Assistant Controller

About Food For The Poor

Food For The Poor, one of the largest international relief and development organizations in the nation, does much more than feed millions of the hungry poor primarily in 17 countries of the Caribbean and Latin America. This interdenominational Christian ministry provides emergency relief assistance, clean water, medicines, educational materials, homes, support for orphans and the aged, skills training and micro-enterprise development assistance. "Join us in our mission to serve the poorest of the poor."

Overall Responsibility:

The Assistant Controller is a key leadership role within the Accounting & Finance Department, responsible for supporting the Controller in ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of all financial reporting for Food For The Poor (FFTP). This position oversees day-to-day accounting operations, leads the monthly close process, manages staff performance and workflow, and ensures compliance with GAAP, federal/state regulations, and nonprofit reporting standards.

The Assistant Controller partners closely with internal departments, provides guidance on financial policies and internal controls, and serves as a primary liaison to external auditors, tax preparers, and regulatory agencies. This role plays a critical part in advancing operational excellence, implementing process improvements, and leveraging technology to enhance financial efficiency across the organization.

Key Responsibilities and Duties:

Financial Management & Reporting

• Oversee the monthly financial close process, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with GAAP and nonprofit reporting standards.
• Produce complete monthly financial statement packages for Executive Leadership and Directors, including variance analyses and key insights.
• Ensure the accurate maintenance of the chart of accounts, reporting structures, and financial system configurations.
• Oversee the monthly close of the donor system and ensure appropriate reconciliations between donor, CRM, and general ledger systems.
• Prepare annual audit and tax schedules and serve as a primary point of contact during the external audit process.

Operations & Internal Controls

• Manage daily cash flow reporting and ensure appropriate controls around cash management and liquidity planning.
• Review and ensure accuracy of accounts payable processing, payroll processing, and other accounting operations.
• Evaluate and update financial policies, including—but not limited to—joint cost allocations, fixed asset management, revenue recognition, and internal control procedures.
• Support Directors, Managers, and cross-functional teams with financial, transactional, and process-related guidance impacting financial statements or internal controls.
• Review and approve critical financial transactions to ensure compliance with organizational policies and regulatory requirements.

Compliance & External Reporting

• Prepare and file required governmental and regulatory documents (e.g., Form 990, Form 5500) in partnership with external vendors.
• Prepare financial applications and reports for external agencies, industry groups, donors, and other stakeholders.
• Serve as liaison with external audit, tax, and compliance partners.

Leadership & Staff Development

• Supervise accounting staff, ensuring adequate training, coaching, workload delegation, and performance management.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, accuracy, and continuous learning within the department.
• Support staffing and resource planning to ensure timely and accurate completion of departmental responsibilities.

Technology, Innovation & Process Improvement

• Continuously evaluate accounting systems and workflows to identify opportunities for automation, efficiency, and increased accuracy.
• Lead or support the implementation of new technologies, system enhancements, and process improvements.
• Promote modernization and standardization of accounting processes across the department.

Other Duties

• Manage departmental budget for personnel and material resources.
• Support special projects, strategic initiatives, and financial analyses as assigned by the Controller.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Education and Certifications:

• Required: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting.
• Preferred: Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration; CPA or CPA-eligible strongly preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of five (5) years progressive accounting experience, including supervisory or management responsibility.
• Experience in nonprofit accounting and familiarity with Form 990 and grant reporting preferred.
• Experience working with ERP systems, financial reporting tools, and integrated donor/CRM systems a plus.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong understanding of GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards (ASC 958).
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and solid working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
• Knowledge of internal control frameworks and best practices in financial compliance.
• Familiarity with accounting system administration, chart-of-accounts design, and report development.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities, including team development, coaching, and conflict resolution.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to interact effectively across all organizational levels and with external partners.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and execute in a fast-paced environment.
• Sound business judgment, discretion, and ability to maintain confidentiality.