Controller
Apply NowCompany: Medecins Sans Frontieres
Location: New York, NY 10025
Description:
About MSF USA | Doctors Without Borders
Doctors Without Borders/Mdecins Sans Frontires (MSF) is an independent international organization that provides medical care to the people who need it most. The organization cares for people affected by conflict, disease outbreaks, disasters, and social exclusion in more than 70 countries. MSF offers medical humanitarian assistance solely based on need, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, or politics. Our international project teams include medical, logistical, and administrative staff, most of them hired locally and working with their own communities. Our actions are guided by medical ethics and the principles of independence, impartiality, and neutrality. We also bear witness and speak out about the experiences of our colleagues and patients.
MSF USA is one of 24 sections supporting the global movement, primarily through staff recruitment, fundraising, advocacy, and communications. We welcome candidates who bring a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences to join us in working toward MSF's social mission.
ROLE OVERVIEW
Reporting to the Director of Finance, the Controller is responsible for the day-to-day accounting for MSF-USA's financial transactions and for developing, implementing, and ensuring compliance with financial policies and procedures consistent with accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). The Controller is responsible for maintaining and continuously improving the system of financial controls, including general accounting, investment accounting, tax compliance and planning, budgeting, banking, payroll, and benefits.
DEPARTMENT ACCOUNTABILITIES
Budgeting
Set, analyze, and monitor budgets aligned with organization strategy; identify financial trends.
Treasury
Design, develop, and deliver treasury strategies and operations.
Financial Policies, Guidelines, and Protocols
Develop financial guidelines and protocols in response to statutory and economic requirements.
Operational Compliance
Adhere to internal policies, procedures, and external standards, including regulatory and voluntary codes of conduct, to minimize business risk and protect the organization's reputation.
Organizational Risk Management
Develop and/or deliver activities to monitor the organization's risk profile and limit its exposure to undue risks.
ROLES SPECIFIC OUTCOMES
Financial reporting
Overseeing the financial reporting process, including preparing and publishing monthly financial statements
Budgeting and forecasting
Analyzing financial statements to identify opportunities to reduce costs and increase revenue and managing budgeting and forecasting processes
Accounting tasks
Managing the accounting team, including hiring, training, and performance evaluations
Cash flow management
Help manage cash flow and participated in the daily decision-making process.
COMPLEXITY AND PROBLEM-SOLVING SKILLS
Solid experience coordinating audit activities and managing reporting, budget development and analysis, accounts payable and receivable, general ledger, payroll, and accounting for investments
A history in grants management, as it relates to compliance and reporting of government, corporate, and foundation grants, is essential
Technology savvy with experience selecting and overseeing software installations and managing relationships with software vendors; advanced knowledge of accounting and reporting software
Keen analytic, organization, and critical thinking skills, which allow for strategic data interpretation versus simple reporting
Strong interpersonal and communication skills; experience in effectively communicating critical data, including presentations to senior management, board, or other outside partners
Ability and desire to translate complex financial concepts to individuals at all levels, including finance and non-finance managers
BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES
THOUGHT: How MSF USA staff understand the organization, manage complexity and contribute by creating new and different.
People Focus
Build strong relationships and deliver solutions geared to aiding others. Solicit feedback and data; convey a clear understanding of the team's service level; act when the team does not meet standards; align processes with organizational needs.
Manages Complexity
Makes sense of complex, high quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems. Consistently looks at complex issues from many angles; obtains a rich and deep understanding; swiftly cuts to the core issue; skillfully separates root causes from symptoms.
Global Perspective
Takes a broad view when approaching issues using a global lens. Shows global thinking at work; adjusts organizational practices to meet different regions or countries' unique needs. Use a broad perspective when addressing issues and challenges.
Cultivate Innovation
Creates new and better ways for the organization to be successful. Approaches professional work in unique or innovative ways. Offers original ideas. Appreciates others' creative ideas and solutions and provides helpful input to enhance them.
Strategic Mindset
Sees ahead to future possibilities and translates them into breakthrough strategies.
RESULTS: MSF USA staff achieve results by cultivating a forward-thinking environment that produces solutions for changing stakeholder needs.
Drives Results
Consistently achieves results, even under challenging circumstances. Regularly pushes self to attain outstanding outcomes; consistently establishes bold goals for own performance; is enthusiastic about excellent results and significant contributions. Shows great tenacity to complete goals/initiatives in a timely way.
