RWDSU
Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union
Assistant Controller
Based in New York, NY
Position Title: Assistant Controller
Reports To: Controller
Secondary Reporting: Director of Operations (as needed)
Classification: Exempt – Confidential Position
Location: New York, New York, (On-Site)
Salary Range: $95,000 – $115,000
About RWDSU
The Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU) is an national labor union representing workers across a wide range of industries, advocating for dignity, fairness, and equity in the workplace. We are committed to advancing the rights of working people through organizing, bargaining, and effective labor-management partnerships.
Position Summary
The Assistant Controller is a full-time exempt position responsible for supporting the Controller in overseeing the financial operations of RWDSU and its affiliated entities. The role includes assisting with payroll, financial reporting, budgeting support, and compliance with accounting principles and union-related financial regulations. This position plays a critical role in maintaining the union's financial integrity and will be cross trained to serve as a backup to the Controller and provide occasional support to the Director of Operations.
The annual salary range for this position is $95,000 – $115,000, commensurate with experience. Employer-covered Family Health Plan, including Dental and Vision, and Retirement Plan.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist in processing payroll for staff, ensuring compliance with tax laws, union policies, and benefit plans.
- Oversee and maintain employee benefit records including a defined contribution retirement plan.
- Oversee and occasionally perform general bookkeeping duties including accounts payable and receivable for multiple entities.
- Support monthly and year-end closing processes, including preparation of journal entries and financial statements.
- Prepare and maintain balance sheet reconciliations, including bank reconciliations, inter-fund accounts, and investment schedules.
- Assist in tasks that involve working with affiliated local unions and field representatives.
- Assist in meeting Campaign Finance Reporting deadlines.
- Assist in the preparation and submission of annual LM-2 reports and ensure compliance with the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act (LMRDA).
Audit & Compliance
- Assist with internal and external audits, including pension audits and financial statement audits.
- Ensure internal control systems are maintained to safeguard financial and confidential information.
Budget & Planning
- Support Controller in the preparation and tracking of the annual operating budget for RWDSU and its affiliates.
Cross-Functional Support
- Serve as a resource for the Director of Operations and other senior staff for finance-related questions.
- Cross-train with accounting and operation team members; serve as acting lead in the Controller’s absence.
- Participate in systems implementation projects (e.g., new accounting software, payroll integrations).
- Perform other financial and administrative duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance required.
- 3+ years of progressive accounting experience, including at least 1 year in a management or supervisory role preferred.
- Experience in non-profit or labor union environments strongly preferred.
- Experience working with multi-entity accounting systems (e.g., Sage Intacct, QuickBooks, NetSuite) preferred.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and accounting/reporting tools.
- Knowledge of labor union financial regulations (e.g., LM-2 reporting) is a plus.
- Demonstrated ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion.
Work Environment
- Standard office environment with occasional evening work, particularly during budget season or audits.
- May require occasional travel to union conferences or off-site meetings.
To Apply
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with a position start date of August 11, 2025. To apply, email your résumé and cover letter detailing your experience and interest in the role to: apatel@rwdsu.org.
RWDSU is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
WHEN APPLYING: Be sure to indicate that you saw this information at UNIONJOBS.COM.