Controller - Nonprofit

Controller

About the Organization

Our client is a growing national 501(c)(6) organization with approximately $15–$20 million in annual revenue and nearly 50 employees. Following significant organizational growth, they are transitioning their accounting function from an outsourced provider to an in-house model, creating an outstanding opportunity for an experienced accounting leader to build and oversee the organization's accounting operations.

Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer, the Controller will play a key role in strengthening financial processes, implementing internal controls, and supporting the organization's continued growth.

Position Summary

The Controller will oversee all accounting operations and serve as the organization's senior accounting professional. This is a highly hands-on individual contributor role where no responsibility is too large or too small. The ideal candidate enjoys building processes, improving systems, and partnering with leadership while remaining willing to roll up their sleeves to handle the day-to-day accounting operations.

This position offers the opportunity to establish the foundation of a growing accounting department, with the potential to hire and lead staff as the organization continues to expand.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all day-to-day accounting operations across approximately three legal entities.

• Manage the monthly, quarterly, and annual close process, including journal entries, reconciliations, and financial statement preparation.

• Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash management, fixed assets, and general ledger activities.

• Support the CFO with budgeting, forecasting, Board reporting, and financial analysis.

• Lead the annual financial statement audit and coordinate with the external CPA firm on Form 990 preparation and other tax matters.

• Ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP, nonprofit accounting standards, grant requirements, and Single Audit requirements.

• Account for grants, donor contributions, restricted funds, and other revenue sources.

• Design, implement, and maintain accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls as the accounting function transitions in-house.

• Lead the planned migration from QuickBooks to Sage Intacct while identifying opportunities to automate and improve financial processes.

• Provide backup payroll support and partner cross-functionally with leadership on financial and operational initiatives.

Qualifications

• Active CPA license required.

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance.

• Minimum of 8 years of progressive accounting experience.

• Prior experience as a Controller, Assistant Controller, Accounting Manager, or Senior Accounting Manager.

• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, financial reporting, and internal controls.

• Experience leading annual audits and working with external CPA firms.

• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.

• Ability to thrive in a lean, collaborative environment where ownership and initiative are essential.

Preferred Qualifications

• Public accounting background.

• Experience within a nonprofit, association, or other mission-driven organization.

• Experience supporting grant-funded organizations and Single Audit requirements.

• Experience implementing or administering Sage Intacct or another cloud-based ERP.

• Experience transitioning accounting operations from an outsourced provider to an in-house finance team.

Work Environment

• Hybrid schedule (three days per week onsite).

• Reports directly to the Chief Financial Officer.

• High visibility across the organization with the opportunity to help build and scale the finance function as the organization continues to grow.