Application Guide

How to Apply for Financial Controller

at Street Law, Inc.

๐Ÿข About Street Law, Inc.

Street Law, Inc. is a unique nonprofit that has spent over 50 years empowering young people with knowledge about law and government, fostering civic participation. Working here means contributing to a mission that directly impacts communities across the U.S. and globally, with a team that values education and social change.

About This Role

As Financial Controller, you will be the steward of Street Law's financial health, overseeing everything from daily accounting to grant compliance and audit coordination. Your work ensures that resources are managed efficiently to support their educational programs, making you a critical partner in advancing their mission.

๐Ÿ’ก A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with reviewing cash flow and reconciling accounts, then meeting with program managers to discuss grant spending. Afternoon could involve preparing a budget variance report for the CFO or working with the audit team on year-end schedules, all while ensuring compliance with funder requirements.

๐ŸŽฏ Who Street Law, Inc. Is Looking For

  • A seasoned nonprofit financial leader with 8+ years of progressive experience, including managing government grants and fund accounting.
  • CPA or MBA preferred, with deep knowledge of GAAP, nonprofit fund accounting, and internal controls.
  • Proficient in QuickBooks and Excel, with a track record of coordinating audits and preparing Form 990.
  • A strategic thinker who can lead budgeting and forecasting while ensuring compliance with grant restrictions and donor requirements.

๐Ÿ“ Tips for Applying to Street Law, Inc.

1

Highlight specific experience with government grants (e.g., federal, state, or local) and how you ensured compliance with OMB Uniform Guidance.

2

Quantify your impact in previous roles, such as 'Managed $X million in grant portfolios' or 'Reduced audit findings by Y%.'

3

Tailor your resume to emphasize nonprofit fund accounting, not just general accounting; avoid generic corporate finance terms.

4

Mention any experience with QuickBooks Nonprofit Edition or similar software, and include examples of financial reports you've prepared for funders.

5

In your cover letter, explicitly connect your skills to Street Law's mission of civic educationโ€”show that you understand their work, not just the financial tasks.

โœ‰๏ธ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your passion for nonprofit missions, specifically education and civic engagement, and how your financial expertise supports that.', 'Proven track record with government grants and fund accounting, including examples of successful audits and compliance.', 'Your ability to translate financial data into strategic insights for budgeting and forecasting, aiding program growth.', "Experience working with boards or finance committees, as this role supports the Board's Finance Committee."]

Generate Cover Letter โ†’

๐Ÿ” Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • โ†’ Review Street Law's website and recent annual reports to understand their programs, funding sources, and financial scale.
  • โ†’ Look at their Form 990 (available on Guidestar or their site) to see past financials, revenue streams, and grantor mix.
  • โ†’ Read about their current initiatives, like programs for underserved communities, to align your financial strategy with their goals.
  • โ†’ Check news or press releases for any recent grants or partnerships that might affect financial priorities.
Visit Street Law, Inc.'s Website โ†’

๐Ÿ’ฌ Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk me through your experience with grant accounting, including how you track restricted vs. unrestricted funds.
2 Describe a time you managed a complex audit or resolved a compliance issue with a government grant.
3 How do you approach budgeting for a nonprofit with multiple funding sources? Provide an example.
4 What internal controls would you implement to safeguard Street Law's assets and ensure accurate reporting?
5 Tell us about your experience using QuickBooks for nonprofit accounting; what reports do you rely on most?
Practice Interview Questions โ†’

โš ๏ธ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't mention Street Law's mission or specific programsโ€”this shows lack of interest.
  • Overlooking the importance of government grant experience; if you lack it, don't exaggerate, but highlight related compliance work.
  • Failing to demonstrate proficiency in QuickBooksโ€”be prepared to discuss specific features or challenges you've handled.

๐Ÿ“… 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:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

โœ“

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Street Law, Inc.!