Controller

Who we are:

The Freshwater Trust (TFT) is a non-profit leader in data-driven watershed restoration and freshwater resource management. Our team members are building tools and creating and testing new, scalable solutions that will help deliver measurable environmental and economic benefits. With a mission of preserving and restoring freshwater ecosystems, our approach is driven by science, data, and results.

TFT employs ~50 team members with programs across California, Oregon, Idaho, Washington, and Colorado. We currently have three physical offices in Portland, OR, Ashland, OR, and Sacramento, CA. Our team members range in background and skillset. Teams include science and analytics, program implementation, habitat restoration, legal, philanthropy and fundraising, communications, finance, and administrative and systems support.

Who you are:

An experienced Controller who can effectively oversee day-to-day accounting operations. A flexible and creative problem-solver who proactively identifies solutions and seeks to balance efficiency and risk mitigation. You are a forward-thinking and analytical financial professional who appreciates the routine of a well-oiled accounting department and is comfortable reading accounting guidance and creating financial controls. You have experience working for small to mid-size organizations and may have a background in nonprofit accounting or experience with consultancy.

This position will report to the Senior Director of Finance and works closely with staff throughout the organization, including project managers, bookkeeper, contracts & grants specialist, legal team, People & Culture Manager, and VP of People and Operations. Preference for candidates in Portland, OR able to commit to hybrid work environment.

Responsibilities:

• Understand our programs and the contractual requirements related to them
• Oversee day-to-day accounting operations of TFT
• Manage TFT’s annual audit and tax filings (e.g. Form 990) in conjunction with the organization’s external auditor
• Ensure data integrity and accuracy, including review of transactions, federal grant requests and journal entries
• Know and enforce all financial controls and periodically test them for effectiveness. Modify accounting processes as necessary to maintain control objective while minimizing administrative burden
• Lead periodic closing process, including account analysis, reconciliation, and preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual closing packages and checklists; oversee closing activities performed by other staff to ensure closing deadlines are met and all information is complete and accurate
• Develop strong working relationships with team members across the organization
• Periodically review software systems and review alternatives or upgrades as needed
• Other tasks as assigned

Typical Tasks Associated with Role:

• Calculate and record journal entries for all non-cash adjustments to the accounting system, including recording present value discount on pledges receivable, accrued PTO, lease liability adjustments, accrued interest, and deferred revenue recognition
• Perform periodic account reconciliations, including reconciling bank statements, credit card statements, payroll liability accounts, and loans payable
• Calculate and record cost accounting allocations to distribute direct costs to projects, including calculating and distributing payroll costs to the projects and grants they are related to
• Maintain all accounting memos, including revenue recognition, software accounting, water rights asset accounting, and lease accounting memos
• Keep up to date with changes to GAAP, non-profit accounting best practices, and Federal Grant requirements, and advise management of necessary changes to implement new guidance
• Assist Sr. Director of Finance in preparing periodic financial statements for Board reporting including preparing cash flow statements, budget to actual reports, and other detailed reports as necessary

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Business, Finance or similar
• 3-5 years of experience in a similar accounting role for a medium-sized organization
• Preference for Portland, OR location and hybrid work environment

Skills:

• Knowledgeable in GAAP and comfortable with government contracting rules
• Familiar with non-profit accounting or similar industry
• Proficient in reviewing Audited Financial Statements, 990s, and state returns in Oregon and California
• Versed in NetSuite or other similar ERP accounting program
• Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Excel skills
• Strong time management skills with ability to be flexible and responsive to changing priorities and consistently meet deadlines to keep the team on track and on schedule

Seeking Perseverant, Creative and Energetic Candidates Who:

• Have a passion for the mission and values of the organization
• Exhibit professionalism, confidence, intellectual curiosity, and resilience
• Hold legal authority to work permanently in the US

Salary Range:

$105,000- $120,000

Benefits:

The Freshwater Trust believes in investing in our employees, their health, and future through our benefits offerings. Our total rewards package includes full health and dental coverage, automatic 5% retirement employer contributions (on top of salary), and internet and cell phone reimbursement. Because we are all in, we value getting away and support our staff with 5 weeks of paid time off plus over 10 paid holidays per year. We also offer perks such as staff retreats, sabbatical for full-time staff after seven years, and professional development opportunities.

Application Instructions:

Supply the following three items in a single PDF: cover letter; resume; and 3 references: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/0197a8e1bba177da8f3a185c7dc4bd9b

Interested candidates from historically underrepresented communities are encouraged to apply. TFT is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its selection of candidates for employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex or sexual orientation, marital status, disability, age, military service, family medical history, gender identity, political affiliation, or family leave obligations. ADA accommodations provided upon request.

www.thefreshwatertrust.org