Controller at Firelight Media

ORGANIZATION: Firelight Media
ROLE: Controller
LOCATION: New York, NY (Remote/Hybrid)
SALARY: $95,000-$115,000

ABOUT FIRELIGHT MEDIA            

Firelight Media, a non-profit organization, is the premier destination for nonfiction cinema by and about communities of color. Firelight Media produces documentary films, supports filmmakers of color, and cultivates audiences for their work. Firelight Media’s key programs include the Documentary Lab. This flagship mentorship program seeks out and supports emerging diverse filmmakers, and Beyond Resilience, its monthly event series that highlights the strategies and experiences of nonfiction filmmakers of color in creating and distributing work during periods of social transformation. The budget for FY23 is $8.7 million, which has represented significant growth in size and complexity over the last three to five years. 

Firelight Media’s sister organization, Firelight Films, is the production company of award-winning filmmaker Stanley Nelson, who produces documentary films and develops strategies, partnerships, and materials to reach and engage diverse audiences. Recent productions include Attica for Showtime, Tulsa Burning: The 1921 Race Massacre for the History Channel, and Crack: Cocaine, Corruption, & Conspiracy for Netflix.

Visit Firelight Media’s YouTube channel to learn more about its groundbreaking programs and partnerships.

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

Firelight Media seeks a Controller who will strategically lead, implement, monitor, and enhance the organization's accounting and financial efforts. Reporting to the Director of Finance & Operations and in close partnership with the President, the Controller will oversee and provide day-to-day fiscal management and financial planning. They will record and generate accurate reports monthly to monitor the financial health of the organization and to ensure compliance. They will also possess the ability to forecast budgeting needs.

The Firelight Media Controller must be able to work closely with all Firelight Media staff and partner organizations.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Design, Implement, Monitor, and Enhance Financial Systems and Processes

• Supervise and manage the Finance & Operations Coordinator.  
• Work in partnership with the Director of Finance & Operations and the grants and contracts staff throughout budget development and reporting processes. 
• Lead annual audit preparation, collaborating closely with an external audit firm. Ensure the required tax filings are executed on time. Comply with all regulatory reporting and filing requirements. 
• Maintain and enforce current internal controls and safeguards and make recommendations for improved new processes.
• Support Firelight Media’s senior leadership team in the annual budgeting process. 
• Monitor actuals versus budget and proactively identify and mitigate any variances. Liaise between department leads and senior management.
• Prepare all financial statements and cash forecasts; make appropriate recommendations to the Director of Finance & Operations for overall fiscal health.
• Stay abreast of developments in non-profit accounting and finance and recommend and implement changes to current processes as required.

Oversee General Accounting Functions

• Comply with the standard US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in recording and posting all accounting transactions and business activities.
• Authorize and create journal entries and make any necessary adjustments to maintain accurate and reliable information in the general ledger.
• Partner closely with team leads to perform the month-end close process, perform account reconciliations, and provide timely financial reports. 
• Effectively collaborate with the Firelight Media team and organizational leadership to communicate any potential barriers to strong fiscal health.
• Maintain accounting files and supporting documentation for all transactions.
• Maintain all supporting schedules, including but not limited to Fixed and Net Restricted Assets. 
• Continually review the accounting system to ensure it meets the organization's needs. Evaluate and update the chart of accounts to reflect the organization's evolving business activities and growth.
• Oversee the management of the organization’s bank accounts, and cash and investment balances. 

QUALIFICATIONS 

• A deep commitment to the mission of Firelight Media.
• Comfortable collaborating with program staff on financial matters. 
• Affinity for working in an organization in a high growth stage, with a knack for building the infrastructure to streamline such growth through contributing to the development of internal systems. 
• 5-7+ years of progressive professional experience in accounting, finance, and undergoing audits.
• Experience supervising a direct report is strongly preferred. 
• Professional experience in accounting and finance at a nonprofit is required. 
• In-depth knowledge of nonprofit accounting and finance practices, including experience supporting and/or undergoing audits. 
• Strong understanding of laws and compliance related to not-for-profit accounting, including budgeting, proper reporting and filing, auditing and tracking of restricted funds. 
• Proficiency in QuickBooks accounting software. 

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting; CPA preferred but not required. 
• Experience with government grants is a plus.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The salary range for this position is $95,000-$115,000 per year, depending on experience, plus a comprehensive benefits package. Benefits include 100% employer-paid health insurance; 20 vacation days accrued annually; a 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching and a one-year vesting period; a hybrid work model; flexible spending accounts for transit and health care; and professional development.

LOCATION
NYC is ideal, with the expectation to come into the office twice a week. If you are not located in NYC, the expectation is to be in person at least once per quarter.

Firelight Media is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or national origin. In line with Firelight Media's commitment to a diverse and inclusive staff, women, people of color, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.