Controller

POSITION TITLE
Controller


LOCATION
1150 W. Adams St. Chicago, IL 60607

POSITION STRUCTURE
Reports To: CFO + Executive Pastor
Direct Reports: External Accounting Firm
Category: Full-Time
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday | Hybrid

OUR MISSION
Soul City Church is a local church with a global mission: Leading People Into a Transforming Relationship with Jesus. The heart behind everything we do is to see the Soul, the City, and the World Transformed by an Only-God Movement. We aim to partner with the Holy Spirit to create moments that lead to movement: moments to connect, commit, and change. Soul City is in a season of growth and expansion, and every team member has the opportunity to play a key role in building what's next.


POSITION SUMMARY
The Controller is responsible for the accuracy, integrity, and day-to-day management of Soul City Church's financial operations. This role ensures that all accounting, reporting, and compliance functions are executed with excellence, consistency, and transparency.

Working in close partnership with the Executive Pastor and Fractional CFO, the Controller provides reliable financial data, maintains strong internal controls, and supports budgeting and forecasting processes. This role is critical in ensuring that Soul City's financial foundation is strong, scalable, and aligned with best practices in nonprofit stewardship.

The Controller will thrive in a highly creative, fast-moving, and vision-driven ministry environment: bringing structure, clarity, and financial discipline that enables innovation rather than restricts it. This role requires someone who can translate financial realities into actionable insights while supporting a culture that values faith, creativity, and bold vision.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• 40% Accounting Operations & Financial Reporting: Oversee all accounting functions including general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, and payroll coordination. Lead the monthly close process, ensuring timely and accurate financial statements. Maintain reconciliations, documentation, and audit-ready financial records. Prepare reports for leadership, elders, and the Fractional CFO.
• 25% Compliance, Controls & Audit: Maintain and strengthen internal controls and financial policies. Ensure compliance with nonprofit, church, and regulatory requirements. Serve as primary point of contact for audits, tax filings, and external reviews
• 15% Budgeting Support & Financial Coordination: Support the budgeting process in partnership with the Executive Pastor and Fractional CFO. Provide ongoing budget-to-actual reporting and variance analysis. Assist ministry leaders with budget tracking and financial understanding.
• 10% Donor Financial Reporting & Giving Operations: Oversee the accuracy and integrity of giving records and contribution tracking. Ensure timely and accurate donor statements, year-end giving summaries, and tax documentation. Support donor communication efforts by providing clear, accurate financial data and reporting.
• 5% Systems & Process Improvement: Evaluate and improve financial systems, workflows, and reporting tools, Ensure effective use and integration of platforms such as QuickBooks, PushPay, and Planning Center, Drive efficiencies and scalability as Soul City grows.
• 5% Team & Vendor Coordination: Oversee bookkeeping contractors, contribute to a culture of stewardship, accuracy, and accountability.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS
Required

Core Competencies

• Financial Accuracy & Integrity
• Accounting & Reporting (GAAP; nonprofit fund accounting strongly preferred)
• Internal Controls & Compliance
• Attention to Detail
• Systems & Process Management

Experience

• 5-7+ years in accounting/finance (with at least 2+ years owning the close)
• Experience in a nonprofit organization environment (or creative agency)
• Demonstrated ownership of:
  • Monthly/quarterly close process
  • Financial statement preparation (P&L, balance sheet, cash flow)
  • Audit coordination (external auditors, PBC lists, responses)
• Experience building and maintaining budgets and forecasts
• Working knowledge of accounting systems (e.g., QuickBooks or equivalent)
• Strong Excel / Google Sheets proficiency (modeling, reconciliations, data cleanup)

Preferred

• CPA or CPA-track
• Deeper nonprofit experience (grants management, donor restrictions, fund accounting nuance)
• Experience with:
  • Pushpay
  • Planning Center
  • Google Workspace
• Experience supporting leadership with financial insights (not just reporting)
• Exposure to payroll/HR systems or working with a PEO
• Experience managing or mentoring junior staff or outsourced accounting teams

Education

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

Possible Spiritual Gifts
Leadership | Wisdom | Discernment | Administration | Faith