Controller
Brooklyn, NY, USA
USD 154k-203k / year
About EpicWorks
About This Role
Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Controller is responsible for the overall management and integrity of all financial, accounting, and reporting activities across multiple entities including the fiscally sponsored projects of Working Families Organization (WFO). This role ensures compliance with GAAP, regulatory requirements, and internal policies while supporting strategic financial decision-making. As a key member of the finance leadership team, the Controller partners closely with senior leadership to maintain financial stability, strengthen internal controls, and manage the finance team—all in service of advancing EpicWorks’ work to support a range of movement organizations that are working toward racial, gender, economic, environmental, and all forms of justice.
The ideal candidate brings a strong commitment to progressive values and understands the rigorous financial stewardship necessary for political organizations. They are an excellent people manager who leads with clarity, accountability, and care, and a diligent communicator who can translate complex financial information into accessible, actionable insights. This role requires someone who can balance technical excellence with values-driven leadership, fostering trust across teams and ensuring our financial systems actively support the integrity and sustainability of the organizations we serve.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Oversee all accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, and financial reporting systems
- Ensure compliance with GAAP and all regulatory and audit requirements
- Maintain accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes
- Prepare and review financial statements, reports, and supporting schedules
- Analyze financial data and provide insights to support strategic decision-making
- Develop and maintain balance sheet reconciliation processes and supporting schedules
- Perform cash flow management and forecasting
- Responsible for all intercompany transactions, from payments and reconciliations through to audit schedule preparation
- In concert with the Chief Financial Officer, develop team goals and assist direct reports in setting work objectives
- Supervise accounting staff, including staff accountants, and bookkeeping functions
- Provide coaching, guidance, and performance oversight
- Step in to support operational tasks when staffing gaps arise
- Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and collaboration
- Partner with senior leadership on financial strategy and organizational growth
- Act as a financial advisor to internal stakeholders, including board-level engagement when applicable
- Identify process improvements and lead special finance projects
- Maintain strong cross-functional communication across departments
- Maintain and strengthen internal controls and financial policies
- Lead all audit processes and serve as primary liaison with external auditors
- Prepare and manage all required tax filings (e.g., Form 990, 5500) and supporting documentation
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local financial regulations
- Oversee annual audit requirements for 401k plans
- In partnership with the Payroll team, manage multiple 401(k) employer contributions
- Oversee accounting for all programs, grants, and fiscally sponsored projects
- Manage financial operations across multiple entities
- Ensure accurate grant tracking, reporting, and compliance
- Provide financial reporting and support to program staff and leadership
- Manage banking relationships, including oversight of accounts with financial institutions such as JPMorgan Chase
- Oversee credit facilities, loans, etc.
- Manage cash positioning, wire transfers, and reconciliations
- Assist CFO with the redesign and management of the annual budgeting process in collaboration with program and leadership teams
- Support forecasting, variance analysis, and financial modeling
- Provide strategic recommendations to improve financial performance
- Support the work of the Revenue Manager by reviewing and updating key processes and serving as a mentor and guide.
- Assist with the optimization of all financial systems, including fund accounting platforms (e.g., NetSuite, FundEZ)
- Manage financial tools such as expense and card systems (e.g., OneCard, Ramp)
- Implement and improve financial processes, systems, and internal controls
- Support business registrations and compliance (i.e. Franchise returns & State registrations) in coordination with Operations
Financial Management & Reporting
Leadership & Team Management
Strategic & Organizational Support
Audit, Tax & Compliance
Grants, Programs & Multi-Entity Oversight
Treasury & Banking
Budgeting & Financial Planning
Systems & Operations
SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (CPA and/or MBA preferred)
- Minimum 7–10 years of progressive nonprofit accounting/finance experience, including leadership roles
- Strong experience with multi-entity and nonprofit/grant accounting environments
- Demonstrated experience managing audits, tax filings, and financial reporting
- Expertise in GAAP, internal controls, and financial compliance
- Proficiency in accounting systems (e.g., NetSuite, FundEZ, or similar ERP platforms)
- Experience managing fiscally sponsored projects and grant reporting
- High level of integrity, professionalism, and accountability
- Strategic thinker with a hands-on, solution-oriented approach
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate complex financial concepts
- Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Strong leadership and team development capabilities
- Ability to collaborate effectively with both finance and non-finance stakeholders
- Commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence
- Experience supporting cross-functional teams and organizational initiatives
Additional Attributes
LOCATION
UNION AFFILIATION
154000 - 203000 USD a year