About Us

The Sunrise Project is a global network of independent organizations united by a common mission: scaling social movements to drive the global transition beyond fossil fuels. We've developed a unique model that combines strategic grant-making with campaigning, supporting interconnected organizations to create powerful change aligned with our mission.

Sunrise Inc. is a proud member of The Sunrise Project network. Our organizational culture is dynamic and adaptable. We're committed to supporting our team members to thrive as we tackle the urgent challenge of climate change. We believe that a diversity of experiences and perspectives strengthens our strategies, teams, and movements.

Sunrise Inc. takes the broadest possible view of diversity and encourages First Nations people, people of colour, people living outside of cities, people living with disabilities, neurodiverse, and LGBTQIA+ people to apply. We are continually working on becoming a better workplace for everyone. Find out more here.

About The Role

The Financial Controller is responsible for the core accounting operations of the Sunrise Inc, including maintenance of an adequate system of accounting records, a comprehensive set of controls designed to mitigate financial risk, enhancing the accuracy of the organisation’s reported financial results, and ensuring that reported results comply with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). The position is responsible for the stewardship of the general ledger system and safeguarding of Sunrise’s assets.

The role ensures our financial management, forecasting  and compliance controls are effective, transparent and provide the organisation with the insights it needs to make nimble, informed decisions. This role holds a key relationship with the program teams, partnering with them to translate financial data into strategic insights and ensure that financial forecasts are current and accurate.

About You

You’re a qualified accountant and an experienced financial manager with a proven track record of managing the finances of a dynamic and fast-moving organisation. You’re a strategic thinker and enjoy designing and continually improving financial management systems to make sure that decision makers at all levels of the organisation have the financial information they need to plan and implement with confidence. You’re great on the financial details, a structured thinker and a great communicator who can convey complex financial information in simple ways.

You may have worked as a financial manager in an NGO before, or maybe you’ve worked exclusively in the private sector. Either way, you’re passionate about putting your first-rate financial management skills to use to help solve the climate crisis.

Key Responsibilities

• Overall financial management of Sunrise Inc including financial analysis and reporting, forecasting, cash flow, audit and management of external service providers.

• Leads the ongoing forecasting process and continually improves financial planning systems and processes to enable the board and senior managers to plan with clarity and confidence;

• Develops financial reports for the board, senior managers and budget holders in a way that clearly communicates key information in simple ways;

• Develops, implements and maintains financial policies and practices to ensure sound financial management, good governance and compliance with relevant accounting standards;

• Oversees the independent audit and tax reporting for The Sunrise Project Inc;

• Maintains partnering relationships with executive and director level stakeholders across Sunrise Inc;

• Conducts in-depth analysis and recommendations relating to the financial impact for scenarios as identified;

• Ensures compliance and risk management across purchasing and contract fulfillment processes.

• Nurtures a vibrant and inclusive team culture and supports team members to unleash their potential.

• Aligns operational strategies and OKRs with our organisational values and mission.  

Required skills and experience   

• CPA certification or equivalent membership of a professional accounting body;

• Significant experience as a senior level financial management professional in a similar role;

• Proven experience in business partnering, collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive strategic initiatives and achieve organisational goals.

• Ability to communicate complex financial information in simple ways to people who do not have a financial background;

• Keen analytical problem-solving skills to support sound decision making

• A high degree of flexibility with a demonstrated track record of working well in small teams in a fast-paced environment;

• A high degree of emotional intelligence and excellent interpersonal communication skills;

• A passion for action on climate change and a commitment to social justice, equity and inclusion.

Desirable  

• Experience in the financial management of complex granting arrangements in a non-profit.

Job requirements

• You must have full working rights for the United States.  The Sunrise Project is unable to sponsor applicants for employment visas.

• Employment background checks are required.

• Previous employment reference checks will be required for successful applicants

• Intermittent travel may be required.

• Flexibility to adjust work hours to accommodate multiple time zones

How Sunrise supports its staff:

The Sunrise Project Inc. (Sunrise Inc.) is committed to creating a workplace that supports our staff to do their best work and develop professionally. We have the following in place to help us achieve that, noting pro rata will apply for part time staff and/or temporarily appointed-fixed term staff:

• 401(k) & employer match

• 100% employer paid health, vision and dental coverage

• Five weeks of vacation leave

• Paid Parental Leave that is gender-neutral & inclusive of all types of families, incl. Parental Return To Work & Keeping In Touch Program

• Life Leave (up to 40 days p.a. for significant personal reasons)

• Flexible Working Policy

• Floating public holidays (cultural leave)

• Employee Assistance Program

• VIDA - An AI tool to support your health and wellbeing.

• Generous allowances for:

  • Workspace Benefits incl: Macbook & accessories, initial $2,000 for home workspace and IT equipment + $800 every 2 years + up to $75/mth phone/data/internet.

  • Shared office support

• Regular all-org and team meetings & retreats

• Learning & Development Program incl. a professional development budget for you

• Coaching & manager support with regular 1:1 meetings

• Annual performance & development reviews with 360 feedback

• A co-developed work plan to ensure clarity on your role & key responsibilities

• We provide our staff with a voice on issues that concern them via consultation, e.g. JEDI caucuses, working groups, slack channels, surveys and meetings.

How to apply: 

Please complete the application and upload the following in one PDF document titled: “NAME_CONTROLLERApp_DATE”

• updated CV

• letter of interest

If you have questions about the role, please reach out to our recruiting partner at Kin Recruitment: Jamie at Jamie.Edmundson@kin.co.nz