Merit America is hiring a Financial Controller

Merit America is looking for a Financial Controller to ensure the financial integrity and operational excellence of our accounting functions. This mission-critical role leads all accounting operations, ensures accurate and timely financial reporting, and safeguards our assets as we build pathways to the middle class for low-wage workers.

What You'll Do

• Lead the month-end and year-end close processes to ensure timely and accurate financial results.
• Prepare and present accurate and timely financial statements in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Lead the annual external audit and manage the preparation of all required schedules and documentation.
• Oversee all tax and compliance filings, including the preparation of the annual Form 990.
• Develop and manage the financial reporting for grants and restricted funds, ensuring compliance with all funder requirements.
• Lead regular accounting operations including banking, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll review.
• Establish and enforce accounting policies and procedures to ensure operational excellence.
• Drive strategic and scalable improvements to accounting workflows to increase efficiency and accuracy as the organization grows.
• Act as the guardian of the organization's financial assets by designing, implementing, and maintaining a strong internal control framework.
• Optimize and administer the accounting systems, including data governance standards and quality assurance processes.
• Lead a 2-person team of accounting professionals with clear guidance and support to create high staff morale and commitment to the mission.
• Develop the roadmap to ensure the team size and structure supports the organization as it grows.

What We're Looking For

• Significant professional experience in leading teams across the full-set of accounting activities, including month-end close, financial statement preparation, and audit management.
• Demonstrated expertise in non-profit accounting principles (GAAP), including fund accounting and revenue recognition.
• Experience in a high-growth/startup environment where systems and processes require hands-on building and fixing.
• Hands-on experience with modern ERP and accounting operations systems; direct experience with NetSuite is strongly preferred.
• Track record of evaluating and implementing AI practices in accounting operations.
• Strategic communication skills to translate complex accounting topics into clear, actionable information for non-financial stakeholders.
• Proven experience leading an organization’s critical external relationships (e.g., auditors, bankers, advisors).
• Commitment to Merit America’s mission to pave pathways to family-sustaining careers and create upward mobility for low-wage workers.
• Demonstrated history of embodying our values, which inform our work and drive our culture.
• Shared sense of responsibility and ownership for our collective work, true to our value of Win & Lose Together.
• Committed to continuous learning and growth in understanding and addressing issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Passionate about fostering a workplace culture that embraces and values individual differences, aligned with our core value of inclusivity.

Nice to Have

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license.
• Experience managing intercompany, multi-entity accounting.
• Experience partnering closely with an FP&A function to provide accurate data for budgets and forecasts.

Technical Stack

• NetSuite

Team & Environment

This role leads a 2-person team of accounting professionals and reports directly to the CFO, Edgar Ho.

Benefits & Compensation

• Compensation: $202,000
• 4-day work week (Fridays are an operating day if there is a holiday closure during the week).
• Medical, Dental and Vision insurance (100% Paid Employee Only Coverage).
• Flexible Spending Account and Health Savings Account.
• Dependent care Flexible Spending Account.
• Health Reimbursement Account fully funded by Merit.
• Education & personal development reimbursement.
• Catalog of courses for professional learning and development.
• Short and long-term disability.
• Unlimited vacation (after a 90-day introductory period).
• Paid Parental Leave and Adoption benefits (after 1 year of employment).
• 11 federally recognized holidays.
• 1 week office closure in July (week of July 4th).
• 2 week holiday office closure in December/January.
• 401(k) retirement plan with automatic Merit contribution.
• Wellness Benefits/Wellness Resources.
• Discount perks at work program.
• Phone/technology stipend.
• Home office setup stipend.
• Affinity groups and community building via virtual, in-person, and/or regional meetups.

Work Mode

This is a remote position. Candidates must reside within the 50 states or District of Columbia.

Merit America is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any job applicant or employee because of their race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.