Controller - The Breast Cancer Research Foundation

ABOUT BCRF
Breast cancer is a complex disease with no simple solution. Research is the key to stopping it in its tracks. Founded in 1993 by Evelyn H. Lauder, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) is the largest private funder of breast cancer research in the world. We invest in the best minds in science—from those investigating prevention, diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, and metastasis—giving them the opportunity to pursue their most innovative ideas. Our combination of investment and cross-disciplinary collaboration accelerates the entire field and builds momentum for new discoveries. 

Since its inception, BCRF has invested over $900 million in research, which has significantly contributed to a 43% decline in breast cancer deaths over the past three decades. BCRF investigators have been behind every major breakthrough in breast cancer research, and the field is moving faster than ever. 

Today, BCRF is the largest private funder of breast cancer research—and metastatic breast cancer research—worldwide and the country’s top-rated breast cancer research organization. BCRF is currently supporting 255 investigators across 14 countries at leading medical and academic institutions with $62.3 million in scientific grants. 

ABOUT THE ROLE
Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), the Controller is responsible for the oversight of accounting and financial reporting.  The Controller will be a crucial contributor to the financial leadership of BCRF.  The Controller will work closely with the COO and will lead the day-to-day accounting operations of BCRF.  The Controller has functional responsibility for accounting operations including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, budgeting and financial reporting for the organization’s budget of $90 MM -$100 MM.  The Controller supervises a team of 3 staff members.

This position is based in New York City, New York. While performing the duties of this role, you would be expected to be in the office at least three days per week.

Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee all accounts, ledgers, and reporting ensuring compliance with appropriate GAAP accrual accounting standards, regulatory requirements and management reporting efficiency.
• Regularly evaluate the systems of internal control as BCRF continues to grow and evolve and identify and report any gaps along with recommended improvements.
• Analyze financial data and present financial reports in an accurate and timely manner; clearly communicate monthly, quarterly and annual financial statements; monitor progress and keep COO abreast of organization’s financial status.
• Lead the budgeting and financial reporting function for the organization working closely with leadership across all functions as a business partner.
• Ensure proper maintenance of all accounting systems and functions and ensure the fidelity of data and timely monthly, quarterly, and year-end reporting.
• Drive the organization’s technological advancement of its accounting systems and processes to maximize impact and efficiency.
• Manage the payroll function ensuring timely and accurate processing and recording of all employee pay, benefits, taxes and fees.
• Work directly with the COO to ensure the full coordination of BCRF’s fiscal audits and the gathering of required audit information, resulting in the production of accurate and timely financial statements, IRS 990 preparations, and clean financial audits.
• Maintain continuous lines of communication and keep the COO informed of all accounting issues.
• Identify and drive the organization to achieve the most efficient possible team structure, documenting processes and developing/evolving systems where necessary.
• Develop and maintain strong, positive, and effective working relationships with leaders from each department
• Work directly with the COO and other leadership members to ensure financial operations are in alignment with the organization’s strategic goals.
• Supervise and mentor direct reports, utilizing an empathetic and supportive leadership style to maintain a high level of performance across the department.

ABOUT YOU
Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or business administration.
• 10 + years of directly related experience in accounting and/or auditing, including time in a people management role with some experience in the nonprofit sector.
• 7 + years of progressively responsible leadership roles in accounting and finance.
• Experience leading and/or administering the accounting and finance function in a recognized not-for-profit accounting system.
• Thorough understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) pronouncements.
• Up to date on non profit expertise regarding audit best practices and state and federal law regarding nonprofit operations
• Knowledge of financial compliance and risk management including but not limited to statutory and regulatory requirements for nonprofit organizations.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to build relationships with key stakeholders cross-functionally to manage and enhance financial operations.
• Passion for the mission and work of BCRF.

Compensation:
This is an exempt, full-time role. The salary range for this role is $130,000 - $150,000 including an exceptional benefits package focusing on employee physical, financial and mental wellness.

To Apply:
Please submit a CV and cover letter expressing your intention to apply for the role. After uploading your CV, please select the "upload attachment" option on the next screen to provide your cover letter.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Please, no phone calls. All inquiries will be held in confidence.

Please note that this role description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this role. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time, with or without notice.

Our Commitments
BCRF is proud to be an Affirmative Action/Disabled/Veterans Equal Opportunity Employer.

BCRF upholds an equal opportunity employment policy and employs personnel without regard to race, creed, color, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, physical or mental ability, veteran status, military obligations, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law. This policy applies to all applicants, employees, consultants, third-party workers.