Controller

WHO WE ARE :

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society mobilizes people and resources to drive research for a cure and to address the challenges of everyone affected by MS. To fulfill this mission, the Society funds cutting-edge research, drives change through advocacy, facilitates professional education, collaborates with MS organizations around the world, and provides programs and services designed to help people with MS and their families move their lives forward. We partner with volunteers to accomplish our work. Staff members engage volunteers through effective and timely communications, facilitating meaningful opportunities, and continually seeking and providing feedback for reciprocal growth and learning.

Job Summary :

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), the Controller is a strategic financial leader responsible for ensuring the integrity of financial operations, driving compliance, and partnering with executive leadership to advance organizational goals. This role serves as a trusted strategic partner to the CFO and National Board of Directors (NBOD) Audit and Finance Committees, ensuring transparency, accuracy of financial reporting, and robust internal control systems. The Controller is the primary liaison with banking, investment, audit, and tax partners and plays a critical role in safeguarding organizational assets and supporting long-term financial sustainability.

Location Requirement :

Remote - Flexible Location

Work is primarily performed remotely, however, when possible and necessary, teams meet in person to conduct the business of the organization and build team relationships.

Compensation | Benefits :

The estimated hiring compensation range for this role is $175,000 - $200,000 . Final offers will be based on the candidate'sgeographic location, consider career experience and may vary from this range due to these and other factors.

You will have the opportunity for a highly competitive, comprehensive benefit package that the Society provides to employees.

Your benefits include :

considerable Paid Time Off Plan

Paid Holidays

401k Retirement Savings Plan with Society match

Commuter Benefit Plan

Comprehensive Health & Welfare benefits including :

Medical

Dental

Vision

Flex Spending Accounts

Life Insurance

Disability Coverage

Spring Health Membership offering free therapy and professional coaching, as well as additional voluntary benefit offerings.

Not to mention, you will join an incredible mission focused team of people!

As a key leader, the Controller must maintain a broad knowledge of the Society, consistently demonstrating the Society's operating principles and cultural values.

Strategic Leadership (40%)

Financial Strategy & Decision Support : Provide proactive leadership and sound judgment in identifying opportunities, mitigating risks, and making decisions that strengthen financial health and advance the mission. Serve as a key advisor to the CFO and senior leadership.

Governance & Committee Support : Act as the primary financial resource for the NBOD Audit and Finance Committees, preparing reports, presenting findings, and contributing to strategic discussions.

Internal Controls & Risk Management : Design, implement, and monitor a comprehensive internal control framework to safeguard assets and ensure compliance with policies and regulations. Proactively identify, assess, and address risks and opportunities for control enhancements.

Policy Development : Establish and maintain financial policies and procedures, including adoption of new accounting standards and best practices.

Process Optimization : Lead continuous process improvement initiatives, leveraging technology and automation to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and scalability.

Team Leadership & Development : Mentor and coach the accounting team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and professional growth. Implement structured succession planning and talent development strategies. Partner with People & Culture to align workforce planning with long-term organizational goals and foster a culture of growth and retention.

Audit and Tax Compliance (20%)

Oversee annual external audits, ensuring timely and accurate completion

Manage preparation and filing of IRS Form 990 and all state / local tax filings, ensuring full compliance.

Serve as subject matter expert on tax regulations, advising leadership on compliance and risk mitigation.

Treasury Management (20%)

Administer banking, investment, and payment platforms to ensure secure and efficient operations.

Serve as an authorized signatory on all bank accounts, ensuring compliance with Society Signature Authority policy and proper controls.

Monitor liquidity and funding levels to support strategic financial planning and decision-making, providing recommendations to the CFO.

Accounting Operations (20%)

Oversee general ledger, cash and investments, payroll and benefits, grants, lease accounting, accounts payable and net asset classification.

Ensure monthly and quarterly financial statements comply with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.

Analyze variances in salaries, taxes and benefits versus budget and prior year.

Ensure appropriate approval controls are maintained in Workday.

Manage month-end and year-end close processes and ensure timely reporting

Conclude on proper accounting treatment for new donor and purchase agreements.

Provide expertise on complex accounting transactions and donor agreements.

What We're Looking For :

Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field ( REQUIRED ); CPA or equivalent certification strongly preferred.

10+ years of progressive financial management experience in nonprofit or corporate financial leadership.

Expertise in ERP systems (SAP, Oracle Netsuite, Sage, etc.) and emerging financial technologies; proficiency with Workday preferred .

Demonstrated success in treasury management, process improvement and internal control frameworks.

Strong analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Proven ability to exercise initiative and make sound decisions in a complex, fast-paced environment.

Experience supporting board-level committees and working closely with executive leadership.

Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing teams in a dynamic environment

Experience supporting board-level committees and collaborating with executive leadership.

We're committed to supporting the growth of every employee through a structured and transparent approach to career development . We use Talent Portraits to define clear expectations, development opportunities, and advancement paths - whether you're growing as a people leader or deepening your expertise as an individual contributor. Each role is thoughtfully placed within one of these pathways (Leadership or Partner) to help you understand how it fits into our broader organization and your potential career journey.

This position is classified as Leader - Leading Leaders.

Here's a quick rundown of what our hiring process looks like, so you know what's coming :

Step 1 : We'll kick things off with a phone chat to talk about your background and what you're looking for.

Step 2 : Then you'll have a conversation with a recruiter to see how you might fit into the role.

Step 3 : After that, you'll meet the hiring manager and someone from our People & Culture (P&C) team for a deeper dive.

Step 4 : Lastly, you'll join a team culture chat to get a feel for our values (besides, this is a two-way interview, right?)

We want to keep things open and easy, making sure your time is valued every step of the way.

The National MS Society is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We strive to create a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. We need you and your unique talents and perspectives to help us write the last chapter on MS.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS :

We appreciate your consideration of our job opportunities and strive to make it as effortless as possible to apply for our positions. With only a few required sections and the option to use our resume parsing tool, we aim to streamline the application experience, saving you time and effort. Additionally, if you wish to include a cover letter with your application, please feel free to attach it along with your resume , and any other documents required, to the Resume / CV document upload section at the bottom of the My Experience page. We appreciate your interest in joining our team and look forward to receiving your application!

Important : You will not be able to modify your application after you submit it. The "My Experience" page is the only opportunity to add your cover letter and supporting document attachments. If you experience any trouble submitting your materials, please check out our FAQ & Contact Us page.