Public Citizen is a national, non-partisan, public interest group with more than 500,000 members and activists. Founded in 1971 to advance health, safety, justice and democracy, we use all available advocacy tools – including research, grassroots mobilization and advocacy, lobbying, litigation, administrative petitioning and strategic communications – to ensure that all citizens are represented in the halls of power. The folks who work here bring a lot of drive and passion to their work. We’re often the underdog, but we don’t shy away from taking on tough campaigns against powerful corporate actors. And long odds haven’t stopped us from successfully challenging the abusive practices of powerful industries, such as the pharmaceutical, nuclear and automobile industries, and many others.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE POSTION: The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) oversees the financial activities of Public Citizen, including keeping and reconciling the organization's books, producing monthly financial statements, analyzing and maintaining appropriate cash flow, and monitoring the budget. The CFO reports directly to the President and EVP and assists on all strategic and tactical matters as they relate to budget management and forecasting needs. The CFO monitors the general economic outlook of the organization and makes recommendations on ensuring the organization’s economic strength

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Directs the preparation of all financial statements and provides a monthly review of actual revenue and expenses vs. the budget to Program Directors and Public Citizen’s Board.
2. Oversees the accounting department and supervises staff, including the accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll components.
3. Reviews the general ledger for accuracy and prepares adjusting journal entries to assist in the monthly close.
4. Coordinates annual budget process within the organization. Meets with department heads including the President and Vice President to review budgets before approval by the Board. Completes the posting of the new budget into the accounting software system.
5. Analyzes financial statements to pinpoint potential weak areas and successes.
6. Oversees internal audit functions and offers recommendations to EVP/President for improvement. Evaluates checks and balances and assignments of tasks within the accounting office, to assure the highest standards and safe and acceptable accounting practice and procedures.
7. Prepares all materials and schedules for the external audit as requested by auditors and acts as liaison between auditors and Public Citizen & as Public Citizen liaison with the audit committee of the PC Board.
8. Assist the EVP and/or the President in cost benefit analysis decisions.
9. Prepares and/or assists the development department/program offices with reports to grant funding organizations. Assists in preparation of budget for program grant proposals. Reviews expenditures against grant agreements for proper compliance.
10. Oversees the accounting operations of PC Texas office.
11. Assists in and reviews state solicitation requests and renewals and all annual reports/inquiries.
12. Prepares and files all Federal Tax Filings including IRS Form 990, 990-T, 1120 POL and DOL 5500 related to Public Citizen Employees Savings Trust Plan (401k).
13. Coordinates, reviews, and submits Public Citizen’s LD2 quarterly lobbying report of lobbyist activities. Coordinates with lobbyists regarding the LD-203 (Contributions) semi-annual filings. Completes and submits DC quarterly report of lobbyist activities.
14. Act as liaison with the President and investment advisors on investment strategies, change in funds’ allocations, sale of equities and bonds, and other investment issues as they arise.
15. Participates and provides financial reports for PC Board Meetings held.
16. Participates in the semi-monthly direct mail/response meetings with the Development staff & outside consultants, where appropriate. Acts as liaison between the Development department and Accounting on key accounting issues including audit requirements such as the joint allocation of direct mail.
17. Monitor banking activities of the organization, which includes insuring adequate cash flow to meet the organization’s needs.
18. Work closely with the COO and the Development department regarding the organizations Management Information Systems (TDC, SALSA, DATA DIRECT) of subscribers/donors to ensure adequate audit processes are maintained including proper acknowledgment of donations received.
19. Oversees insurance policies maintained including property, umbrella, director’s and officers and workers compensation. Coordinates claims with our insurance broker when needed.
20. Reviews allocations between Public Citizen’s two entities for compliance with laws and in accordance with the cost sharing agreement between the two entities.
21. Reconciles accounting financials with the Data Center (TDC) on a monthly basis.
22. Oversees tenant leases and assists with tenant administrative concerns. Coordinates with General Counsel and Director of Administration where applicable. Monitors tenant billing and receivables.
23. Serves as plan administrator for Public Citizen’s 401k plan. Coordinates with Vanguard and their 3^rd party administer (Ascensus) for compliance with applicable laws and reporting. Provides information to staff on how to enroll.
24. Works with Human Resources for proper coordination of our section 125 (cafeteria plan).
25. Administers PC’s Section 127 Plan (student load reimbursement program).
26. Coordinates accounting and timesheet software upgrades with the IT department.
27. Completes state registration for withholding, unemployment and worker’s compensation and other requirements for states with active employees.
28. Completes quarterly and annual state annuity compliance reports. Coordinates with the development department on proper monitoring of the program.
29. Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Education: College degree required and advanced degree or CPA certification preferred.

1. Work Experience: Five years of experience as a full charge controller, including three years of supervisory experience. Nonprofit experience mandatory. Knowledge of automated financial and accounting reporting systems.

1. Knowledge: Knowledge of federal and state financial regulations. Ability to analyze financial data and prepare financial reports, statements, and projections. Strong knowledge of computer systems, including accounting software, and integration with donor databases.

1. Skills: Strong analytical skills; good communication interpersonal skills; demonstrated ability to successfully manage and provide leadership.

1. Capabilities: Ability to work well with a wide range of people; work well under pressure; and adapt to changing situations on a daily basis. Ability to exercise good judgment and maintain confidentiality of sensitive issues.

SALARY and BENEFITS:

Competitive salary relevant to experience and qualifications and generous benefits package.

Below is a list of some of our benefits (please note that some benefits have eligibility requirements).

• Great medical and dental coverage, 100% paid by PC, including full coverage for children
• Three weeks paid vacation for new employees, plus five personal days
• 401K plan with a 5% contribution from PC after one year of employment
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave after one year of employment
• Sabbatical after 10 years of employment
• Student loan reimbursement program

TO APPLY:

Please send resume and cover letter to Joe Stoshak at jstoshak@citizen.org

Public Citizen is an equal opportunity employer. Visit our website at www.citizen.org/.