Ensures Accountability
Holds self and others accountable to meet commitments.
PEOPLE: MSF USA staff understand their impact on others through collaboration and inclusion of different perspectives to achieve common goals.
Collaborates
Build partnerships and work collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives. Readily involves others to accomplish goals; stays in touch and shares information; discourages "us versus them" thinking; shows appreciation for others' ideas and input.
Communicates Effectively
Develops and delivers multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences. Listens attentively and takes an interest. Keeps others well informed; conveys information concisely and professionally when speaking or writing.
Values Differences
Recognizes the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization. Confronts stereotyping and offensive comments promptly. Consistently behaves with great sensitivity toward differences in cultural norms, expectations, and communication methods.
Builds Effective Teams
Build strong identity teams applying diverse skills and perspectives to achieve common goals.
Manage Conflicts
Manage conflict situations effectively, with a minimum of noise.
Build Networks
Effectively builds formal and informal relationship networks inside and outside the organization.
Drives Vision and Purpose
Paints a compelling picture of the vision and strategy that motivates others to action.
SELF: MSF USA staff demonstrate self-awareness by having an open mindset and continuously seeking opportunities to gain experience, grow, and improve.
Instills Trust
Gains the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity. Models honesty and authenticity and encourage others to be upfront with one another. Demonstrates reliability and places a strong emphasis on the team meeting its commitments. Fairly represents others' positions.
Manages Ambiguity
Operate effectively, even when things are unclear, or the way forward is unclear. Responds effectively to ambiguous situations, seeks to resolve ambiguity, and makes progress. Seeks guidance on how to adapt to changes and responds with appropriate composure and effectiveness.
Situational Adaptability
Adapts approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations. Serves as an example of adaptability and provides guidance and support to help others adapt to new situations. Considering the needs of clients, constituents, and the organization shifts priorities appropriately.
Being Resilient
Rebounds from setbacks and adversity when facing demanding situations.
TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES
Plans and Aligns
Planning and prioritizing work to meet commitments aligned with MSF-USA goals.
Financial Acumen
Interprets and applies to understanding key financial indicators to make better business decisions.
Tech Savvy
Anticipating and adopting innovations in organizational digital and technology applications.
Data Collection and Analysis
The ability and skill to determine and analyze trends from data collected to assist in compiling reports that will help in decision-making.
Project Management Skills
The ability to plan and manage small project assignments within desired cost, time, and quality parameters.
Presentation and Written Communication Skills
Adapts approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations. Serves as an example of adaptability and provides guidance and support to help others adapt to new situations. Considering the needs of clients, constituents, and the organization shifts priorities appropriately.
Organizational Insight
Applying knowledge of MSF-USA and industry to advance the organization's goals.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
Supervises a Senior Accountant and a Financial Analyst
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
This is an extraordinary opportunity for a mature leader with seven to ten years of accounting and finance experience, ideally beginning with accounting and audit, followed by experience gathering, evaluating, presenting, and reporting financial information to executive teams and external stakeholders. S/he will ideally have experience in a complex nonprofit that has multiple programs.
Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and unwavering commitment to MSF-USA's mission; an initiative-taking, direct analytical thinker who will own, in partnership with the CFO, the responsibility for finance
Minimum of a BA; CPA preferred
Commitment to recruiting, mentoring, training, and retaining a diverse team; the foresight and ability to delegate accordingly
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
Travel as needed, 20%
COMPENSATION
$101,769 - $152,653; based on experience
We do not accept phone calls or emails during the recruitment process. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Our staff works a hybrid schedule with the ability to come into either the NYC office or regional hub (Washington, DC or Bay Area, California) a minimum of 2 times a week. The required days are Tuesdays and Wednesdays from January to June and September to December.
In office work attendance during July and August is optional.
MSF-USA is dedicated to creating a diverse, impartial, and inclusive workforce. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, race, religion, age, national origin, disability, marital status, pregnancy status, veteran status, genetic information, or any other differences as per applicable laws. We also provide reasonable accommodation for disabilities or religious beliefs and practices. We encourage individuals from underrepresented communities in the Humanitarian Aid sector to apply.
If you have a disability and require accommodations to use our website to apply for a position, please contact Human Resources at [redacted]. We consider reasonable accommodation requests on a case-by-case basis.
