Controller

About Accion

Accion is a global nonprofit on a mission to create a fair and inclusive economy for the nearly two billion people who are failed by the global financial system. We develop and scale responsible digital financial solutions for small business owners, smallholder farmers, and women, so they can make informed decisions and improve their lives. Through targeted investment strategies, advisory solutions, and expert thought leadership, we work with local partners to develop and scale cheaper, more accessible, and customer-friendly financial solutions. Since 1961, Accion has helped build 267 financial service providers serving low-income clients in 75 countries, reaching 440 million people. More at https://www.accion.org.

About Finance

The Finance Department supports Accion's cutting edge work in global financial inclusion by maintaining the strong financial health of the organization, establishing sound and efficient business processes, supporting program delivery, and reporting key information to the Board of Directors, committees and other stakeholders. The professionals on the Finance team have significant work experience managing Accion's financial activities and providing quality support, reports, and information across the organization.

Position Summary

The Controller oversees accounting including financial statement preparation, audit, tax compliance, and other financial operations activities for Accion and its related entities worldwide. This is a dynamic role with significant exposure to non-profit and for-profit activities, investments, advisory, and other mission-related initiatives. This position directly supervises the Finance and Accounting team and collaborates heavily with other managers across the organization to ensure strong execution of Accion's strategy. The Controller cultivates a strong working relationship with IT and HR to ensure financial operations are properly reflected and managed in NetSuite, Accion's new ERP system. The Controller has frequent interaction and management of approximately 10 people located in the U.S., Colombia and India.

The Controller position will be based, preferably, in Washington, D.C. or in our Bogota, Colombia hub.

Position responsibilities

Oversee global accounting operations of Accion International including monthly close, consolidation, revenue, payroll and other expenses, general ledger completeness, and financial statement preparation under U.S. GAAP.
• Assess and coordinate domestic and international reporting requirements (e.g. Form 990) and the annual audit process.
• Manage and monitor Accion's financial systems, policies, controls and procedures.
• Supervise project work with consultants and providers of key tax, audit and investment services.
• Manage team of accounting and finance professionals located in the U.S., Colombia and India, maintaining clear structure, responsibilities, and supporting the team's development.

Position qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or related field. Masters preferred.

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Chartered Accountant (CA) with strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP is required. Knowledge of IFRS is a plus.
• Previous Controller experience with a minimum of 8 years accounting team leadership and global operations.
• Experience managing annual audit, regulatory reporting, consolidation and closing activities, along with business analytics acumen.
• Previous experience with grants finance management (budgeting, accounting and reporting) is highly desirable.
• Solid understanding of both non-profit and for-profit organizational structures.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. and international finance operations.
• Investment and fund accounting or administration experience is preferred.
• Must have excellent leadership and team building skills, ideally having managed an international team.
• Experience with ERP systems (NetSuite preferable) and implementing systematic enhancements to financial operations.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with ability and comfort communicating effectively at multiple levels and across the organization.
• Ability to think holistically, research and solve complex problems, provide recommendations, and engage others to complete deliverables and projects in a timely and high-quality manner.
• Ability to support and empower the team to execute effectively while working flexibly with leaders and other stakeholders in the organization.
• Fluency in English is required and proficiency in Spanish is highly desirable.

Travel Requirements

This position may require travel to Accion retreats and hubs located in Washington, D.C., Bogota and Mumbai.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary Range: $180K to $200K for Washington, D.C.
• The above salary range serves as a general guideline. Accion considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, training, skills, location, current market conditions as well as internal pay alignment.
• Accion provides a total compensation package, including base salary, discretionary merit-based bonus, and a variety of benefits including health insurance (90% employer funded), life and disability insurance, retirement plans (up to 7.5% employer match), paid holidays and paid time-off for vacation plus personal days as well as sick days.

Accion is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace culture. Accion seeks qualified applicants without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, change of sex or transgender status, or any other basis protected by law. Accion is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities.