Controller

Job Description

Job Description

eliminating racism
empowering women
YWCA Lancaster

YWCA Lancaster is seeking a hands-on, experienced Controller to lead day-to-day accounting and financial operations while partnering closely with leadership to ensure strong financial stewardship.

The Controller oversees accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, treasury, compliance, and audit coordination. This role also supports process improvement and incremental technology enhancements. It is an operational finance leadership position—ideal for an experienced nonprofit accounting professional who wants ownership of core financial functions. The Controller reports directly to the Chief Financial Officer and supervises both internal and external accounting resources.

This is an exciting growth opportunity to join a progressive organization with a strong mission, collaborative culture and meaningful community impact.

What your day looks like:

Financial Operations & Reporting

• Direct all accounting activities, including month-end closing, reconciliations, and preparation of financial statements (balance sheet, income statement, cash flow).
• Ensure timely, accurate, and GAAP-compliant financial reporting.
• Prepare financial reports and schedules for leadership and the Board Finance Committee.
• Monitor cash flow, liquidity, and treasury functions and provide regular updates to leadership.
• Review accounts receivable and accounts payable aging and follow up on long-outstanding items.
• Maintain accurate grant and contract records, including review of grant budgets for accuracy.

Budgeting & Resource Management

• Support the annual operating, capital, reserve, and trust fund budgeting processes.
• Assist with the development and presentation of the annual agency budget.
• Track budget-to-actual performance and prepare variance analyses.
• Assist with grant and contract proposal budgets and post-award financial tracking.

Risk Management, Compliance & Audit Support

• Maintain internal controls and financial procedures to safeguard organizational assets.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations, as well as grant and contract requirements.
• Serve as the primary internal coordinator for annual audits and tax filings, working closely with external auditors and accountants.

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Supervise internal accounting staff and coordinate work with external accounting vendors.
• Provide guidance, oversight, and development support to ensure consistent accounting practices.
• Collaborate with program, development, and operations teams to support accurate financial reporting and grant compliance.
• Attend finance committee and board meetings as needed.

Systems, Innovation & Process Improvement

• Maintain and effectively use financial systems, including QuickBooks Online and grant tracking tools.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and efficiencies.
• Partner with leadership and consultants on system enhancements and digital transformation initiatives as appropriate.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Who you are:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field required, master’s degree or CPA a plus.
• Minimum 5 years of progressive accounting or finance experience, preferably within a nonprofit or mission-driven organization.

• Strong knowledge of nonprofit accounting, lending environments, and grant compliance.

• Experience supporting audits and working with external auditors.
• Strong knowledge of nonprofit accounting, lending environments, and grant compliance.
• Proficiency in QuickBooks Online, Microsoft Excel, and financial reporting tools.
• Experience with government grant reporting systems (Egrants, etc.) a plus.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to clearly communicate financial information to non-financial stakeholders.
• Desire and ability to embody the YWCA’s mission of eliminating racism and empowering women.

• Participate in at least one mission related activity a year.

Who we are:

YWCA Lancaster is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. Everything we do is based on the belief that all women and families have the right to be safe and choose the direction of their lives. Since 1889 , we have served children and adults in the community through a variety of programs. Current offerings include the Racial Equity Institute, Dorothy Height Book Club and Lunch & Learns on current topics; Kepler Hall residence, home to fifty women, men and children; Child Enrichment Center providing child enrichment for ages six weeks to five years and before/after school care in a number of settings; Sexual Assault Prevention and Counseling Center with a 24 hour hotline and no-cost professional counseling for survivors of sexual assault and their loved ones. Our programs address the fact that far too many individuals experience violence, and lack economic security, and these issues disproportionately impact women and people of color. If we want to empower all women, we must also tackle racism. When all women and families can reach their full potential, our communities thrive.

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, Vision after 30 days of employment
• Retirement plan with employee match
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 403b plan
• Aflac Supplemental Insurance plans available
• Life Insurance
• Long/Short Term Disability
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • 15 days (1st year), paid holidays, 1 floating holiday
• Training and Development Opportunities
• Participation in YWCA activities and seminars
• Childcare at a discounted rate
  • First child-no cost childcare in our four-star rated program
• Parental leave
• 20% tuition discount at Widener University (including graduate and continuing studies-bachelor’s completion)

We are always looking for talented individuals to join our team. As a progressive company with strong core values, we offer a professional working environment and a competitive benefits package as well as the opportunity for personal and professional growth.

Equal Opportunity Employer

YWCA is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship.