Controller

Title: Controller

Status: Regular, exempt position

Reports to: Director of Finance & Operations

Location: Remote in the U.S. (See states in Qualifications)

Hours: Full time

Starting Salary: $99,500 - $118,500 annually

Apply at: https://forthmobility.org/careers

BACKGROUND & SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY

Forth is a nonprofit with a mission to electrify transportation by bringing people together to create solutions that reduce pollution and barriers to access. Founded in the Pacific Northwest, we now work nationwide. Learn more on our website.

As Forth continues to grow, we seek a highly qualified Controller to lead our financial operations and ensure that we maintain financial integrity and efficiency across all areas of the organization. This role will play a critical part in supporting the financial sustainability of Forth’s mission, with a budget of approximately $20 million, primarily funded by federal grants.

The Controller will oversee all financial activities, including budgeting, financial reporting, compliance with grant requirements, and audit preparation while maintaining a strong commitment to Forth’s diversity, equity, and inclusion values. This position reports to the Director of Finance and Operations and will work closely with the organization’s senior leadership team and staff.

We seek candidates who are enthusiastic about electric mobility, comfortable working with diverse consumers and organizational partners, and who share our commitment to racial diversity, equity and inclusion. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute both collaboratively and independently, actively participating in the growth and development of the organization.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Financial Management & Oversight (50%)

• Lead and manage the full-cycle accounting process for the organization, including the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in compliance with GAAP.
• Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting, including cash flow management, budgeting, and forecasting.
• Prepare and oversee the annual audit process, ensuring compliance with Single Audit requirements for federal funding.
• Provide in-depth financial analysis to support the leadership team in making informed decisions.
• Maintain robust internal control systems to safeguard the organization’s assets and ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations.
• Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll reconciliations, and general ledger processes.
• Manage monthly and year-end close processes, ensuring accurate reconciliations and reporting of all accounts.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local tax requirements, including preparation and submission of the IRS Form 990.

Grant Management & Compliance (30%)

• Oversee the management and reporting of federal and other restricted grants to ensure compliance with funder requirements.
• Monitor and track grant budgets and expenditures to ensure funds are utilized in accordance with grant agreements.
• Work closely with program managers to ensure accurate reporting on program spending and align financial reporting with program outcomes.
• Coordinate with external auditors and federal agencies as needed during the audit process.

Leadership & Team Management (10%)

• Supervise and mentor a small team of finance and compliance professionals, including roles focused on contracts, accounting, and financial operations.
• Provide guidance and direction for direct reports, ensuring projects are completed on time, on budget, and efficiently managed.
• Lead the development of a high-performing finance team by promoting continuous learning, coaching, and professional development.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment that emphasizes transparency, shared accountability, and alignment with Forth’s core values.
• Actively promote and support diversity, equity, and inclusion in Forth’s workplace culture, program operations, and stakeholder interactions.

Process Improvement & Strategic Financial Leadership (10%)

• Develop and implement financial policies and procedures to improve efficiency and ensure compliance with best practices.
• Recommend improvements to the organization’s financial systems, software, and tools, including the exploration of new financial technologies and tools to enhance operational efficiency.
• Collaborate with the Director of Finance & Operations on strategic planning and long-term financial forecasting.

Other responsibilities as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• Mission-Driven: Passion for Forth’s mission and values, with a commitment to deepening understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Experience:
  • Seven years in nonprofit accounting/financial management, including at least three years of managing a finance team and direct reports.
  • Strong understanding of GAAP, nonprofit financial reporting, and managing restricted funds (government grants, private sources).
  • Expertise in overseeing audits, including Single Audits for federal grants.
• Education/Certification:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field, or two additional years of relevant experience.
  • CPA or similar professional certification (or the ability to obtain).
• Technical Proficiency: Experience with accounting software (MIP or similar) and proficiency in Excel (advanced functions) and financial analysis tools.
• Leadership & Team Development:
  • Proven ability to lead and develop teams, including strong coaching and motivation skills.
  • Ability to foster a collaborative, high-performance environment while aligning the team’s work with Forth’s mission.
  • Experience in performance management with an emphasis on minimizing bias.
• Communication Skills:
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex financial data to non-financial stakeholders.
  • Excellent interpersonal and cross-cultural communication.
• Problem Solving & Process Improvement: Strong analytical, problem-solving, and process improvement skills, with a strategic perspective on organizational development.
• Adaptability: Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment and work independently.
• Location: Located in or willing to relocate to Oregon, Washington, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Michigan, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, or Virginia.
• Travel: Willingness to travel nationally, occasionally overnight, at least twice per year.
• Home Office: Ability to maintain a safe and productive home office environment.

Helpful:

• Nonprofit Experience: Proven experience in a mission-driven nonprofit organization, working with staff and boards focused on the mission.
• Federal Grant Compliance: Familiarity with OMB A-133, Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200), and government contracting/reporting requirements.
• Budget & Financial Management: Experience managing budgets for nonprofits with a similar or larger budget (over $10 million).
• Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion: Commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in both financial operations and team management.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to think strategically and contribute to long-term financial planning for the organization.

COMPENSATION

Starting salary range is $99,500 - $118,500 annually, commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits include four weeks paid vacation annually, fully paid health, dental and vision insurance for the employee and all dependents and an employer retirement contribution after six months (no match required). We also provide access to electric vehicles for business use, a professional development budget, an Employee Assistance Program, and a flexible working schedule.

TO APPLY

To ensure full consideration, please apply by 3/21/2025 by submitting your resume and cover letter through our careers site. We will continue accepting applications after this date but cannot ensure all will be reviewed. All candidates will be notified once we have made a hiring decision.

Forth values a diverse workforce. Women, people of color, people with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQI(+) community are strongly encouraged to apply. Forth believes an equitable and inclusive work environment and a diverse, empowered team are key to achieving our mission. We’re looking for candidates who can expand our culture, challenge business as usual, and bring their whole selves to work. We strive to provide those candidates with an equitable and accessible recruitment process. If we can offer accommodations for you in the recruitment process or you have feedback on how to make our recruitment more accessible, please contact Human Resources at jobs@forthmobility.org.

Forth is now requiring all employees to be fully vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19. If you join Forth’s team, you will be required to provide proof of vaccination to Human Resources within 30 days of hire. Forth will consider requests for exemptions from the vaccination requirement for medical and religious reasons.

Forth participates in E-verify.