What's Happening?
Plan International USA, an independent development and humanitarian nonprofit, is actively seeking a Controller (Finance, Compliance & Systems). This role is crucial for leading the organization's accounting function and advancing its financial systems,
compliance, and reporting capabilities. The Controller will be responsible for traditional financial duties such as financial close, audit management, payroll oversight, and maintaining internal controls. Additionally, the position involves leadership over key finance systems, including Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central (GL), Power BI, and Ramp (AP/expense management). The individual will play a critical role in ensuring audit readiness, federal compliance, including Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA), and robust financial stewardship. This strategic hire aims to modernize reporting and data capabilities to support enterprise decision-making within the organization, which works to transform lives in over 80 countries by advancing children's rights and equality for girls.
Why It's Important?
This hiring initiative by Plan International USA is significant as it underscores the growing complexity and importance of financial governance and technological integration within large non-profit organizations. By seeking a Controller with expertise in both traditional accounting and modern financial systems, Plan International USA is positioning itself to enhance transparency, efficiency, and accountability in its operations. Strong financial stewardship and compliance are vital for non-profits, as they directly impact donor confidence, grant eligibility, and the ability to effectively deliver humanitarian and development programs. The focus on federal compliance, including NICRA, highlights the organization's commitment to adhering to stringent government regulations, which is essential for securing and managing federal funding. Modernizing reporting and data capabilities through systems like Power BI will enable more informed decision-making, ultimately improving the organization's capacity to address the root causes of challenges children face globally, particularly focusing on girls' experiences.
What's Next?
The recruitment process for the Controller position is currently underway, with Plan International USA actively seeking qualified candidates. Once appointed, the new Controller will immediately assume responsibilities for overseeing monthly and year-end close processes, leading annual financial statement audits, and ensuring adherence to federal grant compliance requirements. A key immediate task will be to lead the development, submission, and monitoring of the organization's Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA). The Controller will also be instrumental in driving continuous improvement of finance systems and integrations, partnering with IT and external vendors on system enhancements. Furthermore, the individual will be expected to develop and maintain Power BI dashboards to deliver timely and accurate financial reporting to leadership, ensuring data governance and reporting consistency across the finance department. This strategic hire is expected to strengthen the organization's financial infrastructure and operational effectiveness.
Beyond the Headlines
The emphasis on advanced financial systems and data analytics, such as Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central and Power BI, reflects a broader trend within the non-profit sector towards greater operational sophistication and data-driven decision-making. This move goes beyond mere compliance, indicating a strategic shift towards leveraging technology to maximize impact and resource allocation. For an organization like Plan International USA, which operates in over 80 countries, robust financial systems are not just about managing funds but also about ensuring ethical stewardship and accountability across diverse international contexts. The role's focus on safeguarding children and promoting equality, particularly for girls, is intrinsically linked to the effective and transparent management of financial resources. By strengthening its financial backbone, Plan International USA aims to enhance its capacity to advocate for children's rights and address systemic inequalities, thereby reinforcing its mission with greater efficiency and measurable outcomes.
