Organization: Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance
Closing Date:
A. Position Description
The Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance (SEEA) seeks a Controller to help support the organization’s growth and help achieve its strategic financial goals. Because of the complexity of SEEA’s funding, including federal and state monies, philanthropic grants, and unrestricted funds from member dues and events, the Controller will be adept at managing multiple income streams and leading strategic investments. Ideally, the Controller will thoroughly understand compliance and federal reporting guidelines. By overseeing SEEA’s financial operations, the Controller will ensure sound financial management and compliance with regulatory requirements. The Controller’s strategic thinking, attention to detail, and the ability to effectively communicate financial information is critical to SEEA’s success.
B. Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Financial Management
- Perform and/or supervise all financial activities including budgeting, forecasting and financial planning to include accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, cash receipts, general journal entry transactions and related updates to project/program and grant activity.
- Develop/oversee labor guidance in collaboration with Head of Finance, Grants Manager and cross-functional program teams.
- Develop and maintain financial policies, procedures and internal controls.
- Manage organizational cash flow, forecasting, and bank accounts. Analyze and present accurate and timely financial statements on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis including accurate reporting and insights to Executive staff, the finance committee and staff as appropriate.
- Develop and prepare all required financial project/program and grants reporting.
- Publish a schedule/prepare invoices to align with required reporting and to support organizational cash flow.
- Maintain vendor and subcontractor records, monitor expenses, and reconcile to existing agreements.
- Effectively communicate and present critical financial matters to the President, Head of Finance and the board of directors as appropriate.
- Manage SEEA’s QuickBooks accounting system and financial records, including monthly close, accruals and revenue recognition.
- Collaborate with team leads and subject matter experts to develop and manage program budgets and ensure efficient allocation of resources in collaboration with the Grants Manager and Head of Finance.
Budget
- Lead annual budgeting and planning process with the Head of Finance and President in collaboration with the Grants Manager and staff.
- Provide input and review all project/program financial plans and budgets.
- Regularly compare budget to actual, identify and explain budget variances, and update budgets as appropriate.
Compliance and Reporting
- Ensure compliance with all internal controls, GAAP accounting standards, state and federal government regulations, and tax laws.
- Identify and mitigate financial risks by implementing appropriate controls and procedures.
- Coordinate and lead the annual financial audit and 990 tax filing process, engage with external auditors, and the finance committee of the board of directors.
- Update and implement all necessary financial controls, policies, and accounting practices.
- Coordinate with external advisors on tax and legal matters related to SEEA’s non-profit status.
Key Collaborator
- Directly staff the SEEA Finance Committee and set ongoing meetings in alignment with the President and Head of Finance, the Treasurer, and the Finance Committee.
- Cultivate and maintain positive relationships with all funders, program partners/stakeholders, including foundations, government agencies, etc.
- Collaborate and support internal cross-functional teams to gather necessary information as needed for financial management and reporting.
- Assist in management of all grant accounting and reporting across the SEEA staff team to ensure all partners are on track and aligned with best finance and accounting principles.
- Provide status updates in team meetings and ensure that the President and head of finance are apprised of all trends, opportunities, and issues across the grant portfolio.
C. Qualifications
- At least five years of senior-level experience in financial management, budgeting, compliance, and organizational operations and administration. Degree in finance, accounting, or related field with CPA qualification preferred.
- Non-profit 501(c)(3) experience tracking and reporting on financial transactions from a variety of restricted and unrestricted funding sources, experience preparing audit schedules, and familiarity with FAR, OMB A-133, and federal travel regulations.
- Proficiency in budgeting and financial management, financial software and advanced Excel skills. Experience with ERP software a plus.
- Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, time management and ability to meet individual deadlines while ensuring team deadlines are met.
- Ability to prepare and present data to inform financial decisions and recommendations.
- Excellent communicator with outstanding interpersonal skills who can collaborate with diverse stakeholders at all levels within and outside of the organization.
- A team player and self-starter who can juggle competing project responsibilities while supporting a cross-functional, collaborative team.
- Knowledge of financial regulations and reporting standards applicable to non-profits.
- Experience in energy efficiency a plus.
D. Classification
- This is a full-time, exempt salaried position based in SEEA’s office in Atlanta, Georgia, and may require some travel.
- The salary for the position begins at $80,000. Compensation is flexible based upon industry experience and technical skills. SEEA offers competitive compensation based upon candidates’ qualifications and overall expertise.
- Successful applicants must demonstrate their legal status to work in the United States.
- As a federal contractor, SEEA requires all employees to complete their COVID-19 vaccination series or have an approved exception to the requirement due to a medical condition or sincerely held religious belief. Therefore, successful candidates for this position must submit vaccination documentation or be approved for an exception before their first day of employment. Failure to provide proof of full documentation or receipt of an approved exception will lead to the withdrawal of the job offer.
- SEEA is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an environment that supports and advances diversity, inclusion, equity, and accessibility. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.
E. How to Apply
Qualified candidates may apply by submitting a cover letter and resume to SEEA’s BambooHR platform. Candidates considered for interviews must provide three professional references and may be asked to provide examples of previous work or respond to assessments.
About SEEA
The Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance (SEEA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Atlanta, Georgia. Established in 2007, SEEA is the only regional energy efficiency organization serving eleven states across the Southeast and island territories. SEEA ensures people have the knowledge, resources, and opportunities to use energy more efficiently. We advance effective state, local, and utility policies, support the implementation of strong building energy codes, expand the availability and access to resources to address energy efficiency in buildings, and support equitable engagement in energy planning processes across all communities.
SEEA’s Culture & Benefits
SEEA offers a highly collaborative and supportive work environment to allow employees to be authentic, learn, grow, and demonstrate their leadership abilities. We are committed to fostering an environment of transparency and trust that will enable us to learn from one another and incorporate diversity, inclusion, and equity in all we do.
Because we work with a broad selection of stakeholders to address complex and evolving issues, all employees receive training on collaborative leadership, including the dimensions of trust, facilitating powerful and productive meetings, collaborative problem-solving, and stakeholder identification and engagement.
Additionally, employees receive the following benefits:
- Fifteen (15) days of paid time off, four (4) floating holidays, and seven (7) paid holidays annually.
- End of year office closure (December 24 through January 1)
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance benefits
- 401(k) retirement plans with organizational match and immediate vesting (up to 4%)
- Paid parental maternity and paternity leave.
- Monthly mobile phone stipend and transit stipend ($35 each per month)
- Flexible work schedule and hybrid office setting with minimum two in-office days weekly.
- Continuing education and professional development opportunities and funding