Controller

About SEPA

The Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to accelerating the transformation of the electric power system to deliver clean, affordable, and resilient energy for all. Operating at the intersection of technology, policy, and programs, SEPA convenes, educates, and collaborates with a diverse community of utilities, regulators, policymakers, technology providers, and advocates to address the most pressing challenges in the clean energy transition.

Through its thought leadership, convenings, and trusted analysis, SEPA helps its members navigate change and implement solutions that advance the energy system of the future. Guided by its 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, SEPA’s work focuses on three core priorities:

• Grid – Strengthening and modernizing the distribution grid to make it more flexible, resilient, and equitable.

• Growth – Enabling utilities and partners to meet rising demand cleanly, efficiently, and affordably.

• Globe – Sharing best practices and innovations from across the nation and around the world to accelerate progress.

With more than 1,000 member organizations, SEPA serves as a neutral, collaborative platform that drives progress through education, connection, and shared action—helping the energy industry realize a future that works for everyone.

Position Summary

The Controller is the technical and operational backbone of SEPA’s financial infrastructure. Reporting to the Sr. Director, Finance and Accounting, this role ensures the accuracy, integrity, and compliance of all accounting operations across SEPA and Public Utilities Fortnightly. The Controller owns the accounting engine: managing the month-end close, driving GAAP compliance, maintaining rigorous internal controls, and stewarding the integration between Sage Intacct and Salesforce/Fonteva.

Beyond technical excellence, the Controller serves as a strategic partner to the Sr. Director and the broader finance team, providing accurate financial reporting, supporting budget owners, and functioning as an early warning system for the organization’s financial health. This role is ideal for a detail-oriented accounting professional who combines deep technical knowledge with a genuine commitment to mission-driven work.

Financial Operations and Internal Controls

• Full-Cycle Accounting: Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, and the general ledger for both organizations, ensuring 100% compliance with GAAP and all applicable regulatory requirements.

• Month-End Close: Lead the monthly close process with precision and timeliness, producing accurate and complete financial data for internal and external reporting.

• Audit and Tax Management: Lead the preparation and execution of the annual audit process and all tax activities, including Form 990 preparation and state and federal filings.

• Internal Controls: Design, maintain, and continuously strengthen internal control systems to safeguard organizational assets, revenue streams, and program budgets.

• Cash Flow and Financial Reporting: Manage organizational cash flow forecasting and produce timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements for the Board, Finance and Audit Committee, and Executive Team.

Grant and Contract Management

• Compliance and Reporting: Ensure rigorous adherence to all federal and private grant requirements, including financial reporting, allowable cost determinations, and compliance documentation.

• Grant Budgeting: Collaborate with program staff and budget owners across the organization to translate project needs into compliant, accurate grant budgets and track performance against those budgets.

• Indirect Cost Analysis: Model and communicate the financial implications of new projects, contracts, and business models on organizational resource requirements.

Systems and Process Innovation 

• Sage Intacct Administration: Serve as the primary steward of SEPA’s accounting software, managing the chart of accounts, refining automated processes, and ensuring system integrity.

• Salesforce Integration: Partner with colleagues in Technology and Finance to monitor data accuracy and optimize the integration between Salesforce/Fonteva and Sage Intacct, reducing manual processes and improving reporting reliability.

• Continuous Improvement: Identify and implement accounting procedures and operational solutions that increase accuracy, efficiency, and internal capacity across the finance function.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance required; CPA designation preferred.

• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible accounting experience, with at least three years in a management or accounting operations leadership role.

• Proven experience in a nonprofit or association environment with multiple business models, including consulting, membership, and grant funding.

• Extensive experience with federal and private grant accounting, compliance, and financial reporting strongly preferred.

• Direct experience with Sage Intacct accounting software preferred.

• Familiarity with Salesforce/Fonteva or comparable AMS systems preferred.

• Experience managing annual audit preparation and coordinating with external auditors.

Key Attributes

• Skilled Project Manager: You demonstrate grace under pressure, manage competing priorities with composure, and consistently deliver high-quality work on time. You create and honor processes that uphold rigorous standards.

• Process-Oriented Systems Thinker: You connect financial dots across departments and functions. You understand how accounting decisions ripple through the organization and design processes that are both rigorous and efficient.

• Collaborative Communicator: You translate complex accounting concepts into accessible language for colleagues with varying levels of financial fluency. You build consensus, lower barriers, and approach cross-functional work as a genuine partner.

• Technically Excellent: You are deeply fluent in GAAP, nonprofit accounting standards, and grant compliance. Accuracy is non-negotiable for you, and you take personal ownership of the quality and integrity of your work.

• Careful Financial Steward: You understand that your work is foundational to the organization’s mission. You bring equal commitment to technical precision and long-term sustainability, knowing that sound accounting is how a mission-driven organization earns trust and endures.

Our Culture 

At SEPA, culture isn’t something we declare—it’s something we live. We are building a Culture for Everyone: a workplace where people from all backgrounds can thrive, grow, and contribute to a mission that matters. SEPA prioritizes diversity within its workforce and across the energy industry. We recognize that a diverse and inclusive workforce drives innovation, creativity, and better decision-making. SEPA aims to create a welcoming and equitable environment for all individuals, regardless of their background, race, gender, age, sexual orientation, or ability.

ADA Requirements and Disclaimer

This position description generally indicates the nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, abilities and other essential functions as covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act expected of an incumbent. This role requires the ability to use standard office equipment and learn new software applications as necessary. This is a largely sedentary role; however, some traveling may be required. This position description is not designed to cover a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of an incumbent.  An incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.