Controller

Department: Finance & Accounting

Reports To: Chief Operating Officer

POSITION SUMMARY

Responsible for supporting the core accounting functions of the agency, including the application of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Governmental Accounting and Auditing Standards (GAAS). Provides day-to-day oversight of accounting operations, supports accurate and timely financial reporting, and assists with budgeting, reconciliations, and compliance activities. Supervises accounting staff and partners with the Chief Operating Officer to maintain effective accounting processes and internal controls.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supports the month-end close and financial reporting process, including preparation of journal entries, account reconciliations, and draft financial statements.
• Supervises accounting staff and provides guidance, training, and timely performance feedback.
• Ensures assigned accounting activities comply with applicable standards and established policies; escalates issues and complex matters to the Director of Finance as needed.
• Provides support for the annual operating budget and annual capital expenditure budget, including preparation of schedules, analysis, and reporting support.
• Prepares and reviews monthly budget-to-actual variance analyses and assists with monitoring financial performance at the department or program level.
• Compiles financial data and supporting schedules to assist leadership with cash flow monitoring and financial decision-making.
• Manages balance sheet reconciliations for assigned accounts, ensuring reconciliations are completed timely, supported with appropriate documentation, and reviewed according to established procedures. Identifies and resolves discrepancies and escalates unresolved issues as appropriate.
• Maintains accounting schedules related to revenue, vendor contracts, and leases, ensuring accurate tracking and timely recording in accordance with established accounting policies.
• Coordinates with internal departments to obtain required documentation and flags items requiring additional review.
• Stays current on accounting best practices and regulatory requirements and assists with maintaining alignment of accounting procedures with GAAP and applicable local, state, and federal guidelines.
• Supports documentation of accounting procedures and recommends updates or improvements to the Director of Finance.
• Identifies opportunities to improve accounting processes and efficiencies within existing systems and workflows.
• Assists with implementing process improvements, standardizing schedules, and enhancing reporting tools to support the Finance team.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Knowledge of Microsoft Dynamics GP accounting system and other accounting software as required.
• Highly skilled in the use of Microsoft Office programs, particularly Excel.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear and professional correspondence.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret financial data and reports.
• Effective leadership and interpersonal skills, including the ability to supervise and support accounting staff.
• Ability to perform duties in a manner that reflects an appreciation for the cultural background, heritage, and identity of clients.
• Ability to exercise good judgment, courtesy, and tact when interacting with staff, vendors, and the public.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Must meet DCFS/CANTS Clearance Requirements.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and maintain proof of automobile insurance.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Accounting, or a related field.
• At least 5 -7 years of progressive accounting experience, including staff supervision.
• Previous experience in not-for-profit accounting is preferred.

CARE & TCI

CARE is grounded in six core principles: Developmentally Focused, Family Involved, Relationship Based, Ecologically Oriented, Competence Centered, and Trauma Informed.

Completion of CARE and TCI training is an internal requirement for all staff and must be completed upon hire. Ongoing application of these principles is expected and essential to successful job performance.

TCI (Therapeutic Crisis Intervention) . Employees must:

• Pass the written test annually
• Pass the physical test every six months (if applicable to their role)

WORKING CONDITIONS

This position operates in a professional office environment and may require travel to agency sites, client locations, and partner organizations based on role responsibilities.

The role involves periods of walking, standing, or sitting, and may occasionally require climbing stairs, bending, kneeling, or lifting materials up to 25 pounds, depending on job duties.

Minimal exposure to environmental factors such as noise, dust, or varying indoor/outdoor temperatures may occur depending on program needs and client-related activities.

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