Controller, Accounting, Accounting Manager

Controller

The Freshwater Trust (TFT) is a non‑profit leader in data‑driven watershed restoration and freshwater resource management. Our team builds tools and tests scalable solutions that deliver measurable environmental and economic benefits. With a mission of preserving and restoring freshwater ecosystems, our approach is driven by science, data, and results.

TFT employs ~50 team members across California, Oregon, Idaho, Washington, and Colorado, with three physical offices in Portland, OR;
Ashland, OR; and Sacramento, CA. Team members cover science and analytics, program implementation, habitat restoration, legal, philanthropy and fundraising, communications, finance, and administrative and systems support.

An experienced Controller who can effectively oversee day‑to‑day accounting operations. A flexible and creative problem‑solver who proactively identifies solutions and balances efficiency and risk mitigation. You are a forward‑thinking, analytical financial professional who appreciates the routine of a well‑oiled accounting department, is comfortable reading accounting guidance and creating financial controls, and has experience working for small to mid‑size organizations (nonprofit accounting or consultancy).

Preference for candidates in Portland, OR able to commit to a hybrid work environment.

• Understand our programs and the contractual requirements related to them
• Oversee day‑to‑day accounting operations of TFT
• Manage TFT’s annual audit and tax filings (e.g., Form 990) in conjunction with the organization’s external auditor
• Ensure data integrity and accuracy, including review of transactions, federal grant requests and journal entries
• Know and enforce all financial controls and periodically test them for effectiveness; modify accounting processes as necessary to maintain control objectives while minimizing administrative burden
• Lead periodic closing process, including account analysis, reconciliation, and preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual closing packages and checklists; oversee closing activities performed by other staff to ensure deadlines are met and information is complete and accurate
• Develop strong working relationships with team members across the organization
• Periodically review software systems and assess alternatives or upgrades as needed
• Other tasks as assigned

• Calculate and record journal entries for all non‑cash adjustments to the accounting system (e.g., present‑value discount on pledges receivable, accrued PTO, lease liability adjustments, accrued interest, and deferred revenue recognition)
• Perform periodic account reconciliations (bank statements, credit card statements, payroll liability accounts, loans payable)
• Calculate and record cost accounting allocations to distribute direct costs to projects, including payroll costs to associated grants
• Maintain all accounting memos (revenue recognition, software accounting, water rights asset accounting, lease accounting memos)
• Keep up to date with changes to GAAP, nonprofit accounting best practices, and Federal Grant requirements; advise management of necessary changes to implement new guidance
• Assist Sr. Director of Finance in preparing periodic financial statements for Board reporting (cash flow statements, budget‑to‑actual reports, and other detailed reports as necessary)

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Business, Finance or similar
• 3–5 years of experience in a similar accounting role for a medium‑sized organization
• Preference for Portland, OR location and hybrid work environment

• Knowledgeable in GAAP and comfortable with government contracting rules
• Familiar with nonprofit accounting or similar industry
• Proficient in reviewing audited financial statements, 990s, and state returns in Oregon and California
• Versed in Net Suite or other similar ERP accounting program
• Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Excel skills
• Strong time‑management skills with ability to be flexible and responsive to changing priorities and consistently meet deadlines

• Have a passion for the mission and values of the organization
• Exhibit professionalism, confidence,…