Doctors Without Borders/Mdecins Sans Frontires (MSF) is an independent international organization that provides medical care to the people who need it most. The organization cares for people affected by conflict, disease outbreaks, disasters, and social exclusion in more than 70 countries. MSF offers medical humanitarian assistance solely based on need, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, or politics. Our international project teams include medical, logistical, and administrative staff, most of them hired locally and working with their own communities. Our actions are guided by medical ethics and the principles of independence, impartiality, and neutrality. We also bear witness and speak out about the experiences of our colleagues and patients.
MSF USA is one of 24 sections supporting the global movement, primarily through staff recruitment, fundraising, advocacy, and communications. We welcome candidates who bring a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences to join us in working toward MSF's social mission.
ROLE OVERVIEW
Reporting to the Director of Finance, the Controller is responsible for the day-to-day accounting for MSF-USA's financial transactions and for developing, implementing, and ensuring compliance with financial policies and procedures consistent with accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). The Controller is responsible for maintaining and continuously improving the system of financial controls, including general accounting, investment accounting, tax compliance and planning, budgeting, banking, payroll, and benefits.
DEPARTMENT ACCOUNTABILITIES
Budgeting
Set, analyze, and monitor budgets aligned with organization strategy; identify financial trends.
Treasury
Design, develop, and deliver treasury strategies and operations.
Financial Policies, Guidelines, and Protocols
Develop financial guidelines and protocols in response to statutory and economic requirements.
Operational Compliance
Adhere to internal policies, procedures, and external standards, including regulatory and voluntary codes of conduct, to minimize business risk and protect the organization's reputation.
Organizational Risk Management
Develop and/or deliver activities to monitor the organization's risk profile and limit its exposure to undue risks.
ROLES SPECIFIC OUTCOMES
Financial reporting
Overseeing the financial reporting process, including preparing and publishing monthly financial statements
Budgeting and forecasting
Analyzing financial statements to identify opportunities to reduce costs and increase revenue and managing budgeting and forecasting processes
Accounting tasks
Managing the accounting team, including hiring, training, and performance evaluations
Cash flow management
Help manage cash flow and participated in the daily decision-making process.
COMPLEXITY AND PROBLEM-SOLVING SKILLS
Solid experience coordinating audit activities and managing reporting, budget development and analysis, accounts payable and receivable, general ledger, payroll, and accounting for investments
A history in grants management, as it relates to compliance and reporting of government, corporate, and foundation grants, is essential
Technology savvy with experience selecting and overseeing software installations and managing relationships with software vendors; advanced knowledge of accounting and reporting software
Keen analytic, organization, and critical thinking skills, which allow for strategic data interpretation versus simple reporting
Strong interpersonal and communication skills; experience in effectively communicating critical data, including presentations to senior management, board, or other outside partners
Ability and desire to translate complex financial concepts to individuals at all levels, including finance and non-finance managers
BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES
THOUGHT: How MSF USA staff understand the organization, manage complexity and contribute by creating new and different.
People Focus
Build strong relationships and deliver solutions geared to aiding others. Solicit feedback and data; convey a clear understanding of the team's service level; act when the team does not meet standards; align processes with organizational needs.
Manages Complexity
Makes sense of complex, high quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems. Consistently looks at complex issues from many angles; obtains a rich and deep understanding; swiftly cuts to the core issue; skillfully separates root causes from symptoms.
Global Perspective
Takes a broad view when approaching issues using a global lens. Shows global thinking at work; adjusts organizational practices to meet different regions or countries' unique needs. Use a broad perspective when addressing issues and challenges.
Cultivate Innovation
Creates new and better ways for the organization to be successful. Approaches professional work in unique or innovative ways. Offers original ideas. Appreciates others' creative ideas and solutions and provides helpful input to enhance them.
Strategic Mindset
Sees ahead to future possibilities and translates them into breakthrough strategies.
RESULTS: MSF USA staff achieve results by cultivating a forward-thinking environment that produces solutions for changing stakeholder needs.
Drives Results
Consistently achieves results, even under challenging circumstances. Regularly pushes self to attain outstanding outcomes; consistently establishes bold goals for own performance; is enthusiastic about excellent results and significant contributions. Shows great tenacity to complete goals/initiatives in a timely way.
