Strategic Finance Controller - Nonprofit Redevelopment

Bring your financial leadership expertise to an organization where strategy, stewardship, and community impact intersect. As the Controller at The Port, you’ll play a critical leadership role in guiding financial operations that support neighborhood revitalization, economic mobility, and long-term growth across Hamilton County. We are seeking a Controller to lead multi-entity financial operations, oversee financial reporting and compliance, and partner with executive leadership to drive strategic decision-making. Job Summary The Controller leads the organization’s accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, and treasury functions to ensure accuracy, transparency, and alignment with organizational goals. This role oversees financial operations across The Port and its managed entities, supports executive leadership in financial decision-making, and ensures compliance with regulatory requirements. The Controller partners closely with the CFO and senior leadership team to provide insights, strengthen processes, and support redevelopment initiatives. What You’ll Do 1. Financial Planning & Budgeting Lead the annual budgeting process and ongoing financial planning for short-term and long-term organizational objectives. Track, analyze, and interpret financial performance against budgets and forecasts; present insights to the CFO and senior management team. Collaborate with the CFO and CEO to determine capital requirements and support long-range financial planning. Prepare capital reporting by redevelopment project and funding source; identify funding gaps and unallocated capital resources. 2. Financial Reporting, Compliance & Internal Controls Direct the financial reporting process for The Port and its managed entities, ensuring accuracy and timeliness. Ensure compliance with Ohio Auditor of State (AOS) filing requirements and applicable accounting standards. Establish, maintain, and enhance accounting systems, internal controls, and financial reporting procedures. Lead the selection, negotiation, and management of external CPA audit firms. Coordinate audit activities, including timelines, deliverables, and workpapers. Manage outsourced IT relationships to ensure secure, stable technology systems and cybersecurity protections. Guide the selection and implementation of financial and operational systems (MIS/EDP) to meet organizational needs. 3. Treasury, Cash & Asset Management Oversee all treasury functions, including cash flow monitoring and forecasting. Manage banking relationships and ensure efficient financial operations. Safeguard financial assets through sound controls and risk management practices. Provide financial data and analysis to support redevelopment teams in acquisition, redevelopment, and disposition decisions. Participate in pricing strategy and major financial decision-making in partnership with the CFO. Lead preparation of financial analyses to support negotiations on major real estate transactions. 5. Leadership, Collaboration & Organizational Effectiveness Supervise and mentor Finance & Accounting team. Partner with the Director of Human Resources to oversee retirement and healthcare plan administration and recommend benefit improvements. Support senior leadership in driving strategic initiatives, identifying operational inefficiencies, and implementing improvements. Perform other duties as assigned by the CFO or CEO. What You Bring Bachelor's degree in accounting or related field; MBA preferred. CPA (Certified Public Accountant) license is preferred. Experience in a similar position for 10+ years working in public accounting, industry, non-profit or government. Comprehensive knowledge of fund accounting and other accounting rules applicable to governments. Solid background in budgeting and forecasting. Ability to think creatively about complex problems and craft unique solutions. Highly organized and detail-oriented, with an ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize tasks. Advanced Excel spreadsheet skills with a demonstrated ability to apply this knowledge towards data analysis and optimization of accounting workflow. Ability to function at both a management and functional level. A team player with strong ability to work well with others – both internally and externally. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present financial information to various audiences. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Self-motivated and energetic with a strong work ethic and the ability to think creatively. Why Work at The Port? We’re a mission-driven team working to advance the public good in Hamilton County. At The Port, you’ll be part of a collaborative, forward-thinking organization that values innovation, integrity, and impact. Apply today and help us bring new life to the places that need it most. The Port of Greater Cincinnati Development Authority (The Port) is a public agency that partners with the City of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, along with economic development organizations, municipalities, and foundations to ensure every acre of local real estate is developed into productive use. Specifically, The Port works to redevelop manufacturing and residential real estate to build the foundation of job creation and livable, revitalized communities so Greater Cincinnati residents can experience economic prosperity. The Port has been stimulating economic growth in Southwestern Ohio for more than two decades. Through its work, it strengthens Hamilton County and Cincinnati communities, home by home and block by block to increase access to homeownership. It surrounds neighborhoods with revitalized business districts and makes forgotten industrial sites attractive to manufacturers with high-paying jobs. This helps provide jobs families can live on and homes they can afford in cleaner, greener, safer neighborhoods and business districts. The Port makes real estate work – for everyone. The above information in this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. Not all functions listed may be performed and other duties may be assigned to meet business needs as determined by the Organization. The Port of Greater Cincinnati Development Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr The Port