Aspire Chicago
Overview
Join to apply for the
Controller
role at
Aspire Chicago .
Aspire is seeking a hands‑on, detail‑oriented financial leader to oversee the organization’s core accounting operations and drive process improvement in support of its mission to empower individuals with developmental disabilities. Managing day‑to‑day accounting functions, month‑end closing, and financial reporting across a $25M+ budget, this leader will ensure accurate, timely, and transparent financial outputs that support informed decision‑making across departments.
The role will begin during a planned leadership transition in the finance team. The current Controller, a long‑tenured and integral member of the Aspire team, is planning to retire in September 2026. This position will have approximately six months of overlap, offering a valuable opportunity to onboard with direct support, transfer institutional knowledge, and gradually assume responsibility for the function. The role will report directly to the CFO throughout the transition and beyond.
Responsibilities Financial Reporting & Accounting Operations
Lead daily accounting functions (general ledger, AP/AR, payroll), ensure accurate reconciliation of all transactions, and oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statement preparation in compliance with GAAP.
Manage the month‑end close process and coordinate annual audit preparation and execution in collaboration with external auditors.
Lead the implementation and adoption of additional NetSuite modules and guide the transition to fully integrated ERP workflows that strengthen accuracy, efficiency, and data integrity.
Budgeting & Forecasting
Support development, implementation, and monitoring of the annual budget, and partner with department leaders to provide financial performance insights and variance analysis.
Assist with multi‑year financial planning and scenario modeling to inform organizational decisions and long‑term direction.
Internal Controls & Compliance
Maintain and strengthen internal control systems, ensuring compliance with GAAP, nonprofit accounting standards, grant requirements, and relevant regulations.
Support preparation of compliance‑related filings, including Form 990 and state registrations.
Oversee grant compliance, reporting, and revenue recognition across multiple funding sources, ensuring accurate financial tracking and appropriate oversight of grant administration.
Lead audit preparation activities, including coordination with external auditors, while ensuring all financial records comply with audit standards and best practices.
Team Leadership & Collaboration
Supervise and develop finance team members, fostering accountability and continuous improvement; provide financial training and tools to non‑finance colleagues.
Serve as a liaison to external partners such as auditors, banks, and insurance brokers.
Strategic and Operational Support
Partner with the CFO to advance financial strategy and lead process and system improvements, including evaluating opportunities to enhance reporting and data integration.
Provide financial analysis and insights to senior leadership and contribute to preparation of materials for Finance Committee meetings as appropriate.
Qualifications Financial Accuracy and Technical Expertise Brings deep understanding of GAAP, nonprofit fund accounting, and grant compliance. Skilled at journal entries, reporting, reconciliation, and optimizing system usage. Applies strong data accuracy standards and proactively identifies ways to improve the timing and quality of financial reporting and month‑end close. Experienced with NetSuite or similar systems, and able to reduce manual spreadsheet reliance by integrating processes and improving system functionality. A leader who brings fluency in audit processes, grant‑related financial requirements, and revenue recognition across multiple funding streams, applying a disciplined and accurate approach to all financial outputs.
Operational Improvement and Internal Controls Experienced in establishing disciplined financial processes and documentation. Enhances tracking, forecasting, and reporting through system integrations and structured workflows. Assesses existing financial practices and identifies ways to streamline tools such as fixed asset and budgeting modules. Brings patience and persistence when implementing process changes and promotes accountability through practical and achievable steps.
Collaborative Partnership and Communication Communicates financial information with clarity and accessibility. Provides excellent customer service to program leaders, supporting them in understanding their department streams, spending patterns, and grant compliance requirements. Offers financial education and works alongside staff to translate financial data into practical guidance. A leader that models a service‑focused mindset, guiding the finance team in educating, supporting, and partnering with departments across the organization.
Adaptive and Solutions‑Oriented Leadership Approaches the role with steady problem‑solving and openness to new approaches. Able to navigate complex team dynamics with professionalism, patience, and thoughtful feedback. Comfortable providing direction to newer team members and stepping in to realign workflows when needed without unnecessarily disrupting functional team strengths. Maintains composure and focus in a fast‑paced, evolving environment.
Values‑Driven and Team Focused Grounded in Aspire’s mission, models humility, empathy, and respect for individuals served and colleagues across teams. Prioritizes integrity in financial oversight and aligns decision‑making with ethical standards and long‑term sustainability. Builds trusted relationships and contributes positively to team culture while reinforcing Aspire’s values.
Location, Compensation & Benefits Aspire has three locations (and growing) serving the Chicagoland area and southern Wisconsin. The Administrative Office is at 1815 South Wolf Road in Hillside, Illinois. This is a hybrid role, in office 3 days a week.
Salary range: $110,000 – $130,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, life and disability coverage, a retirement plan with employer contributions, paid time off and holidays, and other employee support programs that foster balance and well‑being.
How to Apply To express your interest in this opportunity, please submit your
resume
and
cover letter
via the Maneva website.
All inquiries and discussions will be handled with the utmost confidentiality. We are actively recruiting for this position, and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the search is concluded.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Controller
role at
Aspire Chicago .