Ensures Accountability
Holds self and others accountable to meet commitments.
PEOPLE: MSF USA staff understand their impact on others through collaboration and inclusion of different perspectives to achieve common goals.
Collaborates
Build partnerships and work collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives. Readily involves others to accomplish goals; stays in touch and shares information; discourages "us versus them" thinking; shows appreciation for others' ideas and input.
Communicates Effectively
Develops and delivers multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences. Listens attentively and takes an interest. Keeps others well informed; conveys information concisely and professionally when speaking or writing.
Values Differences
Recognizes the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization. Confronts stereotyping and offensive comments promptly. Consistently behaves with great sensitivity toward differences in cultural norms, expectations, and communication methods.
Builds Effective Teams
Build strong identity teams applying diverse skills and perspectives to achieve common goals.
Manage Conflicts
Manage conflict situations effectively, with a minimum of noise.
Build Networks
Effectively builds formal and informal relationship networks inside and outside the organization.
Drives Vision and Purpose
Paints a compelling picture of the vision and strategy that motivates others to action.
SELF: MSF USA staff demonstrate self-awareness by having an open mindset and continuously seeking opportunities to gain experience, grow, and improve.
Instills Trust
Gains the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity. Models honesty and authenticity and encourage others to be upfront with one another. Demonstrates reliability and places a strong emphasis on the team meeting its commitments. Fairly represents others' positions.
Manages Ambiguity
Operate effectively, even when things are unclear, or the way forward is unclear. Responds effectively to ambiguous situations, seeks to resolve ambiguity, and makes progress. Seeks guidance on how to adapt to changes and responds with appropriate composure and effectiveness.
Situational Adaptability
Adapts approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations. Serves as an example of adaptability and provides guidance and support to help others adapt to new situations. Considering the needs of clients, constituents, and the organization shifts priorities appropriately.
Being Resilient
Rebounds from setbacks and adversity when facing demanding situations.
TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES
Plans and Aligns
Planning and prioritizing work to meet commitments aligned with MSF-USA goals.
Financial Acumen
Interprets and applies to understanding key financial indicators to make better business decisions.
Tech Savvy
Anticipating and adopting innovations in organizational digital and technology applications.
Data Collection and Analysis
The ability and skill to determine and analyze trends from data collected to assist in compiling reports that will help in decision-making.
Project Management Skills
The ability to plan and manage small project assignments within desired cost, time, and quality parameters.
Presentation and Written Communication Skills
Adapts approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations. Serves as an example of adaptability and provides guidance and support to help others adapt to new situations. Considering the needs of clients, constituents, and the organization shifts priorities appropriately.
Organizational Insight
Applying knowledge of MSF-USA and industry to advance the organization's goals.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
Supervises a Senior Accountant and a Financial Analyst
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
This is an extraordinary opportunity for a mature leader with seven to ten years of accounting and finance experience, ideally beginning with accounting and audit, followed by experience gathering, evaluating, presenting, and reporting financial information to executive teams and external stakeholders. S/he will ideally have experience in a complex nonprofit that has multiple programs.
Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and unwavering commitment to MSF-USA's mission; an initiative-taking, direct analytical thinker who will own, in partnership with the CFO, the responsibility for finance
Minimum of a BA; CPA preferred
Commitment to recruiting, mentoring, training, and retaining a diverse team; the foresight and ability to delegate accordingly
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
Travel as needed, 20%
COMPENSATION
$101,769 - $152,653; based on experience
We do not accept phone calls or emails during the recruitment process. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Our staff works a hybrid schedule with the ability to come into either the NYC office or regional hub (Washington, DC or Bay Area, California) a minimum of 2 times a week. The required days are Tuesdays and Wednesdays from January to June and September to December.
In office work attendance during July and August is optional.
MSF-USA is dedicated to creating a diverse, impartial, and inclusive workforce. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, race, religion, age, national origin, disability, marital status, pregnancy status, veteran status, genetic information, or any other differences as per applicable laws. We also provide reasonable accommodation for disabilities or religious beliefs and practices. We encourage individuals from underrepresented communities in the Humanitarian Aid sector to apply.
If you have a disability and require accommodations to use our website to apply for a position, please contact Human Resources at [redacted]. We consider reasonable accommodation requests on a case-by-case basis.