Controller (Nonprofit Organization)

Job Description: Controller (Nonprofit Organization)

Position Overview

The Controller plays a key leadership role in supporting the financial strength and mission of the organization through accurate accounting, effective internal controls, and timely financial reporting. This position manages complex accounting functions—including fund accounting, endowment reporting, revenue and expense tracking, payroll oversight, and compliance support—and provides guidance to accounting staff.

The ideal candidate brings strong technical expertise, sound judgment, and a collaborative spirit suitable for a mission‑driven nonprofit environment.

Key Responsibilities

Accounts Receivable (A/R) & Revenue Management

• Oversee the generation and review of A/R aging reports.
• Ensure timely and accurate posting of payments to donor, customer, grant, and program revenue accounts.
• Prepare and issue invoices for grants, contracts, programs, and other receivables.
• Perform and/or supervise collections follow‑up to ensure healthy cash flow.

Accounts Payable (A/P)

• Review and monitor A/P aging reports.
• Oversee the entry and coding of vendor bills to ensure alignment with program, grant, and fund restrictions.
• Process or approve check runs and electronic payments in accordance with internal control policies.

General Accounting & Fund Activity

• Prepare and review journal entries with appropriate documentation.
• Lead month‑end close activities to ensure accuracy and timeliness.
• Compile and analyze financial information to support general ledger integrity.
• Prepare monthly financial statements, including Statement of Activities, Statement of Financial Position, and related schedules.
• Investigate and resolve accounting discrepancies and complex reconciliation issues.
• Perform and oversee bank reconciliations.
• Prepare and reconcile endowment activity and reporting, ensuring compliance with donor restrictions.
• Conduct inter‑agency or inter‑fund reconciliations.
• Manage and reconcile SKIP activities (system, fund, program, or other designated process).

Payroll & Personnel Cost Accounting

• Prepare and oversee payroll processing, ensuring accurate cost allocations to grants and programs.
• Manage payroll entries from self‑service systems and maintain complete payroll records.
• Ensure compliance with payroll policies and support reporting for grants or restricted funding.

Internal Controls, Compliance & Audit Support

• Supervise staff responsible for cash collections and ensure adherence to nonprofit cash‑handling and deposit procedures.
• Serve as a key contact for internal and external auditors.
• Assist with preparation of audit schedules, supporting documentation, and year‑end entries.
• Support preparation of materials for the annual Form 990.

Other Responsibilities

• Provide financial data for grant reports, donor reporting, and board presentations.
• Support process improvements aimed at strengthening transparency and financial stewardship.
• Provide guidance or training to junior accounting staff as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required; CPA or progress toward CPA preferred.
• 5+ years of accounting experience, with nonprofit and fund accounting experience strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards.
• Proficiency with accounting software; experience with nonprofit systems such as MIP, Blackbaud, or QuickBooks Nonprofit is a plus.
• Advanced Excel skills and strong analytical abilities.
• Excellent attention to detail, accuracy, and deadline management.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across departments.
• Commitment to supporting the mission and values of the organization.