Co-nexus
Position Summary
The Controller is a key member of the finance leadership team responsible for managing all accounting and financial reporting activities of the organization. Reporting to the CFO, the Controller oversees day-to-day accounting operations, ensures compliance with GAAP and nonprofit reporting standards, and maintains strong internal controls across the organization. This role supports the strategic financial management of a large, mission-driven nonprofit with diverse funding sources, programs, and entities.
Key Responsibilities Financial Accounting & Reporting
Oversee all accounting functions, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, grants, and endowment accounting. Ensure timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual closes. Prepare and review financial statements in accordance with GAAP and FASB standards for nonprofit organizations. Oversee preparation of annual audited financial statements and coordinate with external auditors. Support CFO and program leadership with timely internal reporting and analysis for management and board use. Maintain chart of accounts and financial structures aligned with the organization's programs and funding sources. Grants, Compliance & Fund Accounting
Ensure accurate accounting and reporting for restricted, unrestricted, and temporarily restricted funds. Oversee grant reporting and compliance in collaboration with development and program staff. Monitor proper recording of contributions, pledges, and grant receivables. Manage government and foundation grant compliance, including cost allocations and indirect cost rate calculations. Internal Controls & Systems
Design, implement, and maintain effective internal controls to safeguard assets and ensure integrity of financial information. Review and update accounting policies and procedures in compliance with GAAP, Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200), and internal policies. Oversee accounting systems (e.g., Blackbaud, Sage Intacct, NetSuite, or similar) and ensure integration with donor and HR systems. Lead process improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and transparency in financial operations. Team Leadership
Supervise accounting staff, including Assistant Controllers, Grants Accountants, and Payroll/Accounts Payable staff. Provide training, mentorship, and professional development to ensure a high-performing finance team. Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement. Strategic & Operational Support
Partner with CFO and leadership to support budgeting, forecasting, and long-range financial planning. Provide financial analysis and insights to inform programmatic and operational decisions. Support board committees (Finance, Audit, Investment) with timely, accurate financial reports and presentations. Participate in system upgrades, audits, and organization-wide initiatives related to financial sustainability and transparency. Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required; CPA strongly preferred. 10+ years of progressive accounting experience, including at least 5 years in a management role. Strong knowledge of GAAP and nonprofit fund accounting standards (FASB). Experience with complex nonprofit organizations (multi-entity or multi-program) preferred. Proven success managing audits and compliance for federal and private grants. Expertise with accounting software (e.g., Blackbaud Financial Edge, Intacct, or NetSuite) and advanced Excel skills. Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills. Commitment to the mission and values of the organization.
The Controller is a key member of the finance leadership team responsible for managing all accounting and financial reporting activities of the organization. Reporting to the CFO, the Controller oversees day-to-day accounting operations, ensures compliance with GAAP and nonprofit reporting standards, and maintains strong internal controls across the organization. This role supports the strategic financial management of a large, mission-driven nonprofit with diverse funding sources, programs, and entities.
Key Responsibilities Financial Accounting & Reporting
Oversee all accounting functions, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, grants, and endowment accounting. Ensure timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual closes. Prepare and review financial statements in accordance with GAAP and FASB standards for nonprofit organizations. Oversee preparation of annual audited financial statements and coordinate with external auditors. Support CFO and program leadership with timely internal reporting and analysis for management and board use. Maintain chart of accounts and financial structures aligned with the organization's programs and funding sources. Grants, Compliance & Fund Accounting
Ensure accurate accounting and reporting for restricted, unrestricted, and temporarily restricted funds. Oversee grant reporting and compliance in collaboration with development and program staff. Monitor proper recording of contributions, pledges, and grant receivables. Manage government and foundation grant compliance, including cost allocations and indirect cost rate calculations. Internal Controls & Systems
Design, implement, and maintain effective internal controls to safeguard assets and ensure integrity of financial information. Review and update accounting policies and procedures in compliance with GAAP, Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200), and internal policies. Oversee accounting systems (e.g., Blackbaud, Sage Intacct, NetSuite, or similar) and ensure integration with donor and HR systems. Lead process improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and transparency in financial operations. Team Leadership
Supervise accounting staff, including Assistant Controllers, Grants Accountants, and Payroll/Accounts Payable staff. Provide training, mentorship, and professional development to ensure a high-performing finance team. Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement. Strategic & Operational Support
Partner with CFO and leadership to support budgeting, forecasting, and long-range financial planning. Provide financial analysis and insights to inform programmatic and operational decisions. Support board committees (Finance, Audit, Investment) with timely, accurate financial reports and presentations. Participate in system upgrades, audits, and organization-wide initiatives related to financial sustainability and transparency. Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required; CPA strongly preferred. 10+ years of progressive accounting experience, including at least 5 years in a management role. Strong knowledge of GAAP and nonprofit fund accounting standards (FASB). Experience with complex nonprofit organizations (multi-entity or multi-program) preferred. Proven success managing audits and compliance for federal and private grants. Expertise with accounting software (e.g., Blackbaud Financial Edge, Intacct, or NetSuite) and advanced Excel skills. Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills. Commitment to the mission and values of the organization.