Controller

Meals on Wheels People is a community-founded and community-driven nonprofit organization. For more than 50 years, we have supported the independence and well-being of older adults throughout the Portland Metro area by providing nutritious meals and meaningful social connections. Guided by our values—integrity, commitment, respect, inclusion, creativity, and teamwork—our staff and thousands of volunteers serve communities across Multnomah, Washington, and Clark counties. Together, we are committed to ensuring that no adult over 60 experiences hunger or social isolation.

Join a mission-driven organization where your work makes a direct impact. We offer a supportive, collaborative environment that values employee well-being, including a four-day workweek, generous paid time off, and a comprehensive benefits package. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; a 401(k) retirement plan; pet insurance; a wellness program; professional development opportunities; an Employee Assistance Program; and mileage reimbursement.

Position Overview

Meals on Wheels People is seeking a Controller to oversees all finance, accounting, and reporting functions for Meals on Wheels People and an annual budget of approximately $20 million. This hands-on leadership role manages a team of five and is responsible for general accounting, accounts payable and receivable, grant accounting, payroll, and benefits administration. The role will ensures strong financial controls, compliance, and efficient processes while partnering with organizational leaders to support strategic goals, operational effectiveness, and future growth.

The ideal candidate will quickly develop a deep understanding of MOWP's unique operating environment, combining the complexities of a nonprofit organization with those of a food production and distribution enterprise.

Essential Responsibilities

Finance and Accounting Leadership

• Oversee all accounting functions, ledgers, and financial reporting systems, ensuring compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and applicable federal, state, county, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain and strengthen internal controls and safeguards related to revenue, expenses, assets, liabilities, program budgets, and expenditures.
• Lead and coordinate all annual financial and governmental audits, ensuring timely completion and successful outcomes.
• Manage the monthly close process, including preparation of selected journal entries, review of all journal entries and allocations, and oversight of account reconciliations.
• Analyze financial performance and provide accurate, timely financial reports, including monthly and annual financial statements, budgets, forecasts, and key performance indicators.
• Partner with MOWP leadership to develop the annual operating and meals budgets and support ongoing forecasting and financial planning activities.
• Support the CFO in presenting financial information, trends, and recommendations to the Board of Directors and Finance Committee.
• Oversee all grant, fund, program, and project accounting activities, ensuring compliance with grant requirements and alignment of expenditures with approved budgets throughout the funding period.
• Review and monitor grant agreements for funding restrictions, releases, and allowable uses of funds, and oversee the preparation of financial reports for government, corporate, and foundation funders.
• Prepare and coordinate insurance applications, documentation, and reporting required for annual policy renewals.
• Oversee accounts receivable processes to ensure accurate billing, timely collections, and ongoing monitoring of receivables, including Medicaid reimbursement activity.
• Oversee accounts payable processes to ensure invoices are accurately coded, properly approved, and paid in a timely manner.
• Stay current on nonprofit accounting standards, audit requirements, and applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, incorporating best practices into financial operations.
• Supports mission, vision, values, and strategic plan of Meals on Wheels People, Inc.
• Other duties as assigned.

Team Leadership

• Maximize the strengths of the finance team by clarifying roles and responsibilities, providing coaching and development opportunities, and implementing training programs that support individual and organizational success.
• Supervise, mentor, and develop a team of finance professionals, fostering accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Promote effective communication and strong working relationships across all levels of the organization.
• Create and maintain a positive, inclusive, and service-oriented work environment that supports employee engagement and organizational excellence.
• Partner with department leaders to provide financial guidance, improve business processes, and strengthen cross-functional collaboration.

Education & Knowledge

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting required; CPA and/or MBA preferred.
• Seven to ten years of progressive accounting and financial management experience. Experience in nonprofit organizations, food service/production, and/or manufacturing environments is preferred.
• Strong experience with NetSuite ERP, including system administration, process optimization, and training new users.
• Demonstrated experience managing federal grants and funding, including compliance with Uniform Guidance and Single Audit requirements.
• Proven track record of implementing and improving financial systems, processes, controls, and technology solutions to enhance organizational efficiency and effectiveness.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Self-motivated, proactive professional with the ability to work independently and manage priorities with minimal supervision.
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills, with strong attention to detail and a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Proven ability to lead, develop, motivate, and engage employees while fostering a culture of accountability and collaboration.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to develop and implement practical, results-oriented solutions.
• Exceptional attention to detail and a track record of successful external audits and regulatory compliance.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills and a demonstrated ability to build consensus and achieve goals through partnership and teamwork.
• Responsive and dependable, with excellent follow-through and the ability to build trust and maintain effective relationships across departments.
• Highly organized with strong project management, prioritization, and time management skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work respectfully with diverse populations, including individuals from various cultural, socioeconomic, and ability backgrounds.

Any satisfactory combination of experience, training and/or education which ensures the ability to perform the work may substitute for the above qualifications.