Controller

About Asylum Access

We are human rights advocates who support forcibly displaced individuals and communities as they reclaim their rights, agency and power.

Our unique combination of legal empowerment, policy advocacy and global systems change creates conditions in which refugees can live safely, move freely, work legally and go to school. Our work transforms the traditional approach of endless humanitarian handouts to a sustainable solution that honors refugees’ freedom, dignity and autonomy, and empowers them to make choices about their own lives.

Asylum Access’ global team and family of local civil society organizations advocate to make human rights a reality for refugees throughout Africa, Asia, Middle East and Latin America. Our national organizations are led and staffed primarily by community members in those countries, and there is strong mutual trust and respect between us and our clients. On the international stage, we work with established institutions to shift the global system to better uphold and promote refugees’ human rights. We can help catalyze and lead systemic transformation because, uniquely among NGOs in the refugee response sector, we focus exclusively on rights and governance.

Department Description

The Finance and Accounting Department is responsible for planning, organizing, controlling and monitoring financial resources with a view to achieve organizational goals and the financial integrity of the organization with a view to produce high-quality financial reports.

Position Description

The Controller leads the org-wide Accounting Department to achieve its mission in maintaining the integrity of accounting data and  production of high-quality financial reports. The Controller is responsible for the day-to-day accounting for the organization’s financial transactions; developing, implementing and ensuring compliance with financial policies and procedures consistent with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and maintaining and continuously improving the system of financial controls; including general accounting, investment accounting, subgranting, grantmaking, tax-exempt compliances, banking, payroll, and benefits. This staff member will work closely with headquarters (HQ), Asylum Access AAMX (AAMX), Asylum Access (AAT) and Asylum Access Malaysia (AAM) staff.

Key Duties &  Responsibilities

• General Accounting and Reporting

• Ensure accuracy and completion of all aspects of accounting operations, such as banking, capital asset management, accounts payables and receivables processing, and net assets for internal and external reporting purposes.

• Lead monthly, quarterly and annual accounting closing. Prepare monthly journal entries and accounting corrections to ensure accurate accounting records and reconcile general ledger for the organization.

• Assist the Global Finance Director and the Chief Financial Officer in the development and documentation of business processes and accounting policies to maintain and strengthen internal controls. ​​Update and implement all necessary business policies and accounting practices, improve the finance/accounting department’s overall policy and procedure manual.

• Oversee all accounts, ledgers and reporting systems, ensuring compliance with appropriate GAAP standards.

• Work closely with cross-department heads to identify information management and reports to be provided by accounting.

• Act as the system administrator for NetSuite and Concur. Update org-wide chart of accounts, vendor lists and accounting system reports.

• Direct and lead the implementation of an effective period close management system for the organization.

• Audit, Tax Compliance

• Manage the annual audit conducted in the US from beginning to end by liaising with auditors, responding to their questions and preparing corrective actions to audit findings, working with cross-department heads and national-level accounting heads coordinating  the preparation of audit schedules and finalizing the audit process.

• Conduct internal audits for all subsidiaries on a monthly basis and ensure that actions are corrected for identified findings or errors.

• Assist in the preparation of tax returns, including IRS 990, NY 500, state filings. Support and oversee tax filings and returns on the national level. Ensure Compliance with all state and federal filing requirements on behalf of the organization.

• Oversea national-level external audits to ensure completion of the process prior to the org-wide audit conducted in the US.

• Payroll Processing

• Accountable for the reconciliation of HQ records to quarterly payroll tax returns: Form 941.

• Ensure that HQ payroll recordkeeping is in compliance with appropriate GAAP standards.

• Implement best practices to streamline the flow of payroll documentation and information for payroll recordkeeping.

• Investment Accounting

• Manage the accounting of the investment portfolio for the organization.

• ​​Perform posting of investment activity on a monthly/quarterly basis. Reconcile investment balances per books to banks.

• Banking

• Initiate interbank bank transfers as necessary.

• Assist in setting up bank accounts for the organization.

• Budget

• Work with the finance leadership team in the calculation and  of cash flow projections for the organization and preparation of the cash flow statement for an effective management of cash balances.

• Accountable for reporting Department Budget vs. Actuals for HQ department heads.

• Assist in the preparation of annual budget and periodic forecasts.

• Team Leadership

• Develop and implement a continuous financial training program for staff at all levels of the organization, and measure the impact of that training in terms of improvements and compliance.

• Supervise the HQ accounting team and liaise with national-level accounting teams by delegating tasks and areas of responsibility, building team culture and providing coaching and feedback.

• Establish and manage a comprehensive training program to educate employees regarding staff tools, policies and procedures.

• Additional Responsibilities

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Global Finance Director and Chief Financial Officer.

Reports to: Global Finance  Director.

Minimum Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge of US GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) for nonprofits;
• 5 years related accounting experience in private corporation/public charity settings;
• Strong initiative and ability to take ownership of projects, management multiple deadlines, and work effectively with a high level of attention to detail and accuracy;
• Ability to effectively handle sensitive and confidential situations with tact, integrity, and diplomacy;
• Cultural competence and intelligence, ability to work in a diverse, multicultural workforce;
• Comfortable working individually and in concert with positions across the various functions and levels of the organization and with external partners, recognizing and valuing the need to adapt and respect other cultures and languages;
• Experience using a computerized accounting system, solid knowledge of MS Office applications (Excel proficiency a must);
• Strong time management and organizational skills. Able to prioritize work effectively and adapt to multiple demands;
• Ability to communicate effectively and concisely both verbally and in writing.
• Fluent in English
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and/or Business Management

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in fund accounting;
• CPA certification or equivalent;
• Working knowledge of NetSuite and/or SAP Concur;
• Prior experience working with refugee-led organizations or involvement in community-led initiatives is an asset;
• Spanish speaking/writing

Salary and Benefits

The position comes with a well-paying nonprofit salary based on location, experience, and a robust benefits package including paid time off and development funds.

Hours and Location of Work

The Controller position will be based in any of Asylum Access’ countries of operation (Malaysia, Mexico, or Thailand) with a strong preference for Mexico. Candidates should be aware that flexibility regarding working hours is required in order to take calls and manage projects involving international colleagues. Due to the COVID-19 situation, the Controller will work from home.

Application Instructions to Candidates

Please send a resume and a cover letter in English. In your cover letter, please describe your reasons for applying, relevant qualifications, and how you learned about the position.

Asylum Access is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We value the expertise of those who have experienced displacement, and encourage people with such lived experience to apply. Members of non-normative sexual and gender communities are also encouraged to apply. For more information about our organization, visit www.asylumaccess.org_._