Controller

Position description

Physicians for Human Rights (PHR), which shared in the Nobel Peace Prize in 1997, is a U.S.-based international advocacy organization working at the intersection of medicine, science, and law. With a global network of thousands of medical, scientific, and legal experts, PHR uses the power of medical and scientific evidence to document violations of human rights and humanitarian law, prevent abuses, protect survivors, and promote justice and universal human rights for all.

Building upon its highly respected place in the field, and supported by a committed and talented team, PHR seeks a Controller.

Work Authorization: Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.

Location: Preferred in PHR’s Headquarters, New York, NY, however, outstanding candidates in other locations will be considered.

Reports to: Chief Operating Officer

Organizational Overview

Physicians for Human Rights was founded in 1986 by five physicians who were united in the belief that health professionals, with their specialized skills, ethical duties, and credible voices, are uniquely positioned to prevent harm and promote respect for human rights. Since its founding, PHR has built a long and distinguished record of accomplishment by conducting groundbreaking investigations and advocacy, in concert with strategic partners.

PHR’s approach includes extensive documentation of the use of illegal and inhumane weapons in armed conflicts, attacks on civilians, and the physical and psychological impacts of torture and sexual violence as a weapon of war. Other core activities include protecting the rights of those seeking asylum in the United States, the human rights implications of the COVID-19 pandemic, and halting attacks on medical facilities and frontline health professionals.

Role Description

Managing the Finance Department, including four direct reports, the Controller will be responsible for the successful day-to-day management of various accounting functions including financial management and accounting, grant reporting and compliance, budgeting and forecasting and team leadership.

Responsibilities

Financial Management & Accounting:

• Oversee daily accounting operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, investments, and general ledger maintenance.
• Develop and maintain financial policies, procedures, and internal controls to ensure compliance with GAAP and organizational guidelines.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements for internal and external stakeholders.
• Lead the annual audit process, liaising with external auditors and preparing necessary documentation.
• Prepare information on all regulatory filings (that is, 990, State registrations, among others)
• Prepare monthly cash flow.
• Oversee all banking needs and credit card transactions.
• Oversee all financial business systems and integrations and implement efficiency improvements.

Grant Reporting & Compliance:

• Manage financial aspects of grant applications, including budgeting, cost allocation, and reporting requirements.
• Ensure accurate tracking and reporting of grant-related expenses, adhering to donor requirements and funding regulations.
• Oversee preparation of grant-specific financial reports for funders and internal review.
• Maintain a comprehensive understanding of federal, state, and private grant regulations, including Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200).

Budgeting & Forecasting:

• Collaborate with leadership to develop the annual budget and periodic forecasts.
• Monitor actual expenses against budgeted amounts, providing variance analyses and actionable recommendations.
• Support program teams with financial planning and reporting to align resources with organizational goals.

Team Leadership:

• Supervise and mentor Finance staff, fostering professional development and growth.
• Build strong relationships across departments to ensure smooth financial processes and cross-functional collaboration.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to the Executive Management team and Board of Directors on financial matters.

Qualifications of the Ideal Candidate

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; CPA preferred.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of accounting experience, with at least 5 years in a non-profit setting.
• Strong knowledge of grant compliance, U.S. federal funding regulations, and knowledge of other private and public institutional funders.
• Proficiency in accounting software and advanced Excel skills; experience with non-profit accounting systems (for example, Sage Intacct, Bill.com) is a plus.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management experience.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines.

Salary and Benefits

This is a full-time position with a preference in our Headquarters office in New York with a hybrid work model; however, outstanding candidates in other locations will be considered. Salary range is between $125,000 and $140,000 and is commensurate with experience. PHR offers comprehensive employer-paid benefits, including medical, dental, disability, and life insurance, a retirement savings plan, and generous vacation.

Application instructions

Please email a cover letter and resume. Please include the job title of the position you are applying for in the subject line of your email and where you saw this job posting in the email body. Only resumes with cover letters will be accepted.

Please be sure to indicate you saw this position on Globaljobs.org