PAWS Chicago
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Controller
role at
PAWS Chicago .
This role offers a base pay range of $145,000.00/yr – $175,000.00/yr.
PAWS Chicago is seeking a results‑oriented, experienced nonprofit accounting leader and CPA. The ideal candidate will provide strategic oversight while focusing on the detailed aspects of finance. They will manage teams, collaborate across internal and external partners, demonstrate expertise in systems, processes, and continuous improvement, and support PAWS Chicago’s growth toward a No‑Kill mission.
The controller position is built for long‑term growth. The successful candidate will develop a robust foundation of financial operations, systems, reporting, and analysis that supports scalable growth. Upon proving financial leadership and strategic abilities, the role is an evolving pathway to Chief Financial Officer once the current CFO transitions to a consultative capacity.
As a key member of the leadership team, the Controller will oversee financial reporting, accounting functions, budget development, departmental SOPs, and financial modeling. They will collaborate across departments and with external partners to ensure every financial decision supports the organization’s long‑term impact and growth. They will identify opportunities for efficiency and funding, build robust reporting, utilize data to analyze performance, and recommend improvements.
Success in this role requires a deep commitment to animal welfare, passion for transformative change, and a willingness to partner closely with the CFO, executive team, and finance department to grow organizational expertise over time. The Controller will steward PAWS Chicago’s resources and advance its mission to:
Build No Kill communities that respect and value the life of every cat and dog.
End the overpopulation of homeless animals through innovative solutions, best practices, and education.
Transform animal welfare by setting higher standards for care and developing a sustainable, solutions‑based model.
Job Responsibilities Management and Operations
Build, maintain, enforce, and improve a documented system of accounting policies and procedures.
Manage outsourced functions and relationships.
Oversee the routine daily operations of the Finance Department; serve as coach and mentor to all department members; responsible for hiring, performance reviews, management, and the development and results of department members.
Oversee accounting operations, control systems, transaction‑processing operations, and policies and procedures.
Provide project support to the CFO and other senior leaders as needed.
Reporting & Analysis
Issue timely and complete financial statements, including monthly and year‑end statements; prepare Board of Directors financial reports quarterly.
Calculate and issue monthly financial and operating metrics, including monthly variance reporting.
Calculate variances from the budget and report to management.
Perform data analysis to review historical trends and make recommendations for future state based on conclusions.
Coordinate and lead monthly Finance Committee meetings.
Recommend benchmarks to measure operational performance.
Manage the production of the annual budget and forecasts.
Meet regularly with department managers to ensure ongoing budget support.
Provide a system of management cost reports.
Provide financial modeling to support strategic plan initiatives and business planning efforts.
Offer financial analyses for capital investments, pricing decisions, and contract negotiations.
Respond promptly to all financially related inquiries from across the organization and external parties, providing exceptional service and high customer satisfaction.
Ensure timely and accurate reporting to support grant financial reporting requirements and donor impact reports; ensure compliance with donor agreements and revenue recognition requirements.
Provide ad‑hoc reporting and analysis as needed and requested by key work partners.
Internal Controls
Collaborate with the Chief Information Officer to ensure robust cybersecurity measures and alignment of financial systems with organizational cyber risk management protocols.
Establish and monitor internal controls related to financial accounts, cash, and payment processing to safeguard assets and ensure compliance.
Seniority Level Not Applicable
Employment Type Full‑time
Job Function & Industries Accounting/Auditing and Finance; Non‑profit Organizations.
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at PAWS Chicago by 2x.
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Controller
role at
PAWS Chicago .
This role offers a base pay range of $145,000.00/yr – $175,000.00/yr.
PAWS Chicago is seeking a results‑oriented, experienced nonprofit accounting leader and CPA. The ideal candidate will provide strategic oversight while focusing on the detailed aspects of finance. They will manage teams, collaborate across internal and external partners, demonstrate expertise in systems, processes, and continuous improvement, and support PAWS Chicago’s growth toward a No‑Kill mission.
The controller position is built for long‑term growth. The successful candidate will develop a robust foundation of financial operations, systems, reporting, and analysis that supports scalable growth. Upon proving financial leadership and strategic abilities, the role is an evolving pathway to Chief Financial Officer once the current CFO transitions to a consultative capacity.
As a key member of the leadership team, the Controller will oversee financial reporting, accounting functions, budget development, departmental SOPs, and financial modeling. They will collaborate across departments and with external partners to ensure every financial decision supports the organization’s long‑term impact and growth. They will identify opportunities for efficiency and funding, build robust reporting, utilize data to analyze performance, and recommend improvements.
Success in this role requires a deep commitment to animal welfare, passion for transformative change, and a willingness to partner closely with the CFO, executive team, and finance department to grow organizational expertise over time. The Controller will steward PAWS Chicago’s resources and advance its mission to:
Build No Kill communities that respect and value the life of every cat and dog.
End the overpopulation of homeless animals through innovative solutions, best practices, and education.
Transform animal welfare by setting higher standards for care and developing a sustainable, solutions‑based model.
Job Responsibilities Management and Operations
Build, maintain, enforce, and improve a documented system of accounting policies and procedures.
Manage outsourced functions and relationships.
Oversee the routine daily operations of the Finance Department; serve as coach and mentor to all department members; responsible for hiring, performance reviews, management, and the development and results of department members.
Oversee accounting operations, control systems, transaction‑processing operations, and policies and procedures.
Provide project support to the CFO and other senior leaders as needed.
Reporting & Analysis
Issue timely and complete financial statements, including monthly and year‑end statements; prepare Board of Directors financial reports quarterly.
Calculate and issue monthly financial and operating metrics, including monthly variance reporting.
Calculate variances from the budget and report to management.
Perform data analysis to review historical trends and make recommendations for future state based on conclusions.
Coordinate and lead monthly Finance Committee meetings.
Recommend benchmarks to measure operational performance.
Manage the production of the annual budget and forecasts.
Meet regularly with department managers to ensure ongoing budget support.
Provide a system of management cost reports.
Provide financial modeling to support strategic plan initiatives and business planning efforts.
Offer financial analyses for capital investments, pricing decisions, and contract negotiations.
Respond promptly to all financially related inquiries from across the organization and external parties, providing exceptional service and high customer satisfaction.
Ensure timely and accurate reporting to support grant financial reporting requirements and donor impact reports; ensure compliance with donor agreements and revenue recognition requirements.
Provide ad‑hoc reporting and analysis as needed and requested by key work partners.
Internal Controls
Collaborate with the Chief Information Officer to ensure robust cybersecurity measures and alignment of financial systems with organizational cyber risk management protocols.
Establish and monitor internal controls related to financial accounts, cash, and payment processing to safeguard assets and ensure compliance.
Seniority Level Not Applicable
Employment Type Full‑time
Job Function & Industries Accounting/Auditing and Finance; Non‑profit Organizations.
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at PAWS Chicago by 2x.
#J-18808-Ljbffr