Controller, Finance & Banking, Financial Compliance

About Our Organization

The Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI®) is a non‑profit leader dedicated to advancing sustainability through forest‑focused collaborations. A key driver of SFI’s success is its ability to engage diverse communities to deliver across its four pillars:
Standards, Conservation, Community, and Education. At SFI, we foster a culture where everyone feels valued, empowered, and supported.

The Controller is responsible for SFI (Parent) financial planning, tracking, reporting, audits, applicable tax returns, and treasury functions. The position directs and supports day‑to‑day accounting operations in Canada and the U.S., ensuring executive management stays aware of programmatic financial spending trends. As a member of the Finance and Operations department, the Controller ensures all financial transactions are recorded correctly in accordance with Canadian and U.S. Accounting Standards and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Oversee day‑to‑day accounting operations according to policies & procedures and Canadian and U.S. Accounting Standards.
• Establish and maintain internal controls and compliance activities to align with statutory requirements and SFI policies.
• Oversee, prepare, review, and coordinate the annual audit of SFI and regulatory filings (e.g., 990 and T2) with senior leadership and external auditors.
• Lead and manage the annual budget process for SFI in consultation with executive management.
• Conduct financial analysis and prepare reports and statements for executive management and the board.
• Manage relationships and serve as primary contact for vendors and service providers.
• Research and perform risk management analysis and ad‑hoc reporting as needed.
• Oversee grant financial management (>$15 M), including budgeting, expenditure tracking, reporting, and compliance with grant terms.
• Monitor and reconcile grant expenditures to maintain alignment with GAAP and sponsor requirements.
• Prepare and submit accurate grant financial reports in accordance with U.S. funder requirements.
• Collaborate with the Business Director on Canadian grants, including federal and provincial funding.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, provincial, and local grant regulations.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation for U.S. grants, including agreements, amendments, and reports.
• Conduct compliance reviews and audits for U.S. grant requirements.
• Assist with grant applications by providing necessary financial data.
• Serve as point person for the Single Audit and manage the Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA).

• Create, design, and implement grant‑management policies and procedures.
• Advise program managers, VPs, directors, and senior leaders on grant negotiations and management.
• Work closely with program leaders to develop grant budgets and allocate staff time to fulfill grant obligations.
• Provide financial analysis and reporting to support program planning.
• Assist in developing and submitting grant proposals, including budgets and financial narratives.
• Train and support staff on best practices and compliance requirements.
• Identify and train on changes in grant regulations and accounting standards.

• Assist with implementing organization‑wide financial structure and process changes.
• Participate in special projects and perform other duties as assigned.

This position supervises 1–3 direct reports and manages consultant relationships.

Work from a desk for prolonged periods. Occasional travel to Canada and the U.S., up to 15% of time.

SFI has offices in Washington, DC and Ottawa, Ontario. Candidates within commuting distance of downtown DC are preferred, but qualified applicants elsewhere in the continental U.S. are considered.

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting required.
• Certified Public Accountant (U.S.) license required.
• Minimum eight years of progressive finance or accounting experience.
• Two years of non‑profit experience, preferably with grants.
• Minimum five years of supervisory experience.