Harlem Children’s Zone (HCZ) — a world-renowned education and poverty-fighting organization based in New York — seeks an enthusiastic, dedicated, and mission-aligned Controller to join our dynamic and fast-paced finance department.

The ideal candidate will be a seasoned financial leader with a proven track record of success in managing a finance department and financial systems, as well as driving business growth.

In this role, you will oversee the accounting function across three entities: Harlem Children Zone and two Promise Academy Charter Schools. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer and working closely with Senior Staff, this high-profile position requires an individual with competency and an excellent skillset and offers a clear path for professional growth. The Controller will oversee a team of twelve staff members, including an Assistant Controller.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required, CPA strongly preferred, MBA desirable,
• At least five years accounting experience in a large not-for-profit or corporate setting and 5 years’ experience in a large/mid-sized public accounting firm

Who you are

• Experience as Controller/Assistant Controller strongly preferred
• Supervisory experience is essential
• Strong GAAP accounting knowledge and experience with Form 990 and OMB Uniform Guidance is essential
• Advanced understanding of financial systems; experience with Abila MIP and Coupa a plus
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business and accounting principles and government regulations
• Excellent communications skills; comfortable making financial presentations and interacting with Board members
• Excellent time management and organizational skills with the ability to work well under pressure
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects with strong attention to detail
• Computer savvy with proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Outlook

What you'll do

• Lead timely, accurate, and comprehensive monthly/year-end closing process, including G/L account reconciliation/substantiation.
• Lead financial statement audits, including coordinating audit planning and providing accurate financial information to external auditors, including Government Grant auditors
• Oversee GAAP financial statement preparation, analysis, and presentation
• Work with tax accountants on Form 990 and other tax form filings
• Ensure compliance with local, state and federal government requirements
• Oversee and implement robust internal controls to safeguard the organization’s assets
• Maintain and improve, as needed, automated financial systems
• Oversee accounting for investment and ASC 842 lease portfolio
• Lead accurate and timely bank, payroll, and other reconciliations
• Supervise revenue recognition process, including accrual procedures for government grants and contracts and private donations
• Ensure accurate and timely accounts payable and accounts receivable
• Effective liaison with Development on private grants and related receipts
• Supervise, guide, train, develop, and provide technical accounting guidance for the Finance team
• Collaborate with Program Directors and Principals to proactively identify business issues
• Stay abreast of current technical and organizational developments
• Update accounting policies and procedures as needed
• Liaison effectively with other Finance department Directors, including FP&A, Treasury, and Procurement
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned by the CFO

Schedule

• Monday – Friday
• Hybrid Schedule (3 days in office, 2 days working from home)

Benefits

As a member of the Harlem Children's Zone team, you will join a supportive and inclusive community dedicated to helping children, families — and our staff — thrive. We offer highly competitive salaries, a comprehensive benefits package, and opportunities for growth. After one year, you'll also be eligible for an annual performance bonus and participation in the Senior Management Growth Fund, a deferred bonus program for administrators.

Our exceptional full-time benefits include:

• Highly competitive base salaries
• Paid time off
• Employee referral bonus
• Career Advancement
• No-cost health insurance
• Life Insurance
• Short-and long-term disability
• Additional voluntary benefits
• Wellness discounts
• Commuter benefits
• Financial wellness perks
• Additional Benefits (Discounts on flights, hotels, theme parks, concert tickets, and more.)

The base salary range for this position is $215k-$245k per year. To be considered, interested applicants should apply directly through the posting. No telephone inquiries or recruiters, please. Replies will only be sent to qualified applicants. Harlem Children's Zone is an Equal Opportunity Employer.