About NatureServe

For 50 years, NatureServe has been the authoritative source for biodiversity data throughout North America. With an international network of over 60 Natural Heritage Programs and Conservation Data Centers across the United States and Canada (“the Network”), NatureServe is the leading source of information on rare and endangered species and the ecosystems on which North American species depend. To protect threatened biodiversity, NatureServe works with over 1,000 conservation scientists to collect, aggregate, and standardize biodiversity statistics, providing comprehensive data to the public for strategic conservation efforts. NatureServe and its network programs develop and manage the most comprehensive data for over 100,000 species and ecosystems, answering fundamental questions about what the critical elements of biodiversity are, where they are found, and how they are doing.

About the role

NatureServe is seeking a skilled and strategic Controller to lead day-to-day accounting operations, provide critical financial oversight, and support the organization’s budgeting and audit cycles. This role is a key partner in ensuring the integrity of NatureServe’s financial systems and will play an essential role in shaping and improving the organization’s accounting infrastructure, particularly as we assess systems for tracking network credits and allocations.

Reporting to the Director of Finance, the ideal candidate brings deep accounting expertise, hands-on operational skill, and a passion for using financial systems to support mission-driven work.

What you'll do

The key responsibilities for the Controller position include, but are not limited to:

1. Lead full-cycle account reconciliations and ensure accurate, timely financial reporting.
2. Oversee the daily operations of the accounting function, including general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and project accounting.
3. Collaborate with finance leadership on annual budgeting and audit cycles, contributing to long-term financial planning and strategy.
4. Support and improve project-level accounting systems, including revenue recognition and financial performance tracking.
5. Partner with internal stakeholders to evaluate and implement accounting solutions that support organizational goals, including potential tools for network credit tracking and allocation.
6. Manage, mentor, and develop accounting staff, fostering a collaborative and accountable team environment.
7. Ensure compliance with all regulatory, GAAP, and internal policy standards.

Qualifications

Required Skills & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant accounting experience, including at least 2 years in a supervisory role.
• Experience with nonprofit accounting, project-based financial management, and audit support.
• Strong proficiency in accounting software and Excel.
• Ability to operate effectively in a remote, fast-paced, and mission-driven environment.

Preferred Certifications, Training, or Education:

• CPA or equivalent certification.
• Familiarity with grant and fund accounting.
• Experience with Deltek or similar systems.
• Prior work experience in a similarly sized nonprofit or a hybrid of nonprofit and for-profit roles.

Technical Skills:

• Familiarity with Deltek or similar accounting systems.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and other financial management tools.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.

• Remote: 100%
• Travel Required: None
• Physical Requirements: Sitting, standing, typing/computer use, repetitive motion

Benefits

NatureServe offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, including: Health care coverage; Flexible spending accounts (FSAs); 401(k) plan with a 6% employer match; Parental leave; Accrued sick and vacation time; Floating holidays; Life insurance and disability coverage; Employee assistance program (EAP); Additional benefits to support life and workplace well-being.