Aspire is seeking a hands‑on, detail‑oriented financial leader to oversee the organization’s core accounting operations and drive process improvement in support of its mission to empower individuals with developmental disabilities. Managing day‑to‑day accounting functions, month‑end closing, and financial reporting across a $25M+ budget, this leader will ensure accurate, timely, and transparent financial outputs that support informed decision‑making across departments.
The role will begin during a planned leadership transition in the finance team. The current Controller, a long‑tenured and integral member of the Aspire team, is planning to retire in September 2026. This position will have approximately six months of overlap, offering a valuable opportunity to onboard with direct support, transfer institutional knowledge, and gradually assume responsibility for the function. The role will report directly to the CFO throughout the transition and beyond.
Responsibilities Financial Reporting & Accounting Operations
Lead daily accounting functions (general ledger, AP/AR, payroll), ensure accurate reconciliation of all transactions, and oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statement preparation in compliance with GAAP.
Manage the month‑end close process and coordinate annual audit preparation and execution in collaboration with external auditors.
Lead the implementation and adoption of additional NetSuite modules and guide the transition to fully integrated ERP workflows that strengthen accuracy, efficiency, and data integrity.
Budgeting & Forecasting
Support development, implementation, and monitoring of the annual budget, and partner with department leaders to provide financial performance insights and variance analysis.
Assist with multi‑year financial planning and scenario modeling to inform organizational decisions and long‑term direction.
Internal Controls & Compliance
Maintain and strengthen internal control systems, ensuring compliance with GAAP, nonprofit accounting standards, grant requirements, and relevant regulations.
Support preparation of compliance‑related filings, including Form 990 and state registrations.
Oversee grant compliance, reporting, and revenue recognition across multiple funding sources, ensuring accurate financial tracking and appropriate oversight of grant administration.
Lead audit preparation activities, including coordination with external auditors, while ensuring all financial records comply with audit standards and best practices.
Team Leadership & Collaboration
Supervise and develop finance team members, fostering accountability and continuous improvement; provide financial training and tools to non‑finance colleagues.
Serve as a liaison to external partners such as auditors, banks, and insurance brokers.
Strategic and Operational Support
Partner with the CFO to advance financial strategy and lead process and system improvements, including evaluating opportunities to enhance reporting and data integration.
Provide financial analysis and insights to senior leadership and contribute to preparation of materials for Finance Committee meetings as appropriate.
Qualifications Financial Accuracy and Technical Expertise Brings deep understanding of GAAP, nonprofit fund accounting, and grant compliance. Skilled at journal entries, reporting, reconciliation, and optimizing system usage. Applies strong data accuracy standards and proactively identifies ways to improve the timing and quality of financial reporting and month‑end close. Experienced with NetSuite or similar systems, and able to reduce manual spreadsheet reliance by integrating processes and improving system functionality. A leader who brings fluency in audit processes, grant‑related financial requirements, and revenue recognition across multiple funding streams, applying a disciplined and accurate approach to all financial outputs.
Operational Improvement and Internal Controls Experienced in establishing disciplined financial processes and documentation. Enhances tracking, forecasting, and reporting through system integrations and structured workflows. Assesses existing financial practices and identifies ways to streamline tools such as fixed asset and budgeting modules. Brings patience and persistence when implementing process changes and promotes accountability through practical and achievable steps.
Collaborative Partnership and Communication Communicates financial information with clarity and accessibility. Provides excellent customer service to program leaders, supporting them in understanding their department streams, spending patterns, and grant compliance requirements. Offers financial education and works alongside staff to translate financial data into practical guidance. A leader that models a service‑focused mindset, guiding the finance team in educating, supporting, and partnering with departments across the organization.
Adaptive and Solutions‑Oriented Leadership Approaches the role with steady problem‑solving and openness to new approaches. Able to navigate complex team dynamics with professionalism, patience, and thoughtful feedback. Comfortable providing direction to newer team members and stepping in to realign workflows when needed without unnecessarily disrupting functional team strengths. Maintains composure and focus in a fast‑paced, evolving environment.
Values‑Driven and Team Focused Grounded in Aspire’s mission, models humility, empathy, and respect for individuals served and colleagues across teams. Prioritizes integrity in financial oversight and aligns decision‑making with ethical standards and long‑term sustainability. Builds trusted relationships and contributes positively to team culture while reinforcing Aspire’s values.
Location, Compensation & Benefits Aspire has three locations (and growing) serving the Chicagoland area and southern Wisconsin. The Administrative Office is at 1815 South Wolf Road in Hillside, Illinois. This is a hybrid role, in office 3 days a week.
Salary range: $110,000 – $130,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, life and disability coverage, a retirement plan with employer contributions, paid time off and holidays, and other employee support programs that foster balance and well‑being.
How to Apply To express your interest in this opportunity, please submit your
resume
and
cover letter
via the Maneva website.
All inquiries and discussions will be handled with the utmost confidentiality. We are actively recruiting for this position, and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the search is concluded.
#J-18808-Ljbffr