Job Announcement: Controller

About the Job: 

The Middle East Forum (MEF), a Philadelphia-based research and activist organization, is seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Controller to join our team on a full-time basis. The ideal candidate will manage all financial operations, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely reporting while maintaining the highest standards of fiscal responsibility. 

Roles and Responsibilities: 

Financial Management & Reporting 

• Execute monthly financial statement close processes 

• Perform bank reconciliations for multiple accounts (Operating, Investment, Foundation, and Money Market) 

• Manage credit card reconciliations 

• Prepare and maintain month-end close schedules, including: 

• Investment account reconciliations (including PayPal) 

• Prepaid schedules 

• Fixed assets management 

• Payroll allocations and liability schedules 

• Loan amortization tracking 
  
  

Accounts Payable 

• Oversee vendor management in bill.com, including W-9 collection 

• Process and code bills with appropriate class designations 

• Execute approved payment disbursements 
  
  

Audit & Compliance 

• Prepare and maintain quarterly audit close schedules 

• Manage audit support documentation and workpapers 

• Coordinate annual financial statement audit process 

• Ensure timely completion of compliance requirements: 

• Form 990 filing coordination 

• PA Charity registration renewal 

• Annual 1099 filings 

• Workers Compensation audit 

• Lobbying Disclosure Act filing 
  
  

Strategic Planning & Reporting 

• Attend and support Board of Directors meetings 

• Prepare financial schedules for board calls 

• Develop and maintain annual budget and reforecasts 

• Conduct financial analysis and special projects as needed 
  
  

General Administration 

• Manage finance department inbox 

• Handle payroll-related requests and troubleshooting 

• Respond to ad-hoc financial analysis requests 

• Support other administrative needs as they arise 
  
  

Additional Responsibilities 

In addition to core financial duties, this position includes: 

• Complete management of in-house payroll operations 

• HR responsibilities and oversight 

• Enhanced oversight of donations and SalesForce systems, including: 

• Daily recording and reconciliation of donations 

• Management of online deposits 

• Grant management, including: 

• Maintaining grant schedules 

• Managing associated documentation 

• Coordinating grant applications and reporting 

• Other responsibilities as may be assigned.   
  
  

Candidate Qualifications: 

Required 

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field 

• 5+ years of accounting experience, preferably in nonprofit sector 

• Advanced proficiency in Quickbooks Online and Microsoft Excel 

• Experience with bill.com and PayPal preferred 

• Strong understanding of GAAP and nonprofit accounting principles 

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills 

• Superior organizational and time management abilities  
  
  

Work Schedule: 

• Full-time position (40 hours per week) 
  
  

Location: 

Remote, anywhere in the United States. 

Compensation & Benefits: 

• Competitive salary range. 

• Comprehensive health coverage, including medical, dental, and vision available. 

• Participation in a 403 (b) retirement savings plan. 

• Long-term and short-term disability insurance. 

• Ongoing professional development and training opportunities. 

To Apply: 

• Prepare an application that includes: 

• A cover letter indicating your interests, qualifications, and goals.  

• A résumé or curriculum vitae.  
  
  

When the application is completed: 

Bundle the entire application as a single document, preferably in Adobe Acrobat (Word is also acceptable).  

Title it with your name in reverse order, without spacing, as in “ChurchillWinston.”  

Submit the application with the subject “Application for MEF Controller” to Thelma Prosser at prosser@meforum.org by January 31, 2024.  

About the Middle East Forum: 

The Middle East Forum, founded in 1994 by Daniel Pipes, promotes American interests in the Middle East and protects Western values from Middle Eastern threats. It accomplishes its mission in two ways: 

Intellectually, by providing information, context, and policy advice through publications, media appearances, lectures, and private consultations.  

Operationally, by getting things done in Washington, on campus, in courts of law, and beyond.  

The Middle East Forum, an activist think tank, deals with the Middle East, Islamism, U.S. foreign policy, and related topics, urging bold measures to protect Americans and their allies. Pursuing its goals via intellectual and operational means, the Forum recurrently has policy ideas adopted by the U.S. government.