Controller

Overview
Founded in 2001, Common Future works to close the racial wealth gap. We are building a future where all people—no matter their race and class—have power, choice, and ownership over the economy. Our current economic system does not work for everyone. Generations of Black and Indigenous communities and other communities of color have been and are currently intentionally locked out of wealth and power. Centuries of policies that systematically favor a select few cause persistent economic inequities that hold us all back.

With a multiracial, women-led co-CEO team we are reimagining leadership, prioritizing sustainability, shared leadership and clarified decision making, and reflecting the communities we serve. We are audacious, expansive, and unapologetic thinkers and doers who bring lived experience to the problems we tackle. Our diverse team of strategists, community organizers, financial activists, and policy enthusiasts provides capital, operational support, and strategic partnership to budding solutions addressing racial and economic injustice.

Our culture values include centering equity, being the communities we serve, embracing experimentation, reimagining what’s broken, collectively solving problems, and modeling a new way of working. We strive to be an innovator that prioritizes the well-being of our employees. Read more about us on our Medium page.

Job Posted on June 4, 2024

Purpose

Reporting to the VP of Finance, the Controller will be responsible for the overall management and implementation of Common Future’s accounting operations. The Controller will oversee the day-to-day accounting operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, payroll, leases, and balance sheet management for all bank account reconciliations. The Controller will also be responsible for the close of the month-end and year-end books, assisting independent auditors with annual audit and tax returns, and assisting with the financial analysis of our organization. The Controller serves as a key financial consultant to the VP of Finance and assists in short and long-term operational support processes and provides strategic solutions for resolving organizational issues as well as the financial implementation of new initiatives.

Position Responsibilities

• Oversee the handling of accounting functions for two nonprofit entities controlled by the Common Future Board and consolidated for audit and reporting purposes (entities are Common Future and Community Credit Lab) on a day-to-day basis, including invoicing, accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll reconciliations and accounting, and general ledger accounting
• Oversee payroll and associated records in collaboration with the People Operations team
• Review and approve monthly payroll.
• Oversee payroll operations and processes, and accounting
• Oversight of the timely reconciliation of all bank accounts. Monitor bank service charges by providing industry standards vs. current charges
• Cooperate with independent auditors to ensure the timely completion of the annual group audit and consolidated financial statements. Coordinate and prepare audit schedules for the year-end audit.
• Oversee and ensure the accurate and timely close of the financial books in preparation for monthly reporting, quarterly reporting, and the consolidated group audit and the opening of financial books for the new fiscal year for Common Future’s entities
• Work with the Finance Team to build and maintain a financial management system and automated record keeping system to match the organization’s growing needs and new initiatives while ensuring maintenance of appropriate internal controls, financial policies and procedures, and auditable fiscal structure
• Keep abreast of the latest developments in the accounting/finance field by reading available written resource materials, attending appropriate meetings and workshops, and engaging in other valuable methods to maintain up-to-date policies and procedures
• Partner with Common Future’s HR department on HR compliance issues
• Work collaboratively with the full Finance Team to manage team workflow and to communicate with colleagues outside of the Finance team
• Support the growth and long term sustainability of Common Future
• Supervise one Finance Associate in the near term and potentially additional Finance team members in the future
  
  
  
  
  

Desired Qualifications

• Specific to this Role
• CPA designation, MBA, and/or business or accounting degree desired.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel proficiency is required
• Experience with Quickbooks Online and Sage Intacct is preferred.
• Experience with Google Sheets, a variety of Expense Management Software Platforms (e.g., Ramp), Airtable, Notion, and/or Salesforce preferred; strong ability to learn and implement new systems and technology
• Experience coordinating audit activities and managing reporting, financial analysis, accounts payable and receivable, general ledger, and payroll within the nonprofit, association, or foundation settings
• Experience with various financial instruments and financial contracts.
• Technologically savvy with experience selecting and overseeing cloud financial software installations and managing relationships with software vendors; advanced knowledge of cloud accounting and cloud reporting software
• Keen analytic, organization, and problem-solving skills, which allow for strategic financial analysis versus conventional nonprofit reporting
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; experience in effectively communicating key data, including presentations to senior management and other outside partners
• Experience managing remote teams, ideally in a geographically dispersed context, with a high standard of excellence and accountability
• Entrepreneurial style, with enthusiasm for working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Energized to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting for strategic decision-making purposes at a mission-first organization focused on racial equity
• Competencies for all Common Future team members
• Understands the Work and Organization
• Project Management/Planning
• Relationship Building
• Strong Communication
• Strategic Thinking
• Practices Emotional Intelligence
  
  
  
  
  

Our Commitment

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Common Future does not discriminate against applicants or employees due to their race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, physical ability, hairstyle, previous incarceration, or length of time spent unemployed. As an organization, we are committed to reflecting the diverse communities we serve.

Studies have shown that women, trans, non-binary folks, and BIPOC are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every single one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organization, and we are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. That candidate may be one who comes from a background less traditional to our field of work, and that’s okay. We would strongly encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of the qualifications described.

Benefits
Common Future offers a work environment that is committed to the wellbeing and support of our employees. We embrace a human-centered approach to our practices and policies. We offer a competitive benefits package that includes:

• Ongoing 4 day work week, Monday - Thursday, 32-hour workweek, 80% time at 100% pay
• Remote and flexible work options
• 20 days of PTO
• 18 paid holidays*, including a week off in the Spring and Winter
• Fully paid medical, dental, vision for employees. Dependents covered at 75%
• Access to a flexible spending account (FSA) for medical and dependent expenses
• Paid long-term disability and life insurance
• 16-week paid parental leave
• $500 annual professional development stipend
• $500 monthly caregiver stipend
• Immediately vested 4% 403b retirement plan contribution after 90 days
• $800 one-time home office set up stipend for new employees
• $150 per month coworking, home office, and cell phone stipend
• Annual in-person retreat, and more!
• Holidays that fall on Fridays are not rescheduled to another day
  
  
  
  
  

Notes

Applications will be evaluated as they arrive and the position will remain open until filled.

Due to the high volume of applications, our hiring team is not able to field requests for feedback or informational interviews sent via LinkedIn or email. If you are a good match for the role, our team will reach out to you directly.

This is a full-time, exempt position. The salary will be calculated based on competence and experience at the conclusion of the interview process. Compensation is non-negotiable, aligning with our internal equity principles and compensation philosophy. Once onboard, there is potential for salary increases within the established band, as Common Future staff have opportunities for annual merit increases and cost of living adjustments.