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Job Description
Our Mission in Action
Trees play a vital role in solving some of the most pressing issues facing our communities, our society, and our world today. For 150 years, American Forests has stood boldly at the forefront of the conservation movement, working collaboratively and innovatively to ensure that all people have access to the benefits of trees. As we look ahead to the next 150, continued collective action will be essential to securing a healthy, climate-resilient future for all. To support this work, we are looking for a Controller to join our Finance team.
What You’ll Do
As a part of the team, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for the organization’s accounting function, ensuring financial integrity, regulatory compliance, and scalable systems that support a remote-first workforce and geographically dispersed conservation programs.
The Controller will oversee complex nonprofit accounting across a multi-source funding portfolio—including federal/state grants, philanthropic contributions, and corporate/sponsorship revenue—and partners closely with program, development, and executive leadership to steward resources in support of our mission to protect and restore forests and enhance our communities. Major responsibilities include:
Accounting Leadership & Operations
- Lead general ledger activities, including efficient month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes in a remote-first environment.
- Ensure accurate, timely preparation of financial statements in compliance with U.S. GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards (including ASC 958).
- Maintain and enhance strong internal controls across distributed teams, field operations, and growing program scale.
- Develop, document, and update accounting policies and procedures to promote consistency, scalability, and audit readiness.
- Manage, mentor, and develop the accounting team; set clear performance expectations, foster professional growth, and build capacity for organizational expansion.
Government Grants & Contracts Accounting
- Support the Grants and Contracts team by ensuring accounting compliance with 2 CFR 200 (Uniform Guidance) and sponsor-specific requirements for federal, state, and foundation grants, including cost-reimbursable, fixed-price and multi-year awards.
- Direct indirect cost allocation methodologies, recovery processes, and monthly indirect rate statements; partner with CFO and Grants and Contracts team on NICRA negotiations and rate applications.
- Coordinate with the Grants and Contracts team for the Single Audit
Philanthropic Accounting & Donor Stewardship
- Oversee accounting for restricted and unrestricted contributions in compliance with ASC 958.
- Manage net asset classification, releases from restriction, and donor-restricted reporting.
- Oversee pledge receivables, multi-year gifts, and gift-in-kind valuation.
- Partner with Development on revenue recognition timing, donor transparency, financial reporting, and support for donor audits or due diligence.
Corporate & Sponsorship Accounting
- Evaluate corporate funding arrangements to determine contribution vs. exchange treatment.
- Apply ASC 606 for sponsorships, contracts, and fee-for-service arrangements.
- Ensure contract compliance and accurate tracking of deliverables tied to conservation outcomes.
Audit, Compliance & Risk Management
- Serve as primary liaison with external auditors.
- Lead preparation and coordination of annual financial statement audits and Single Audits (as applicable).
- Oversee audit deliverables, including Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA), grant compliance schedules, workpapers, and supporting documentation.
- Address audit findings, implement corrective actions, and drive continuous improvement in controls.
Financial Systems, Automation & Remote Enablement
- Lead or support implementation and optimization of Unanet government contracting and grants accounting systems.
- Oversee integration of accounting systems with:
- Timekeeping and effort reporting
- Travel and expense platforms
- Payroll and HR systems
- Develop standardized, remote-friendly workflows that empower program and field staff with real-time visibility.
- Promote automation, strong audit trails, and real-time budget and enhanced grant reporting.
Cross-Functional Partnership & Mission Support
- Serve as a trusted financial partner to Program, Development, Operations, and Executive teams.
- Translate complex accounting and compliance requirements into clear, practical guidance for non-finance staff.
- Support financial planning, forecasting, and scenario modeling related to funding variability and program growth.
- Demonstrate commitment to environmental stewardship and mission-aligned financial leadership.
What We’re Looking For
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting required
- CPA strongly preferred (or equivalent advanced certification/experience)
- At least 10 years of progressive accounting experience
- Significant experience in nonprofit organizations
- Demonstrated leadership in federal/state grants management, nonprofit GAAP, regulatory compliance, and audit processes (including Single Audits)
- Expert knowledge of ASC 958, ASC 606, and ASC 842
- Strong understanding of Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200)
- Advanced experience with grants and government contracting systems (e.g., Unanet, Deltek, Sage Intacct)
- Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills
- Ability to lead and collaborate effectively in a remote-first environment
Reporting and Supervision
The Controller reports to the Vice President of Finance and will work closely with multiple departments across the organization. This position does not have any direct reports at this time.
Working Conditions
This is a remote position based in the United States. Up to 10% of travel throughout the U.S. and/or to American Forests’ headquarters in Washington D.C. may be required.
This position requires the ability to remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing) for extended periods and to operate a computer and other office equipment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to support individuals across the full range of abilities and experiences in performing the essential functions of the job.
Compensation and Benefits
This is a full-time, salaried exempt position. The budgeted salary range is between $120,000 and $140,000 annually.
We offer a comprehensive benefits package focused on health and wellness, work-life balance, and financial security, including medical, dental, and vision coverage; vacation and sick leave; paid holidays; a 401(k) with match; flexible spending accounts; disability, life, and AD&D insurance; parental bonding and bereavement leave; an employee assistance program; a technology stipend; pet benefits; and military leave.
About Us
American Forests is a national non-profit organization committed to creating healthy and resilient forests from cities to large forest landscapes, that deliver essential benefits for climate, people, water, and wildlife. We advance our mission through forestry innovation, place-based partnerships to plant and restore forests, and movement building. We envision a world in which the significant environmental, societal, and economic benefits of forests are fully realized and equitably available to all people. Established in 1875, American Forests is the oldest national non-profit conservation organization in the U.S. working to restoring urban forests and forested landscapes for over 150 years.
American Forests is proud to be a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible workplace. These are our shared values. We welcome individuals who bring a variety of backgrounds and experiences to be a part of our team to help make a difference individually and collectively as we work toward achieving our mission. We are committed to fostering an environment that is welcoming and respectful and provides opportunities for advancement and professional growth for every team member.
American Forests is an equal opportunity employer.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law. Reasonable accommodation may be made to provide access to all individuals along the continuum of human ability and experience.
Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran/LGBTQ+ Encouraged to Apply
In accordance with federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, and reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible State or local Agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information is also available in languages other than English.
