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Job · New York, NY · Full time

Controller

Council on Foreign Relations · International, Foreign Affairs & National Security · $99.1M budget · 380 staff · Since 1921

Why Council on Foreign Relations

FY2024 · Form 990Its mission and biggest programs, as filed

Analyzes critical foreign policy issues and provides non-partisan digital resources to help members and the public better understand global affairs.

  • The david rockefeller studies program: cfr's think tank analyzes pressing global challenges and offers actionable steps that policymakers and citizens can take to address them. The more than seventy full-time and adjunct fellows in studies cover all the world's major…$35.4M spent in FY2024
  • For over 100 years, Foreign affairs has been the leading forum for serious discussion of american Foreign policy and global affairs. IT is now a multiplatform media organization with a print magazine, a website, a mobile site, a podcast, apps…$13.7M spent in FY2024
  • Product, design, and engineering (pde) designs, develops, and maintains products that serve the council's mission to impart a better understanding of the world among its members and other interested citizens. We collaborate with departments across the Council to set and…$12M spent in FY2024

Before you apply

FY2024 · Form 990Independent: from IRS data, not the org
Peers pay
$129K–$192K
$10M+ orgs, New York
Fine: from the org's Form 990.
Pt VII · Sec A
Pays its leaders
$360K–$1.4M
12 officers reported
Fine: from the org's Form 990.
Pt VII · Sec A
Budget
$104.2M
spent in FY2024
Fine: from the org's Form 990.
Pt I · Ln 18
Staff
380
employees
Fine: from the org's Form 990.
Pt I · Ln 5–6
Spent on programs
74%
of spending
Fine: 74% of spending went to programs; 65% to 75%.
Pt IX · Ln 25 · col B
Surplus or deficit
−5%
of revenue, FY2024
Concern: revenue was below expenses in the latest filing.
Pt I · Ln 19
Cash reserves
87 mo
of spending, in cash and securities
Looks good: 86.9 months of spending in cash; 3 or more.
Pt X · Ln 1–2 · Pt I · Ln 18
Latest return
FY2024
latest Form 990
Looks good: the latest return is for FY2024, 2 tax years back; within 2 tax years.
IRS e-file
IRS status
501(c)(3)
tax-exempt since 1927
Looks good: listed by the IRS.
IRS BMF
Looks goodFineWorth a lookConcernTap a box for the reason.

About the role

The org's own posting, as written

Position Summary

The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) is seeking a Controller who will provide strategic and operational leadership over CFR’s accounting, payroll, and accounts receivable/payable functions, ensuring the integrity, accuracy, and compliance of the organization’s financial records and reporting. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Controller leads the financial close and reporting cycle, maintains a strong internal control environment, and oversees accounting treatment for grants, cost allocations, and investments. This role combines technical accounting expertise with people leadership and process improvement responsibilities.

The Controller manages and develops a high-performing accounting organization while partnering closely with FP&A, programs, development, and external auditors to support CFR’s mission, growth objectives, and financial stewardship. This full-time position is based in CFR’s New York City office four days per week. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays are institutional anchor days where all staff are required to be onsite. Essential Functions/Responsibilities Lead, mentor, and develop teams across Accounting, Payroll, and Accounts Receivable/Payable, fostering accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Oversee the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close and reporting cycles, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with applicable accounting standards. Establish, maintain, and enhance accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls to mitigate financial and operational risk. Ensure accurate recording and reporting of all grant activity, cost allocations, and indirect cost methodologies in alignment with funder requirements and organizational policies. Oversee accounts receivable and accounts payable processes, including revenue recognition, release of restricted funds, segregation of duties, and compliance with CFR policies (e.g., expense policies).

Supervise payroll operations, including timekeeping, deductions, benefits-related accounting, and related audits, ensuring accuracy and regulatory compliance. Partner closely with the FP&A Director to ensure strong alignment between accounting actuals, cost allocations, IDC methodologies, analytics, and strategic financing activities. Lead the annual external audit process and oversee preparation of required financial statements, 990, compliance filings, and regulatory reports. Oversee cash and investment accounting and reporting, including review of cash activity, investment transactions, and related financial insights.

Champion automation and process improvements across accounting, payroll, and AR/AP systems to improve efficiency, timeliness, and data integrity. Perform any other duties or tasks as assigned or required.

Minimum Qualifications

Education Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required. Master’s degree preferred. CPA or equivalent professional certification strongly preferred…

Read the full posting

About Council on Foreign Relations

From its Form 990

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