Finance, Controller

Job Description The KIPP Foundation is seeking a Controller to ensure the accuracy, integrity, and effectiveness of the organization’s financial reporting and accounting systems. This role owns all core accounting functions, including the general ledger, full balance sheet management, audit, compliance, grants and revenue management, and monthly and annual financial reporting for a growing $100MM+ budget. The Controller will serve as the organization’s senior technical accounting leader, setting the vision for internal controls and continuously strengthening the control environment to maintain KIPP Foundation’s strong track record of clean audits. This role is accountable for the full scope of audit and compliance activities, including the annual financial statement audit, Single Audit, retirement plan audits, and Form 990 filing. As the steward of the general ledger and operating cash, this leader will ensure accuracy, discipline, and alignment across all financial activity, while partnering closely with the VP, Financial Planning & Operations on cash flow forecasting and liquidity management. This role will also advance financial excellence across the KIPP network by supporting financial oversight, advising on accounting and compliance best practices, and leading a Controller community of practice to drive consistency and continuous improvement. The Controller will lead a team of four, including direct management of the Sr. Director, Finance and Director, Accounting, and will report directly to the Chief Financial Officer. Responsibilities Own the integrity of all core accounting functions, including the general ledger, revenue recognition, grants accounting, and full balance sheet management. Serve as the ultimate steward of the general ledger and balance sheet, ensuring all transactions and account balances are accurate, timely, and aligned to nonprofit accounting standards. Lead the month‑end and year‑end close processes with precision and discipline, consistently delivering high‑quality financial reporting. Establish and continuously refine accounting policies, procedures, and documentation to uphold a best‑in‑class finance function. Set the vision and enterprise‑wide standard for internal controls, ensuring a robust control environment that safeguards assets and supports audit readiness. Continuously evaluate and strengthen controls, proactively identifying risks and driving improvements. Partner with the CFO to evolve accounting and financial policies, ensuring clarity, rigor, and consistent adoption across the organization. Lead all aspects of the organization’s audit and compliance activities, maintaining KIPP Foundation’s strong track record of clean audits. Oversee the annual financial statement audit, Single Audit, and additional audits including retirement plans. Serve as the primary point of contact for external auditors and ensure seamless coordination across teams. Oversee preparation and filing of the Form 990 and ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local requirements, including grant compliance and tax filings. Ensure financial reporting to key stakeholders, including the Board of Directors, Audit Committee, and Leadership Team, is accurate, insightful, and aligned to the highest standards of transparency and accountability. Partner with Development and Grants teams to deliver precise and timely reporting to funders and the federal government. Act as the organization’s subject matter expert on nonprofit revenue recognition and grant accounting. Manage all grants and revenue streams to ensure proper classification, compliance, and reporting. Strengthen systems and processes to support accurate tracking and reporting, and partner cross‑functionally to ensure alignment with donor and regulatory requirements. Own the management and oversight of operating cash, ensuring strong liquidity and disciplined cash controls. Partner closely with the VP, Financial Planning & Operations to develop and monitor cash flow projections, ensuring alignment between accounting, forecasting, and organizational decision‑making. Serve as a senior leader within the organization, setting a high bar for performance, accountability, and continuous improvement. Lead, manage, and develop a high‑performing team of finance professionals, building deep technical expertise and strong execution. Contribute to the Expanded Leadership Team and play a key role in advancing organization‑wide priorities. Support regional financial health by advising on accounting, internal controls, and compliance best practices. Contribute to network‑wide financial oversight through rigorous review of audit results, findings, and interim financial reporting. Identify risks, elevate insights, and help drive stronger, more consistent financial management across regions. Skills and Mindsets Mission and Student Focus: Demonstrates passion and commitment to KIPP’s mission and possesses the desire and ability to uphold KIPP’s Core Values. Self‑Management: Demonstrated record of setting and achieving ambitious goals for their departments in complex or ambiguous environments; uses data, research, and analysis to set a high bar of excellence for goal setting; effectively distributes and redistributes work among direct reports, teammates, and teams to optimally achieve goals; fosters a culture that enables and celebrates teammates’ achievements. Work Management: Sets a clear vision that ensures alignment of the team’s work to organizational goals; prioritizes and delivers work products that ensure sustainability and scalability; develops and implements agile project plans that ensure cross‑functional collaboration and resource sharing. Process Management: Builds and aligns goals and project plans with organization priorities; develops and codifies processes that promote coordination, efficiency, and efficacy across KIPP and the Network; prioritizes processes that ensure sustainability and scalability; drives team efficiencies through process implementation and improvement. People Management & Development: Ensures strong professional development and coaching for teammates directly and through layers; proficient in succession management and performance management; coaches managers and fosters a positive team culture where teammates feel ownership and accountability. Collaboration: Identifies and leverages opportunities with both internal and external stakeholders to increase impact; leads successful cross‑functional collaboration and evolves plans to achieve strong results. Communication and Change Management: Articulates case for change to multiple functions, teams, and/or offices through clear and compelling presentations; translates vision into actionable plans; champions KIPP Foundation and network‑wide change with all stakeholders. Experience and Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business or 10 years of equivalent experience. CPA designation is required; MBA preferred. Proven record for results in financial management. Experience maintaining internal control environments to ensure compliance. Experience with non‑profit and fund accounting is required. Experience with federal funds is required. Exemplary integrity, discretion, and cultural competence while working with staff and handling confidential information. Strong commitment to providing superior customer service. Strong management skills, including people, team, and project management. Comfort and desire to work in a collaborative, agile, outcomes‑focused, equity‑driven, and learning‑oriented team. Experience with Charter Management Organizations is not required. Additional Information Work Conditions Travel requirements: Basic travel expectations up to 10% (up to 20 days per year). Job type: Full time, Exempt. Location It is preferred, but not mandatory, to be based out of a KIPP Foundation office. The role has the option of working from a remote office full‑time. KIPP Foundation offices are in NYC and Chicago. Compensation and Benefits Salary range: $170,000 – $195,000. 25 holidays plus 18 additional flexible PTO days (increases to 23 days for years 3 and 4, and to 28 days for years 5+). 100% paid parental leave. 100% coverage of the premium for employee and 75% for employee plus family’s medical/dental/vision plans. Wellness benefits such as fitness reimbursements, discounted tickets to theme parks/attractions, backup care support for children and adults/elders, and an employee assistance program. Finance security benefits including a 401(k) retirement plan with 4% match, employer‑sponsored legal plans, life/disability insurance, and flexible spending accounts. KIPP Foundation embraces the opportunity to build a workforce that reflects the diversity of the students and communities with whom we work. We are an equal‑opportunity employer and consider qualified candidates on the basis of merit, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or any other protected class. #J-18808-Ljbffr KIPP Foundation