables.
• Reconcile pledges receivable and monitor outstanding balances, coordinating with Development staff on collection and reconciliation activities.
• Identify discrepancies between accounting records, contract records, development systems, and supporting documentation and coordinate timely resolution.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field preferred.
• Five or more years of progressive accounting experience, including supervisory or staff-review responsibility.
• Demonstrated experience with general ledger accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, reconciliations, and financial reporting.
• Experience with nonprofit accounting, including fund accounting, grant accounting, and/or restricted funding.
• Experience supporting month-end and year-end close processes and external audits.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong understanding of accounting principles, internal controls, and financial reporting practices.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with Sage Intacct or a comparable cloud-based accounting system.
• Experience with BILL Spend & Expense or a similar corporate expense management platform.
• Demonstrated ability to review the work of others and strengthen internal controls.
• Experience working with outsourced accounting or finance partners.
• Experience with government contracts, government vouchering, or nonprofit contract accounting.
• Experience reconciling development revenue, pledges, and/or fundraising activity with a donor or development CRM.
• Experience in a multi-program nonprofit environment with multiple funding sources.
• Commitment to AFC’s mission and values, particularly in supporting LGBTQ+ homeless youth.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Comfort presenting financial information to non-financial audiences.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This position primarily works in an office environment and requires regular use of a computer, telephone, and other standard office equipment. The role requires prolonged periods of sitting, standing, and working at a computer, as well as participation in meetings and occasional movement throughout the workplace. May occasionally require travel between AFC locations and the ability to lift or carry light office materials. 

CORE & ROLE-SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES

BENEFITS & TOTAL REWARDS

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) with up to a 5% employer match (vested after five years)
• Generous Paid Time Off, Sick Leave, Personal Leave, and 12 Paid Holidays
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Mission-driven, inclusive workplace culture

Thank you for your interest in the Ali Forney Center. Due to the high volume of applications received, only candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted. We encourage you to apply for any positions for which you meet the qualifications .

Ali Forney Center is an equal opportunity employer committed to a workplace where all employees feel respected, supported, and able to thrive. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.