Controller & Accounting Manager

Controller & Accounting Manager

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Controller & Accounting Manager to join our finance team. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, this position serves as the organization's senior accounting leader and is responsible for the integrity of the general ledger, month-end and year-end close, financial reporting, internal controls, audit coordination, cash management, grant accounting, and financial compliance.

This role directly supervises the Accountant and the Accounts Payable/Payroll Generalist and is accountable for the day-to-day leadership of the accounting function. The Controller & Accounting Manager must be able to move comfortably between operational execution and higher-level financial judgment—ensuring that the accounting function runs effectively while also identifying issues early, protecting compliance, and providing sound accounting guidance to leadership.

The ideal candidate will have strong nonprofit accounting experience, excellent technical skills, audit and grant experience, supervisory capability, and the judgment to manage complex financial operations in a multi-funding-source environment.

VOA Alaska is a youth-serving organization providing prevention, early intervention, treatment, and recovery supports to youth and families struggling with mental illness and addiction. Our core values are connection, responsibility, courage, innovation, hope, and joy, and we seek individuals who align with this mission.

Position Summary

• Lead and manage the day-to-day accounting function and supervise the Accountant and Accounts Payable/Payroll Generalist
• Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual close process and deliver timely, decision-useful financial reporting
• Maintain a strong internal control environment over cash, receivables, payables, payroll accounting, grants, and restricted funds
• Coordinate the annual financial statement audit and support any related single audit or grant compliance requirements
• Serve as a strong technical accounting resource who can proactively identify accounting, reporting, and compliance risks and advise leadership on the financial implications of decisions

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

1. Financial Management

• Lead all accounting operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll accounting oversight, general ledger, and financial reporting
• Manage the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes
• Review and approve journal entries, reconciliations, and financial transactions
• Ensure all balance sheet accounts are reconciled monthly
• Prepare or oversee financial statements in accordance with GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards
• Serve as primary liaison to external auditors and manage the audit process
• Develop and maintain internal controls
• Monitor cash flow and liquidity and provide recommendations
• Oversee banking relationships and treasury activities
• Ensure proper accounting of restricted and unrestricted funds
• Develop accounting policies, procedures, and close checklists

2. Budgeting, Forecasting & Analysis

• Support annual budget development with leadership
• Develop budget assumptions and templates
• Prepare budget-to-actual variance analysis with recommendations
• Support forecasting and financial modeling
• Provide financial insight to support organizational decision-making

3. Grant Management & Fund Accounting

• Oversee financial aspects of grants, including accounting, compliance, and reporting
• Ensure compliance with funder requirements and applicable regulations
• Maintain cost allocation methodologies
• Monitor grant spending, receivables, and reimbursements
• Review and approve grant financial reports
• Ensure compliance with Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200)

4. Compliance, Audit & Regulatory Reporting

• Ensure compliance with GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards
• Coordinate Form 990 preparation and other filings
• Maintain documentation supporting internal controls and audit requirements
• Support implementation of audit findings and corrective actions
• Stay current on nonprofit accounting, compliance requirements, and regulatory changes (including HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2 where applicable)

5. Leadership & Team Management

• Supervise the Accountant and AP/Payroll Generalist
• Manage workflow, performance, and staff development
• Establish clear expectations and department standards
• Cross-train staff to ensure continuity
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
• Serve as a key financial resource to leadership

6. Systems & Process Improvement

• Serve as finance lead for accounting systems (Sage Intacct)
• Ensure accuracy and integrity of financial data
• Improve integration between accounting, payroll, and grant systems
• Identify and implement process improvements
• Develop dashboards and reporting tools where appropriate

Qualifications & Experience

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required
• CPA strongly preferred

Experience

• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience
• 3+ years of supervisory experience
• Nonprofit accounting experience required
• Audit experience required
• Grant management experience preferred
• Experience in healthcare, behavioral health, or human services preferred

Technical Skills

• Strong understanding of GAAP and nonprofit fund accounting
• Strong knowledge of grant compliance and Uniform Guidance
• Experience with Sage Intacct or similar systems
• Advanced Excel and financial reporting proficiency
• Ability to handle sensitive financial and compliance-related information

Preferred Attributes

• Strong professional judgment and problem-solving ability
• Ability to identify issues early and recommend solutions
• Strong communication skills across finance and non-finance stakeholders
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail
• Passion for nonprofit work and mission alignment

Working Conditions

• May work in office areas. Interacts with staff, consultants, and outside vendors. May be subjected to interruptions throughout the workday.
• While performing the duties of this job the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to lift up to 25 pounds. The vision requirement includes close vision.

The work environment characteristics and physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.