Controller

Grow Early Learning is a Head Start organization that provides high-quality early childhood education services to children and families of migrant and seasonal farm workers.


We are currently seeking an experienced Controller to join our team in our Raleigh, NC corporate office. This is an in-office position.


Purpose : The Controller is to provide leadership and oversight for Grow Early Learning's accounting operations, to ensure accuracy, prompt, and compliant financial records and reporting.

Education and Experience:

Accepted Qualifications : Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field; seven years of progressively responsible accounting experience; three years of supervisory experience; and knowledge of federal grant requirements.


Preferred Qualifications : Master's degree in a related field; five years of accounting experience; experience with nonprofit accounting, federal grants, Head Start programs, and enterprise accounting systems.

Desired Skills, Knowledge and Ability : Strong knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), nonprofit accounting, internal controls, financial reporting, and federal grant requirements. Advanced Excel and financial-system skills; sound judgment; strong analytical, leadership, communication, and organizational abilities and the ability to manage multiple deadlines. Supervisory experience desired.


Working Conditions : Work is performed in a professional office environment, with periodic travel to program locations and other business-related sites. Occasional overnight and out-of-state travel may be needed. Physical requirements will be performed with or without reasonable accommodation per applicable law.

Essential Functions:

Accounting and Financial Reporting:
• Lead monthly and annual financial close.
• Ensure accurate, timely, and complete financial records.
• Review journal entries, reconciliations, and supporting schedules.
• Prepare and review financial reports and account analyses.
• Maintain chart of accounts and consistent accounting practices.
• Perform financial research and analysis as requested.

Internal Controls and Compliance:
• Monitor internal controls and segregation of duties.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, Uniform Guidance, grant requirements, and agency policies.
• Review costs for allowability, allocability, reasonableness, and documentation.
• Maintain fiscal procedures, cost allocation methods, and control documentation.
• Monitor accounting-related corrective actions and audit recommendations.
• Review accounting-system access and user roles.
• Ensure secure retention of financial records.

Cash Management and Banking:
• Monitor cash receipt, deposit, recording, and reconciliation processes.
• Ensure monthly reconciliation and review of bank and balance sheet accounts.
• Review and approve ACH payment batches with supporting documentation.
• Oversee Positive Pay submissions and verification.
• Support cash flow forecasting as assigned.

Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, and Payroll Accounting:
• Monitor accounts payable for proper approval, coding, and documentation.
• Review invoices and checks over $10,000.
• Coordinate accounts receivable activity and collections.
• Review and post biweekly payroll journal entries.
• Coordinate payments to delegate agencies and subrecipients.

Federal Grant, Delegate Agency, and Subrecipient Support:
• Monitor program revenues, expenditures, and budget variances.
• Review required financial information from delegate agencies and subrecipients.
• Support grant, delegate agency, and subrecipient monitoring documentation.
• Assist with federal reports, non-federal share, and administrative cost monitoring.
• Provide technical accounting assistance to program staff.

Audit, Inventory, and Special Projects:
• Prepare audit schedules and supporting documentation.
• Coordinate annual inventory and record validation.
• Develop fiscal procedures, systems, and related training.
• Develop accounting processes for special projects.
• Provide guidance on complex accounting matters.
• Participate in meetings, training, and special projects.

Staff Supervision and Development:
• Assist with recruiting and interviewing direct reports.
• Train, coach, and mentor direct reports.
• Assign and review work and ensure adequate cross-training.
• Complete performance evaluations with
• Deliver presentations and training as requested.

We offer:

• Individualized professional development plans and opportunities for growth
• Medical, Dental & Vision insurance
• Life and Disability insurance
• 403(b)-retirement savings account
• Flexible Spending Plans
• Personal Leave Time
• 16 paid Holidays
• Consideration of Public Service Loan Forgiveness Programs
• Employee Assistant Program (EAP)

Please note this job posting is not designed to cover or have a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties, or responsibilities needed by the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Grow Early Learning is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by applicable law.