Company Profile

The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) is the national trade association for the solar and storage industry and represents more than 1,000 member companies and 255,000 Americans working across the United States. SEIA is leading the transformation to a clean energy economy and is creating the framework for solar to reach 30% of U.S. electricity generation by 2030. We work with our member companies and strategic partners to fight for policies that create jobs in every community and shape fair market rules that promote competition and the growth of reliable, low-cost solar power.

SEIA does this by supporting pro-solar policies at the state and federal levels, developing cutting-edge market research, hosting educational events and webinars, and serving as the voice of the solar and storage industry.

SEIA employees are passionate, forward-thinking leaders that start every day knowing that their work makes a difference. SEIA values diversity and fosters an inclusive, lively company culture that celebrates team success. The association has earned numerous awards for its work and company culture and was named by the Washington Post as a 2023 Top Workplace and by the Nonprofit Times as one of the “Best Nonprofits to Work For” in America in April 2022.

Position Summary

Under general oversight of the SVP, Finance and Operations, the Controller is responsible for establishing and managing the accounting and financial operations of SEIA and its two consolidated related party entities. The candidate will have experience in the not-for-profit industry, specifically 501(C)(6) and 501 (C)(3) experience, preferably in a senior role. As a strong communicator and skilled financial analyst, this person will streamline our budgeting, payroll, and financial reporting processes. The controller will be responsible for producing thorough financial reports in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) for senior management and helping to improve operational efficiency and support our continued growth. Additionally, the candidate will supervise the Senior Accounting Manager and will be responsible for assigning duties and delegating responsibilities to ensure accurate, timely reporting.

Core Duties & Responsibilities

• Oversee all accounts, ledgers, and reporting systems ensuring compliance with appropriate GAAP standards and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain internal control and safeguards for receipt of revenue, costs and program budgets and actual expenditures.
• Coordinate all audit activities.
• Prepare and submit government filings and reports, including working with the tax firm that prepares Federal Form 990 and applicable state filings.
• Consistently analyze financial data and present financial reports in an accurate and timely manner; clearly communicating monthly YTD financial statements
• Coordinate the annual budget process and track actual performance against the annual budgets. Provide regular feedback and direction to senior staff, and program managers regarding budgetary status.
• Achieve budgeting goals with proper scheduling, analysis and external reporting.
• Establish, in coordination with the SVP of Finance and Operations, financial and operating benchmarks, budgets, program monitoring, and reporting standards on a weekly, monthly, and annual basis.
• Enforce internal controls to maximize the protection of the Association’s assets, policies, procedures, and workflows.
• Overseeing daily operations of the accounting department.
• Works with SVP on the budget development process for SEIA. Provides critical review and analysis of proposed operating budgets and makes recommendations for budgetary improvements to SVP.
• Support the SVP of Finance and Operations in engaging the board’s finance committee around issues and trends in financial operating models and delivery
• Responsible for establishing and maintaining effective communication and coordination with different SEIA staff and departments.
• Oversee all financial, project/program and grants accounting, ensuring that expenditures are consistently aligned with grant and program budgets throughout the grant period; collate financial reporting materials for all grants.
• Must have the highest integrity, be diplomatic, analytical, and ensure appropriate confidentiality is always maintained regarding Association strategy, financial results, and operations.

Professional Experience, Education & Other Qualifications

• Ten or more years of professional accounting experience with five or more years of experience as a senior-level accounting or finance manager.
• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in business, accounting, or related field, CPA strongly preferred, though MBA may be considered.
• Mastery of finance, accounting, budgeting, grant management and cost control principles, including a thorough understanding of GAAP, internal controls, and financial reporting
• Strong quantitative analysis capabilities, with the ability to read, analyze, interpret, and explain financial data
• Familiarity with specialized nonprofit industry accounting practices, reporting requirements and procedures, allocations of shared costs, and familiarity with US Government negotiated indirect rates and methodologies.
• Working knowledge of national and local tax regulations and compliance reporting
• Experience in streamlining accounting processes.
• Acumen in maintaining accurate financial records and preparing clear and accurate reports for informational, auditing, and operational use.
• Proficiency in clearly communicating information about finance and accounting issues to non-accountants and individuals with varying degrees of financial expertise.
• Demonstrated leadership qualities and ability and skills to succeed in a teamwork environment
• Essential computer skills and expert software knowledge of QuickBooks, MS Excel, and Adobe; with knowledge of ADP Workforce Now a plus.

Working Conditions

• The position is based in headquarters in Washington, D.C.
• SEIA employees in the Washington, D.C. region follow a hybrid remote and in-person office model. Employees are expected to work a minimum of 3 days a week in an office environment and as needed when there are special events or meetings

Compensation Range

$120,000 to $125,000 annually, based on experience, and excellent benefits package

Working at SEIA

SEIA values diversity, inclusion, and equity within our organization and the promotion of these values across the solar industry. We strive to welcome different perspectives, identities, and backgrounds, regardless of job function, to create a more resilient organization supporting a strong, equitable solar industry. SEIA envisions an industry that is committed to fostering a culture of inclusivity. We aim to achieve this by encouraging openness and transparency about diversity issues and progress. We will develop strategies, programs, and tools that seek to equalize opportunities within SEIA and allow for discussing and sharing best practices within the solar industry.

SEIA provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, homelessness, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. SEIA complies with applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which we employ staff. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

SEIA is an EVERIFY employer.