Financial Controller

Title: Financial Controller

Location: Portland, Oregon

Reports to: VP of Finance & Administration

FLSA Status: Exempt

The Organization:
Wild Salmon Center works to protect some of the most beautiful and productive rivers left on the
planet. These “salmon strongholds” are home not only to the king of fish but grizzly bears, bald
eagles, orcas, and more than 130 other species that depend on wild salmon. These rivers also
support thriving coastal communities and Indigenous cultures. If you are called home to these kinds
of wild places and live to protect them, then WSC is the organization for you. The organization also
features excellent benefits competitive with major international conservation organizations and
offers room for professional growth.

Position Summary:
The Financial Controller is a key leadership role responsible for the day-to-day operations of the
accounting department and the integrity of the organization’s financial reporting. Through the
leadership of the VP of Finance and Administration, the Controller will manage all accounting
functions, including the general ledger, financial statement preparation, payroll, accounts payable
and receivable, and grants management. This role will focus on ensuring GAAP compliant financial
statements and audit readiness; designing, implementing, and enforcing internal controls; and
safeguarding the organization and assets.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Financial Reporting and General Ledger Management

Manage and oversee all accounting operations, including Accounts Receivable, Accounts
Payable, Payroll, Expense Reporting, General Ledger, Fixed Assets, and Revenue
Recognition.
Own the month-end and year-end close process, including journal entries, reconciliations,
and financial statement preparation in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting
Principles (GAAP) and specific non-profit reporting standards.

Internal Controls and Compliance

Design and enforce a strong system of internal controls and policies to maintain clear
Separation of Duties (SoD) across authorization, recordkeeping, and custody of assets to
mitigate the risk of fraud and error.
Document, implement, and maintain accounting policies and procedures to ensure
adherence to organizational and regulatory requirements.
Coordinate the provision of information to external auditors for the annual audit and 990
preparation.
Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal reporting requirements and tax filings.
Budgeting, Planning, and Analysis Support
Support the VP of Finance and Administration in the annual budgeting and planning
process.
Analyze financial data and prepare forecasts and variance analysis reports.
Provide financial analysis and guidance to program managers and senior leadership on
financial trends, risks, and opportunities.
Assist in foundation and government grant reporting, ensuring all reporting requirements
are met accurately and on time.

Staff Management and Development

Manage and mentor accounting staff.
Delegate responsibilities while ensuring all tasks are performed correctly and controls are
maintained.
Implement and manage a cross-training program for key accounting functions to ensure
continuity of operations and reduce single points of failure.
Conduct performance reviews and support professional development for direct reports.

Qualifications:

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting required. Applicants with CPA are highly preferred.

Experience

Minimum of 7-10 years of progressively responsible experience in accounting.
Minimum of 3 years of experience in a Controller role within a non-profit with an annual
budget of $10M+).
Proven ability to perform full-cycle accounting for a complex non-profit.
Able to spot a reconciliation error from a mile away and takes pride in “audit ready” books
every single month.

Knowledge & Skills

Thorough knowledge of accounting principles and procedures (GAAP). Deep hands-on non-
profit accounting experience is a must.
Proficiency with accounting software (e.g., Blackbaud Financial Edge, Concur, Paychex, and
Questica experience are a plus) and intermediate to advanced skills in Microsoft Excel
(pivot tables, VLOOKUP, etc.). Experience with Google Workspace is helpful.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex
financial information clearly to non-financial stakeholders.
Strong leadership and organizational skills.

Commitment to Mission

A passion for and commitment to Wild Salmon Center’s mission of protecting and restoring
wild salmon and their ecosystems.

Compensation:
The pay range for this full-time position is $110,000 – $125,000; commensurate with experience.

Additionally, a comprehensive benefits package, designed to help our employees stay healthy and
plan for their financial future, includes:

100% employer-paid Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance (includes employee/spouse,
employee/dependent(s), as well as a partial premium for full family coverage)
Short- and Long-term Disability Insurance
Life Insurance
401(k) plan that matches at 125% for the first 6% of salary contributed (after 6 months)
Four weeks of vacation (to start), two weeks of sick and 10+ paid holidays
Flexible Spending Account (health and dependent care)
Health Reimbursement Agreement
Support for continuing education
Cell phone allowance & monthly stipend
Flexible hybrid work schedule
Outstanding work culture, including regular opportunities to visit and connect with salmon
rivers.

To Apply

Submit resume to careers@wildsalmoncenter.org and include “Financial Controller” in the subject line. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Wild Salmon Center is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. We will gladly provide reasonable accommodation to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing an application or participating in this recruitment process. Please reach out to our HR Manager at eellis@wildsalmoncenter.org in advance to request assistance.