Assistant Controller

PEN America, a nonprofit organization working at the intersection of literature and human rights, is seeking to identify an Assistant Controller to join its Finance and Administration team. The Assistant Controller will engage in a range of activities to support the financial operations of our nonprofit organization. The Assistant Controller will perform Finance and Administration functions, including budget management, compliance with grant requirements, managing restricted and unrestricted funds, and provide financial analysis to support decision-making. This is a full-time position based in the New York City office and reports to the Controller.

The successful candidate will be part of a dedicated and mission-driven staff at a fast-paced organization. The ideal candidate will have experience in nonprofit accounting, a strong understanding of fund accounting, and expertise in budget development and grant monitoring.

Responsibilities:

Budget Management

• Assist with the preparation of organizational budgets and any modifications needed; Monitor expenses and set up systems and controls on financing and release of funds
• Update Program Directors on budget-to-actual departmental results on a monthly basis in conjunction with the Controller
• Work closely with the development department to develop timely budget proposals and expense reports
• Assist in the preparation of financial reports, statements, and analyses for board meetings, ensuring accuracy and clarity to support informed decision-making

Grant Management

• Participate in grant kick-off meetings for newly awarded grants to gain a comprehensive understanding of the grant’s purpose, funding amount, timeline, key requirements, and reporting obligations
• Maintain a comprehensive grant tracker that details all grants awarded to the organization, including the funder’s name, awarded amount, and current balance; This tracker is updated monthly to ensure accurate and up-to-date financial reporting
• Update a contribution receivable schedule which is dependent on all grant funds recorded in the Fund EZ accounting system; This schedule reflects grants awarded to the organization, the path the grants should follow in the accounting system, monies received, balances and future collections amounts by year

Other Accounting Responsibilities

• Support the Controller with accounting procedures, including A/R, A/P, bank deposits, month-end closing process and cash management
• Work with the Controller to prepare relevant schedules, ensure timely completion of adjusting journal entries
• Manage accounting software package (Fund EZ) including maximizing system functionality and ensuring data integrity
• Initiate reconciliation of the development database and FundEZ for special events
• Design and conduct internal audits and other internal control tests to assure compliance with procedures
• Assist with the year-end audit reconciliation, 990 completion and other financial compliance items as needed
• Supervise one or more staff accountants

Qualifications:

Experience

• Minimum seven years of experience in financial management/accounting. Three years of expert experience, managing the finances of a not-for-profit
• CPA or Accounting Degree preferred

Skills and Approach to Work

• Experience using Excel and other accounting software;FundEZ strongly preferred
• Extensive budget and grant management experience
• Exceptional problem-solving skills, and the ability to follow through from the identification of a challenge to its solution
• Formidable work ethic and ability to work in a fast-paced environment, with ability to multi-task effectively
• Commitment to PEN America’s mission, centered on the celebration and defense of free expression for all. Willingness to defend the right to engage in speech that may be offensive and discomfiting and that reflects a wide range of political opinions and ideologies. PEN America promotes open and respectful dialogue across difference, and we work to allow a diversity of perspectives to flourish
• Commitment to PEN America’s advocacy and support for writers, artists and their allies around the world, without regard to the ideology or actions of their country's government

Salary and Benefits: PEN America offers competitive compensation and full benefits. The salary range for this position is $110,000-$130,000, commensurate with experience. Candidates whose expectations are outside this range are welcome to apply, as PEN America is open to considering talented individuals at varying stages of their careers. PEN America's benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision health insurance, paid time off, 10 paid holidays, pre-tax commuter benefits and a 403b retirement plan.

PEN America’s current policy is that all applicants must be available to work on-site in the office at least three days per week. This policy is subject to change.

TO APPLY:

Please submit a complete application (including a cover letter and resume) via BambooHR. Only complete applications will be reviewed, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

PEN America is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate in its hiring practices and is committed to having a workforce that reflects the population that it serves at all levels within the organization.

No phone calls, please.

ABOUT PEN AMERICA:

PEN America stands at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect free expression in the United States and worldwide. We champion the freedom to write, recognizing the power of the word to transform the world. Our mission is to unite writers and their allies to celebrate creative expression and defend the liberties that make it possible.