Application Guide
How to Apply for Controller (Part-Time)
at Juvenile Law Center
🏢 About Juvenile Law Center
Juvenile Law Center is a pioneering nonprofit that fights for the rights, dignity, and equity of youth, working to reduce the harm of child welfare and justice systems and ultimately abolish them. Their commitment to equity extends internally, actively recruiting from communities most impacted by their work and fostering an inclusive environment. This is a chance to contribute to a mission-driven organization that values diverse perspectives and is dedicated to transformative change.
About This Role
As the Part-Time Controller, you will lead the month-end close process, ensuring timely and accurate financial reports that comply with accounting standards and regulations. You'll partner with the Director of Operations to provide financial insights and identify process improvements, directly supporting the organization's financial health and long-term sustainability. This remote, contract role allows you to apply your expertise to a cause that impacts young people's lives.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve reviewing transactions and preparing journal entries for the month-end close, reconciling accounts, and drafting financial statements. You might also meet virtually with the Director of Operations to discuss budget variances or brainstorm process improvements, and respond to emails from staff regarding financial questions. Since it's part-time, you'll prioritize tasks to fit your schedule, ensuring deadlines are met.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Juvenile Law Center Is Looking For
- Experienced in nonprofit accounting, with a strong understanding of fund accounting, grant reporting, and compliance (e.g., OMB Uniform Guidance).
- Adept at leading month-end close processes and producing accurate financial statements in a timely manner.
- Proactive in identifying process improvements and providing strategic financial insights to leadership.
- Excellent communicator who can partner effectively with a remote team and articulate financial information to non-financial staff.
📝 Tips for Applying to Juvenile Law Center
Highlight your experience with nonprofit accounting and fund accounting, specifically any work with organizations focused on social justice or child welfare.
Quantify your achievements in previous controller roles, such as reducing close time or improving financial reporting accuracy.
Demonstrate your ability to work independently in a remote, contract capacity, with examples of managing multiple deadlines.
Mention any experience with accounting software commonly used by nonprofits (e.g., QuickBooks Online, Sage Intacct, or similar).
Align your application with Juvenile Law Center's mission and values, showing genuine passion for youth rights and equity.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Express your commitment to Juvenile Law Center's mission and how your financial expertise can support their advocacy work.", 'Detail your relevant nonprofit accounting experience, particularly with month-end close and financial reporting.', 'Mention your ability to partner with leadership to provide financial insights and drive process improvements.', 'Highlight your adaptability and self-motivation for a remote, part-time contract role.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Explore Juvenile Law Center's website, particularly their mission, programs, and recent advocacy efforts.
- → Review their annual reports or financial statements to understand their funding sources and financial structure.
- → Read about their commitment to equity and inclusion, and how it shapes their work and culture.
- → Familiarize yourself with any recent news or publications from the organization to understand current priorities.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't submit a generic cover letter that doesn't mention the organization's mission or your specific alignment with it.
- Avoid focusing solely on your technical accounting skills without demonstrating an understanding of nonprofit finance nuances.
- Don't overlook the part-time, contract nature of the role; ensure your availability and expectations align with this arrangement.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Juvenile Law Center!