Nonprofit Comptroller

About Southern Vision Alliance

SVA is a justice-centered, values-based “grassroots intermediary” organized to provide incubation, infrastructure, capacity building, coaching, and technical assistance to frontline organizing projects, leadership programs, and collaborations led by directly impacted communities in the US South. We are an anchor for frontline groups and leaders to disrupt and transform power for collective liberation. SVA is headquartered in Durham, NC and supports a diverse cohort of 40 fiscally sponsored projects. We also have several internal programs focused on power-building in the South.

Summary

The Southern Vision Alliance (SVA) is looking for a detail-oriented person to support the finance department in the role of Nonprofit Comptroller. This person will manage all accounting and financial reporting activities. The role will ensure that the organization has the systems and procedures to support effective program implementation and flawless audits. The Comptroller will work closely with program and project leaders and staff to educate them regarding finance and accounting procedures and to explore how the finance function can support program operations. The Comptroller ensures accurate and timely preparation of internal financial reports and submission of external reporting.

Desirable experiences and skills

• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in accounting and finance, with at least 3 years in a supervisory role.
• Experience in a nonprofit organization with a budget of at least $5 million preferred.
• Experience with fiscal sponsorship and progressive financial accounting preferred.
• Proven expertise in nonprofit accounting, including sophisticated fund and grant accounting, compliance, and reporting.
• Clear and demonstrated commitment to SVA’s core values of social justice, racial justice, and collective liberation.

Required skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required; CPA or MBA preferred.
• Proficiency in accounting software, Microsoft Excel, and Google Sheets.
• Deep understanding of and experience with GAAP.
• Strong analytical skills and experience interpreting a strategic vision into an operational model.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with an ability to prioritize, negotiate, and work with a diverse variety of internal and external stakeholders, and to translate complex financial concepts to individuals at all levels.
• A multitasker with the ability to wear many hats and self-manage in a fast-paced environment.
• Must be able to travel to our Durham, NC, office at least three times per week.

Supervision

• Supervised by associate director LeiLani Dowell
• Collaborate with staff to complete responsibilities

Responsibilities include

• Oversee all accounts, ledgers, and reporting systems ensuring compliance with appropriate GAAP standards and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain internal control, policies, and safeguards for receipt of revenue, costs, program budgets, and actual expenditures.
• Coordinates all audit activity.
• Complies with local, state, and federal government reporting requirements and tax filings and ensures all returns are filed timely and accurately.
• Consistently analyze financial data and present accurate and timely financial reports; clearly communicate monthly and annual financial statements; monitor progress and changes and keep senior leadership abreast of the organization’s financial status.
• Assist leadership in the annual budgeting and planning process; administer and review all financial plans and compare to actual results to identify, explain, and correct variances as appropriate.
• Support the associate director in engaging the board’s audit and finance committees around issues and trends in financial operating models and delivery.
• Manage organizational cash flow forecasting by working in partnership with the program heads; continuously collaborate with program heads to assess the financial efficacy of program operations and establish finance and administrative systems to support program operations.
• Manage and track the performance of invested assets in keeping with policies and investment guidelines.
• Leverage strengths of the current finance team members, help to clarify roles and responsibilities, and develop and implement training programs to maximize and reach optimal individual and organizational goals.
• Provide leadership in strengthening internal communications with staff throughout the organization; create and promote a positive and supportive work environment.
• Other duties as assigned

Hiring Principles

• We hire people who will do excellent work for Southern Vision Alliance and its Sponsored Projects.
• We prioritize transparent, accountable hiring processes.
• We develop clear, replicable work systems that allow for new people to enter the work and for existing employees to evolve their roles and move into new positions.
• We proactively work to identify and cultivate potential candidates for open positions at SVA who are: North Carolinians, people of color, trans* or gender non-conforming, chronically ill and disabled, or others who may face obstacles to employment in the mainstream economy.
• We hire people who align with the mission and values of SVA.
• We hire people who have direct experiences with the problems we are working to address.
• We hire people who will contribute to a healthy, collaborative, fun, productive, always-evolving workplace culture.

SVA is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages people of color, women, LGBTQ+, and people with disabilities to apply.

SVA is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discriminatory employment actions and treatment against employees and applicants for employment based on actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, familial status, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, disability, and/or past incarceration.