Controller

Description

Who We Are:

The Orthodox Union (OU) is the largest Orthodox Jewish organization in the United States, founded in 1898. The OU supports a vast network of synagogues, youth programs, advocacy efforts, services for individuals with disabilities, and international initiatives. It also operates the leading kosher certification service, recognized globally by the Ⓤ symbol on numerous kosher food products.

Position Summary:

The Controller is a senior-level accounting leader responsible for the monthly close, financial reporting, accounting operations, and supervision of assigned accounting staff. Reporting to the Senior Controller, this role ensures that financial information is accurate, timely, well supported, and compliant with applicable accounting standards and organizational policies. The Controller also serves as a key point of technical review and escalation for accounting matters across the organization.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the monthly close, including the close calendar, assignment and tracking of deliverables, resolution of open items, and communication of status and risks.
• Oversee and review journal entries, account reconciliations, accruals, allocations, reclassifications, intercompany activity, and other close work.
• Oversee the preparation and review of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, supporting schedules, and Board-ready actual financial reports.
• Review financial results and balance sheet accounts for accuracy, completeness, reasonableness, unusual activity, and consistency with the general ledger and supporting documentation.
• Manage, mentor, and develop assigned accounting and financial reporting staff, including setting priorities, reviewing work, monitoring capacity and deadlines, and ensuring appropriate backup coverage and cross-training.
• Coordinate assigned aspects of the annual financial statement audit, including schedules, auditor requests, open-item tracking, and communication with external auditors.
• Oversee quarterly reporting for IDB and BNY, including functional statements of activities, balance sheets, cash flow statements, and required covenant reporting.
• Oversee annual liquidity and debt covenant calculations and the submission of audited financial statements and updated calculations based on final audited results.
• Provide accounting and financial reporting oversight for OU Israel matters, including review of assigned staff work and coordination with relevant stakeholders.
• Serve as a technical accounting resource to Accounting staff and other departments, clarify ownership of cross-functional issues, and escalate significant judgments or risks as appropriate.
• Strengthen accounting controls, documentation, workflows, and use of NetSuite and related financial reporting systems.
• Lead or support other accounting and financial reporting projects as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressively responsible accounting experience, including monthly close, financial reporting, reconciliations, and review of complex accounting work.
• Demonstrated experience managing and supervising accounting staff.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, internal controls, and financial statement preparation.
• Strong analytical, organizational, project-management, and problem-solving skills, with excellent attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to explain accounting matters clearly to finance and non-finance stakeholders.
• High degree of accuracy, discretion, initiative, sound judgment, and accountability.
• Proficiency with enterprise financial systems and reporting tools.

Preferred Qualifications:

• CPA or equivalent professional qualification.
• Experience in a nonprofit, multi-entity, or similarly complex organization.
• Experience with NetSuite, external audit coordination, lender reporting, and debt covenant compliance.

Salary and Benefits:    

The salary range for this position is $180,000- $210,000, commensurate with experience.

Health, Dental & Vision Insurance:
The OU offers health insurance through an Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA). Instead of a single group plan, employees have the freedom to choose their own health insurance plan that fits their personal and family needs. The OU contributes a generous monthly amount directly toward your premium, making coverage more flexible, affordable, and tailored to you.

Employees enrolled in our health plan also receive an annual BeniComp stipend, a supplemental benefit that reimburses eligible medical, pharmaceutical, dental, and vision expenses.

In addition, the OU offers employees group dental and vision insurance through MetLife.

Additional Benefits and Perks: 

• 10 Paid sick days
• 10-15 Paid vacation days
• Paid Jewish and Federal holidays
• Short Fridays to accommodate for Sabbath observance
• Free life and disability insurance
• Discounted continuing education opportunities
• 403(b) retirement plan with a 5% employer match after 3 years (requires a minimum 2% employee contribution)