Controller

Bridging, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization primarily serving the greater Twin Cities, empowers people to thrive in their homes by providing quality furniture and household goods for those pursuing housing stability. Since 1987, Bridging has served more than 110,000 households and currently operates out of three locations – Bloomington, Roseville, and Plymouth. Driven by over 5,000 volunteers each year and donations from the community, we provide the basic home essentials to more than 5,300 homes every year. On average, Bridging redistributes 17 semi-loads of donated furniture and household goods to an average of 120 households (300 people) each week. Through financial and inventory support from individuals, businesses, and our local partners, Bridging continues to bring hope and stability to thousands of households in need. Our future is very bright! Learn more about Bridging’s impact on the community, client services, and volunteer program model at Bridging is an exciting place to work. As a team member, you will experience camaraderie, opportunities to learn and advance, autonomy to effectuate change and create impact, and a competitive compensation package. Bridging is an equal opportunity employer that embraces diversity, and we encourage qualified applicants of all racial, ethnic, 2SLGBTQIA+ identities, and other groups to apply. THE OPPORTUNITY The Controller is a hands‑on financial leader responsible for Bridging's day‑to‑day accounting operations and for providing timely financial insight to support organizational decision‑making. This individual‑contributor role performs routine transactions and maintains accurate records in QuickBooks while also analyzing accounts, monitoring budgets, strengthening internal controls, and partnering closely with Human Resources, the Executive Director, and department Directors. The Controller works in close partnership with Bridging's part‑time (5 hrs/month) outside accountant, who prepares accurate financial reports for the Finance Committee and Board of Directors and is highly involved in the annual audit. The role participates in appropriate leadership meetings and will help lead a future migration from QuickBooks Desktop to QuickBooks Online. The successful candidate will combine hands‑on accounting expertise with strong financial judgement and the ability to translate financial information into clear insights and counsel that support sound leadership decisions and effective stewardship of Bridging’s resources. Primary Duties Accounting and Financial Management Perform day‑to‑day accounting entries and maintain complete and accurate financial records in QuickBooks, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, deposits, journal entries, and account reconciliations Manage routine accounting workflows and support an accurate and timely month‑end and year‑end close Review general ledger activity, account balances, cash flow, trends, and variances; investigate discrepancies and communicate findings and recommended actions Maintain supporting documentation, schedules, and reconciliations needed for reliable financial reporting and decision‑making Ensure appropriate internal controls are documented and followed to safeguard organizational assets and support the reliability of financial information Identify and implement practical process improvements that strengthen the accuracy, efficiency, and consistency of financial operations Budgeting and Financial Analysis Coordinate development of the annual organizational budget in partnership with Human Resources, the Executive Director, and department Directors Monitor actual results against budget throughout the year and work closely with Human Resources and Directors to understand variances, forecast needs, and proactively address areas of concern Prepare account analysis, financial models, cash flow information, and other management reports that are understandable and useful to non‑financial leaders Outside Accountant, Audit, and Governance Support Partner closely with Bridging's part‑time outside accountant by providing accurate, timely, and complete accounting records, reconciliations, schedules, and supporting documentation Support the outside accountant whose role is to provide independent review in production of financial reports for the Finance Committee and Board of Directors Coordinate organizational preparation for the annual audit and work closely with the outside accountant and auditors to provide requested schedules, documentation, and explanations Participate in Finance Committee and Board meetings as requested to provide operational financial context and respond to questions Systems and Process Improvement Help plan and execute the migration from QuickBooks Desktop to QuickBooks Online, including data preparation, validation, testing, workflow design, and transition support Maintain effective accounting system procedures and documentation and help staff use financial processes consistently Leadership and Collaboration Serve as Bridging's internal financial resource and work collaboratively across departments while remaining directly responsible for hands‑on accounting work Participate in Director, leadership, and staff meetings as appropriate and contribute to the organization's short‑term and long‑range planning Work across functional areas and with colleagues to maintain a strong organizational culture and advance Bridging's mission QUALIFICATIONS Passion for the mission of Bridging and its important work Bachelor’s degree in Finance-related area required with 10+ years of experience in Finance/Accounting, preferably in nonprofit environment Strong cultural competencies in working with diverse populations Ability to design, implement and document business processes to be used by the entire organization Strong ability to clearly communicate financial information to various audiences Computer/software skills in Microsoft Office products and QuickBooks, preferred Detail oriented with the ability to analyze data, recognize trends and communicate solutions CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS Collaborative: Work cooperatively with others across the organization. Inform and collaborate with colleagues on matters affecting them. Sensitive and supportive of team members’ workloads and flexible in working toward win‑win solutions. Communication: Represents Bridging in a positive and professional manner. Treats others with respect and dignity, and is sensitive to others’ needs and concerns. Responds in a caring and diplomatic manner. Cultural Competence/Humility and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging (DEIB) Leadership: Enter intercultural relationships with humility, prepared to listen, learn, follow their lead, and adapt our methods and practices to achieve mutual benefit. Help create a diverse, equitable, inclusive and belonging environment based on respect, trust, and service. Customer Focused: Prioritize the experience and needs of constituents. Driven Leader: Committed to quality work; continuously looking for ways to improve own work and the work of the organization. Efficient time manager and ability to prioritize workloads. Strong organizational and decision‑making ability. Comfortable in an up‑tempos, fast‑paced work environment. Possesses a growth mindset. Financial Acumen: Understands the environment, identifies trends, and enables the organization to make good business decisions. Mission Aligned: Passionate about empowering people pursuing housing stability to thrive in their homes. Personal Responsibility: Demonstrates leadership and accountability for own actions; including meeting multiple deadlines. Committed to ongoing personal development. Acts with integrity, maintains confidentiality. Organizational Leadership and Partnership: Builds trusted relationships and promotes a positive work environment through accessibility, regular communication, and active participation in staff and leadership meetings. Uses financial expertise and sound judgement to influence decisions, strengthen accountability, and help the organization achieve its annual goals. JOB EXPECTATIONS Regular attendance is required A flexible schedule is required, including some evenings and weekends Internet access at residence is required Possesses a valid driver’s license and current insurance Strong written and oral communication skills Proficient in standard desktop applications- Microsoft Office Attend annual signature fundraising events: currently Bedrace and Gala Interpersonal Represents Bridging in a positive manner Treats others with respect and dignity Is sensitive to others’ needs and concerns and responds in a caring and diplomatic manner Conveys enthusiasm for the mission and work of Bridging Service Standards Works with the Leadership Team to monitor service standards for the organization Works with Warehouse Leadership Team and Director of Programs and Services and to develop and maintain safety procedures for warehouse Ensures that clients are treated with dignity and respect and receive access to a choice of high-quality goods Ensures that all volunteers receive a high quality and meaningful volunteer experience Available, as necessary, by phone, text or email Teamwork Standards Maintains positive rapport with others to achieve Bridging’s annual goals Is sensitive and supportive of team members’ workload needs and is flexible in meeting needs Promotes a positive work environment through on‑site availability at the office/warehouse, regular communication and staff meetings Professional Growth Standards Demonstrates accountability for own actions Attends training sessions as needed and as the budget allows Proficiency in communicating with staff and performance management WORK ENVIRONMENT Physical Requirements In‑person office setting Uses telephone and computer Ability to perform fine motor skills Cognitive Requirements Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information Ability to perform supervisory, organizational and decision‑making activities Ability to maintain positive relations with staff, donors, clients and volunteers #J-18808-Ljbffr