Controller, Finance

About The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights:

The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, a 501(c)(4) organization, is the premier coalition of more than 240 national organizations that promotes and protects civil and human rights in America. The Leadership Conference has coordinated federal strategy and action, including national lobbying and regulatory efforts on behalf of every major civil rights law since 1957.

To learn more about The Leadership Conference, please visit www.civilrights.org.

The Leadership Conference Education Fund, a 501(c)(3) organization, builds public will for federal civil rights policies that promote and protect civil and human rights in the US. Founded in 1969 as the education and research arm of The Leadership Conference, the Education Fund’s campaigns empower people and advocates to push for progressive change in the US.

To learn more about the Education Fund, please visit www.leadershipconferenceedfund.org

The Opportunity:

The Leadership Conference is seeking a Controller to join our Finance Department. Reporting to the VP, Finance, the ideal candidate will have experience performing highly specialized accounting tasks required to maintain both organizations’ general ledger. The candidate must have a working knowledge of accounting principles applicable to not-for-profit organizations. Having the ability to work both autonomously and collaboratively is paramount for success. Displaying a posture that is conducive to team coaching and providing a culture of unity are critical qualities for this role.

The Controller will update and maintain the accounting manuals of the C3/C4 organizations, ensuring full compliance with IRS, GAAP, and FASB’s evolving codifications, while also providing accurate financial reporting for both internal and external stakeholders. This role directs and coordinates daily accounting activities, including reviewing and approving both organizations’ revenues, expenditures, assets, and liabilities. This position is also responsible for preparing monthly and annual financial statements, reviewing tax returns (including Form 990), and managing an annual audit, to achieve no material findings. This position is responsible for maintaining both C3 and C4 nonprofit status to support financial health and longevity.

This position will have leadership responsibility for 2 direct reports and is not part of the collective bargaining unit.

Candidate Profile:

• Supervises, directs, reviews, and enhances the accounting functions and processes (including, but not limited to, cash reconciliations, investment account reconciliation, accounts receivable transactions, fixed asset activity, accounts payable transactions, recording of revenue and expenses, etc.).
• Oversee the maintenance of the organization’s accounting systems and accounts payable process while assisting in formulating internal controls and policies to comply with established best practices in a not-for-profit.
• Prepares monthly Balance Sheet account reconciliations (intercompany due to and due from, prepaids, advances, accrued expenses, etc.) and reviews reconciliations and journal entries prepared by the staff accountant.
• Manages the organization’s corporate card accounts, including issuing new cards, deactivating old cards, and reconciliations.
• Liaise with the People and Culture team for biweekly payroll preparation and ensure payroll registers and related reports are shared with Finance. Assist with setting up new state registrations as needed. Perform quarterly reconciliation of payroll costs to the filed Form 941s.
• Produces monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and ad hoc financial reports, including asset schedules and tax returns (990 & 990-T) in compliance with GAAP.
• Leads the annual audit process with auditors, staff, and external agencies and manages the year-end financial audits and reporting.
• Perform other duties as necessary and related.

 In addition, strong candidates will offer:

• A minimum of 9 years of progressive experience in accounting/finance experience is required, and in nonprofits is preferred.
• A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in education and experience.
• At least 5 years of managing accounting staff.
• CPA with a BS Degree in Accounting or Finance.
• Experience in Microsoft Office and proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Proficient in Sage Intacct or other ERP accounting software.
• Strong budgeting, financial forecasting, and financial analysis skills are required.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate clearly with all staff.
• Experience in special projects and/or grant reporting and budget development.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by the people assigned. This posting is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and requirements. The Leadership Conference reserves the right to amend duties, responsibilities, and requirements as necessary to meet organizational needs.

Compensation & Benefits:

Our most valuable resource is the people who make up The Leadership Conference. Regardless of your position at The Leadership Conference, your efforts will impact meaningful work that positively affects individuals and communities nationwide.

The target salary range for this position is $144,667 – $187,142.

The range provided is the minimum and maximum salary. The Leadership Conference, in good faith, believes that at the time of this posting, it is willing to pay the advertised salary for the position. Exact compensation is commensurate with experience and reflects internal comparisons.

Salaries are just one component of The Leadership Conference’s total compensation package. The Leadership Conference is committed to supporting our staff’s physical, emotional, and financial well-being through a robust benefits package for you, eligible dependents, and domestic partners. It includes generous paid time off, including fifteen (15) federal holidays, as well as biweekly organization-specific holidays, medical, dental, and vision insurance, and transit benefits. You’ll also have access to professional development assistance and an Employee Assistance Program.

The Leadership Conference has formally recognized a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with the Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU) Local 2 – AFL-CIO. The Leadership Conference and the Union, guided by a CBA, work together in good faith and are motivated by a shared history and commitment to this organization.

In-Office Work Policy:

The Leadership Conference has implemented a hybrid In-Office Work Policy in three phases. As of September 1, 2025, the first phase requires staff members to work in person from the office at least 2 days per month. As of January 1, 2026, the second phase requires staff members to work in person from the office at least 1 day per week or 4 days per month. The final phase begins on April 1, 2026; staff members will be required to work in person from the office at least 2 days per week or 8 days per month.

All positions are subject to the In-Office Work Policy summarized above. (A more detailed description of the policy – to include how in-office workdays are to be scheduled – is available upon request from People & Culture.)

Please note that staff members are exempt from working in person if they have received medical accommodation or if their position is designated as temporarily or permanently remote.

Our Commitment to an Inclusive Workplace

The Leadership Conference is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race/ethnicity; color; religion; national origin; citizenship or immigration status, subject to the obligation to comply with any applicable requirements of federal immigration law; sex (including pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, false pregnancy, lactation, childbirth or related medical conditions, breastfeeding, reproductive health decisions, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender identity, gender expression, intersex traits and other sex characteristics, and sex stereotypes); age; marital status; personal appearance (including size and weight); family responsibilities; political affiliation; disability; matriculation; genetic information; veteran status; credit information; housing status; socioeconomic status; source of income; criminal legal involvement, unless for a legitimate business reason that is permitted under applicable law; union membership or activities; status as a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violence, sexual offense, or stalking; and any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

To apply, please visit our Career Center and submit your resume and cover letter. Cover letters are required and should be attached.