Controller

Job Description

Job Description

Organization Overview:

Lakeshore Legal Aid serves people living with low income, older adults, and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in a holistic manner to address clients’ legal issues and improve our communities. Lakeshore provides free, direct legal representation in southeast Michigan and the thumb and client intake, advice, and brief legal services throughout Michigan via our attorney-staffed hotline. Our practice areas include housing, family, consumer, elder, education, and public benefits law.

Position Overview:

Lakeshore Legal Aid seeks a passionate mission-aligned professional to serve as its Controller. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), the Controller is responsible for oversight of Lakeshore’s financial accounting and reporting activities, including leadership and mentoring of four staff members.

This role ensures the integrity of Lakeshore’s financial information, compliance with nonprofit accounting standards and regulatory requirements, and support for strategic decision-making through accurate financial analysis and reporting.

The Controller works closely with staff, management, auditors, and grantors to ensure compliance, accurate reporting/analysis, and to provide support to program operations. In addition, the Controller will ensure that Lakeshore has strong systems and procedures to support effective program operations and conduct clean audits.

General Responsibilities:

• Manage the complete accounting cycle, including general ledger maintenance, revenue recognition, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and cash management. Monitor budget-to-actuals, variance analysis, grant expenditures, and compliance with grant requirements.

• Lead the compilation of accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and funder conditions. Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations affecting nonprofit organizations.

• Maintain internal controls, safeguard the receipt of revenue, general ledger, accounting policies and procedures. Ensure accurate accounting allocations and reporting for restricted and unrestricted funds. Maintain compliance with donor restrictions and nonprofit reporting requirements.

• Monitor cash flow and liquidity to ensure organizational financial stability through cash flow forecasting.

• Support and manage budgeting processes in collaboration with accounting staff and management. Develop financial forecasts and financial planning models.

• Prepare/review financial reports for government agencies, foundations, and other funding sources.

• Coordinate annual audits (including workpaper analysis and year-end close) and serve as a liaison with external auditors. Support the completion of IRS Form 990 and IRS Form 5500.

• Supervise and develop accounting staff. Create and promote a positive and supportive work

• environment. Leverage strengths of the accounting team members, seek to clarify and mentor to achieve individual and department work plans.

• Promote change through continuous improvement in financial processes and systems. Engage in strategic planning and risk management activities. Support growth initiatives.

• Communicate with staff and external individuals including the Financial Oversight Committee, Funders, and members of the community in support of the mission of Lakeshore Legal Aid.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of a BA in Accounting or closely related field; CMA/CPA/MBA preferred.

• Minimum of 5 years of accounting experience; 8 years preferred.

• A track record of grant writing, compliance and reporting management.

• Knowledge of GAAP, fund accounting, and nonprofit accounting principles.

• Experience including general ledger, accounts payable and receivable, payroll, audit, reconciliation analysis, and budgets.

• Technology skills with proficiency in coordinating fiscal projects and knowledge of accounting and reporting software.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with experience in communicating complex points about key data with clear narratives. More specifically, Lakeshore seeks candidates with the ability and commitment to translate financial concepts to individuals including non-finance staff and external individuals as appropriate.

• Demonstrate standards of professionalism, integrity, credibility, adaptability, confidentiality, and ethical conduct.

• A proactive, critical thinker. Able to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines. Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.

• Commitment to mentoring, training, and empowering a diverse team. Analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with strategic data interpretation and best practice analysis.

• Strong commitment to Lakeshore’s mission.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Salary commensurate with qualifications

• Industry leading employer-sponsored healthcare package

• Generous paid time off

• Paid Holidays

• Hybrid Remote Work Schedule

To apply, submit your cover letter and resume at our website

** Do not delay. Applications are accepted until July 25, 2026, or until the position is filled. **

Lakeshore is an equal opportunity employer.