Controller

Location: This position can be hybrid or in-person from one of DRA’s offices in Berkeley, CA, New York, NY, or Chicago, IL.  Fully remote work from NY, CA, or IL is a possibility upon request, on a case-by-case basis.

Disability Rights Advocates (DRA), seeks an experienced finance professional passionate about advancing the civil rights of people with disabilities across the country.  Newly under the leadership of nationally recognized litigator and advocate Rebecca Williford, DRA is poised to grow our diversity, impact, and financial stability.  The Controller, a new position at DRA, will be a key member of DRA’s leadership team, partnering with the CEO and the Board to build and implement the finance systems and strategies DRA needs to meet our strategic plan goals and advance our mission. Join our merry band of legal advocates as we work towards our common vision: a world free from discrimination, where people with disabilities are valued member of their communities with equal access to opportunity.  

Reporting to the President & Chief Executive Officer, DRA’s Controller manages the nonprofit accounting and finance function, including budgeting, audits, payroll, accounts payable and receivable, general ledger, and financial reporting, in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), as well as internal policies and procedures. The Controller also oversees the development, implementation, and maintenance of financial and payroll systems.

This position will also provide financial guidance to the executive team and Board of Directors  and hire and manage a bookkeeper (who will be a part of a bargaining unit represented by IFPTE Local 20).

Core Responsibilities:   


Financial Oversight

  • Manages all aspects of DRA’s accounting in accordance with GAAP and applicable laws and regulations
  • Develops and implements internal policies, procedures, and controls for all accounting, time reporting and payroll systems, including monthly, quarterly, and annual close schedules
  • Supports the President & CEO in developing the annual operating budget
  • Supports the President & CEO and Board of Directors including the Board of Directors’ Finance Committee in annual long-range financial planning, including managing DRA’s investments and reserves
  • Generates accurate, complete, and timely financial reports, analyzes variances to budget, and supports the President & CEO in reporting DRA’s finances to the Board of Directors
  • Oversees the annual independent audit preparation, coordination with the auditor, and preparation of tax and other government filings
  • Works closely with legal team and development staff to develop program budgets and grant budgets.  Monitors spending against program and grant budgets.
  • Manages the financial relationship with DRA’s subsidiary real estate management company and consolidates monthly financial reports
  • Ongoing and effective partnership with Human Resources to meet DRA’s and its employees needs
  • Negotiates contracts with vendors and generates competitive bids as needed
  • Manages cash flow and bank account balances, and informs the President & CEO of cash flow projections
  • Hires, supervises, and provides professional development for bookkeeper
  • Complete monthly bank and credit card reconciliations

Management

  • Manages and oversees the work of a staff bookkeeper, including setting goals, providing feedback and coaching, and conducting performance evaluations
  • Review and approve journal entries and general ledger accounts
  • Provide financial guidance to the executive team and Board of Directors
  • Collaborate with other departments to develop and monitor the annual budget
  • Prepare financial reports for internal and external stakeholders, including quarterly presentations of financials to staff and Board of Directors
  • Participate as a member of DRA’s management team

Qualifications:

  • Minimum of 10 years of progressive financial management experience, with at least 5 years in the nonprofit sector
  • Minimum 3 years supervising accounting staff
  • Strong understanding of GAAP and nonprofit accounting principles
  • Advanced proficiency with QuickBooks, Bill.com, and Microsoft Suite
  • Knowledge and experience with online payroll and timekeeping systems
  • Proven ability to manage a nonprofit audit
  • Experience writing and implementing accounting policies & procedures
  • Proven ability to identify, research, and implement solutions to business problems
  • Superior ability to communicate financial information to executive leadership
  • Ability to work independently, collaboratively, and responsively with legal team, development, and operations staff, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines
  • Commitment to the mission and values of the organization
  • College degree in finance or accounting or equivalent work experience

Compensation:

DRA offers a competitive salary of $90,000 to $125,000 based on experience.  Comprehensive benefits including top tier medical, dental, and vision insurance with 100% paid employee premiums, 401(k) with company contribution, generous holiday and paid time off benefits.

How to Apply:

Please send the following to jobs@dralegal.org with “Controller” as the subject:

  1. Cover letter (including how you learned about this job opening)
  2. Resume
  3. Three professional references (at least two direct supervisors)

DRA is an equal opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce and inclusive culture. DRA encourages applications from all qualified individuals and does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital or familial status, veteran status, disability, AIDS/HIV status, medical condition, or any other characteristic protected by law.   This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. 

DRA is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities in all aspects of the employment process.  If a reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact jobs@dralegal.org with the subject line “Accommodations Request.”

About DRA:

DRA advances equal rights and opportunities for people with a wide range of disabilities through high-impact litigation utilizing federal, state, and local disability law. DRA fights for equal access and dramatic improvements for people with disabilities in all areas of life, including: technology, health care, employment, transportation, education, voting, juvenile justice, and housing. With a high success rate for 30 years and more than 600 cases, DRA continues to take on significant and novel cases to achieve a meaningful impact for people with disabilities across the nation.  For more information on DRA’s mission and impact, visit www.dralegal.org.