Controller

Job description

Job Title: Controller
Reports To: Senior Pastor
FLSA: Full Time - Exempt

About the Role
The Controller serves as a trusted steward of the financial resources entrusted to New Life Covenant Church. This role ensures that all financial operations are carried out with integrity, excellence, and accountability, supporting both the day-to-day ministry and the long-term vision of the church. Through strong financial leadership, the Controller helps position the church to serve its congregation and impact the Grand Crossing community with wisdom and sustainability.

Why This Role Matters
At New Life Covenant Church, we believe stewardship is an extension of our faith. Every resource represents an opportunity to serve, uplift, and transform lives. The Controller plays a critical role in ensuring that these resources are managed faithfully, transparently, and in alignment with our mission. This role helps build trust, strengthen operations, and empower leadership to make sound, informed decisions that further the work of ministry.

What You'll Do
Financial Strategy and Leadership:


Develop and implement the NLCS financial strategy, in alignment with the mission and long-term goals of the organization
Provide leadership in financial planning and strategy development, ensuring sustainability and financial growth
Advise the Executive Directors and executive board on financial matters, including opportunities, challenges, and areas of financial risk.
Present financial reports and analysis to the executive team and board of directors, highlighting key financial metrics, ministry costs, funding sources and financial forecasts
Support the organization's growth and scalability by exploring new funding avenues, cost-effective financial strategies, and operational improvements
Financial Reporting and Compliance:
Oversee the preparation of accurate and timely financial reports, including accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports
Ensure compliance with all relevant financial regulations, accounting standards, and reporting requirements for NLCSE
Establish and maintain strong internal controls to safeguard church assets
Ensure compliance with nonprofit accounting standards and all applicable regulations
Coordinate and lead the annual audit process, serving as the primary liaison with external auditors
Oversee tax filings and ensure compliance with non-profit tax laws, including IRS Form 990 and state/local tax regulations
Cash Flow and Risk Management:
Support the development and oversight of the annual budget, including variance analysis
Monitor cash flow and help maintain the financial health of the organization
Partner with ministry leaders to provide clarity, guidance, and support around financial matters
Identify financial risks and implement strategies to mitigate them
Oversee financial systems and controls to ensure the integrity of financial transactions and safeguard assets
Team Leadership and Development:
Lead, mentor, train and develop the finance and membership services team, ensuring professional growth and high performance
Create a culture of transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement in financial operations

What We're Looking For
Education: Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field. CPA, MBA, or other advanced certifications are preferred.
Experience: Minimum of 10 + years


Skills:
Managed operating budgets of $10M + plus
Managed organizations with 50 + plus employees
Non-profit and for-profit experience
Experience with a minimum of 3 direct reports
Financial management experience, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role, preferably within a non-profit or similar mission-driven organization
Expertise in budgeting, financial analysis, and cash flow management
Experience managing financial systems, ERP software, and accounting platforms.
Proven record of accomplishment in managing audits, taxes, and compliance for non-profits
Strong leadership skills with the ability to mentor and guide an accounting/finance team
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders.

What You'll Bring
A servant-hearted leader who values integrity, accountability, and excellence
A strong financial professional who is both detail-oriented and forward-thinking
Someone who can bring clarity to complex financial information for diverse audiences
A proactive builder of systems, processes, and strong internal controls
A collaborative team member who thrives in a mission-driven, faith-based environment
Executive presence: confident, professional, and able to communicate effectively with senior leadership
Comfortability working in and supporting the mission of a faith-based organization
A high level of integrity, discretion, and professionalism
CPA or advanced certification preferred
Experience with CapEx or construction


Where You'll Work
This role is based in the Grand Crossing community of Chicago and operates fully on-site to support the daily financial functions of the church. Occasional evenings or weekends may be required to support key reporting cycles or ministry activities.