Controller

DIVISION: Organizational Operations

REPORTS TO:  Chief Financial Officer

SUPERVISES:  Accounting Manager

LOCATION: Bozeman, MT or Lewistown, MT

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

GROUP: Core

HOURS: 40 hours per week on average 

BENEFITS: 

Paid Vacation

Paid National Holidays

Paid Sick Days

Paid Volunteer Hours

401K with up to 3% employer match 

Medical Insurance with optional Flexible Savings or 

Health Savings Account & Dependent Care Account

Short-term Disability Insurance

Voluntary Vision, Dental, Life, Critical Illness, & Accident Insurance

Work Role Provisions

Corporate Discounts

Flexible Work Schedules

JOB PURPOSE: 

The Controller is a key financial leader responsible for maintaining the integrity of the organization’s financial systems, reporting, and internal controls. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), the Controller oversees all accounting functions, ensures accurate and timely financial reporting, and manages a growing team of accounting professionals. This role plays a vital part in supporting management decision making, preparing for audits, and developing systems that reflect the complexity of a conservation nonprofit organization with land assets, grant funding, and donor restricted resources. 

Accounting Operations 40% 

• Oversee all aspects of the general ledger, including month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes. 

• Maintain and document robust accounting policies, procedures, and workflows to ensure consistency, compliance, and efficiency. 

• Oversee the accounting team. 

• Ensure accurate tracking of restricted funds, grant expenditures, and fixed assets, including land and easements. 

Financial Reporting 30% 

• Lead the preparation of accurate and timely internal and external financial statements, including for the Board, funders, and auditors. 

• Develop and maintain cost accounting systems to track spending by unit, program, and time period to support strategic decision making. 

• Collaborate with the CFO to strengthen financial dashboards, management reporting, and planning tools. 

Internal Controls and Audit Readiness 20% 

• Design, implement, and monitor internal controls to safeguard assets and ensure compliance with GAAP and regulatory requirements. 

• Prepare for and manage the annual audit process, coordinating with external auditors on scheduling, document requests, and follow-up questions throughout the year. 

• Monitor and respond to evolving nonprofit stands and advise the CFO on necessary adjustments. 

Compliance and Coordination 10% 

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local financial reporting requirements. 

• Support the accurate and timely preparation of the Organization’s IRS Form 990. 

• Collaborate with departments across the organization to ensure proper budget coding and fiscal compliance. 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

Required 

• Passion and deep commitment to American Prairie’s mission and values. 

• Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or a related field. 

• CPA or equivalent credential

• 5-10 years of progressive accounting experience, including at least 2 years in a supervisory or controller-level role. 

• Strong understanding of GAAP and nonprofit fund accounting. 

• Experience managing an annual audit and monthly close cycle. 

• Demonstrated ability to implement and manage accounting systems and tools. 

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. 

• Proficiency in financial systems and Excel. 

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to clearly and effectively convey financial information to stakeholders in person, over video, and via email and phone. 

• Ability to analyze complex financial data, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions. 

• Ability to identify and solve complex financial problems. 

• High level of integrity and ethical conduct. 

• Ability to adapt to changing organizational environments and external trends impacting operations. 

• Ability to work at a computer for extended periods. 

Preferred

• Experience with conservation, land trusts, or asset-based nonprofit accounting. 

• Experience with grant reporting and restricted fund management. 

• MBA or related master’s degree.