Controller

POSITION: Controller

LOCATION: Northwest Youth Corps Headquarters – Eugene, Oregon

COMPENSATION: $90,000 Salary Exempt

BENEFITS OVERVIEW: Personal Leave, Paid Holidays, Medical and Dental Coverage, Disability/Life Insurance, 401(k) investment plan, Wellness Benefit, Professional Development and other perks!

Organizational Background

Since 1984, Northwest Youth Corps (NYC), a non-profit organization, has given tens of thousands of youth and young adults opportunities to learn, grow, and experience success. Through partnerships with conservation agencies, youth and young adults gain the personal and professional skills needed to carry out a variety of stewardship projects, from which they can earn a stipend, high school credit, and/or an AmeriCorps educational award. More importantly, these young people gain skills needed to become economically and socially self-sufficient, benefit their communities as citizen stewards, and recognize that they can make a positive difference. NYC also operates an accredited charter school, internship program, and the Idaho Conservation Corps (ICC).

Position Summary

The Controller serves as Northwest Youth Corps' senior accounting leader and is responsible for the day-to-day accounting operations, financial reporting, and financial control environment of the organization. Reporting to the Senior Vice President of Administration & Systems, the Controller leads the full accounting cycle, including transaction processing, reconciliations, monthly and year-end close, and preparation of financial statements. The Controller supervises Finance Department staff, supports budgeting and forecasting, ensures accurate accounting for grants and agreements, and serves as a primary point of contact for external audit and tax preparation. The role provides financial analysis and technical accounting guidance to leadership while maintaining a clear focus on accounting operations, reporting accuracy, compliance, and internal controls.

Position Details

Department Supervision and Collaborations

The Controller shares a strong commitment to the NYC mission and values and provides direct supervision, training, and support to Finance Department staff. The position collaborates with department leaders on annual budget development, budget-to-actual reporting, cost allocations, and the financial requirements of grants, contracts, and assistance agreements. The Controller also coordinates with People & Culture on payroll and benefits-related financial data, and with external auditors, tax professionals, banking partners, and other financial service providers as needed.

Position Qualifications & Certifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and progressively responsible accounting experience; CPA or CMA preferred.
• Five to seven years of progressive accounting experience, including demonstrated responsibility for financial reporting, month-end/year-end close, and supervision or review of accounting staff.
• Experience in nonprofit accounting strongly preferred, including familiarity with restricted and unrestricted funds/net assets, grant and contract accounting, and financial compliance requirements for federal awards.
• Strong working knowledge of GAAP, nonprofit financial reporting, cash flow management, account reconciliations, and financial analysis.
• Demonstrated experience establishing and maintaining effective internal controls and accounting policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and multi-state tax and payroll reporting requirements for a 501(c)(3) organization.
• Strong accounting systems foundation. Advanced QuickBooks Online proficiency required; experience with Salesforce and Paylocity strongly preferred or required based on organizational needs.
• Advanced Microsoft 365 skills, including Excel functions used for reconciliations, data analysis, budget monitoring, and financial modeling.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills, with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage overlapping priorities and confidential information.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Accounting and Financial Reporting

• Oversee the full accounting cycle, including the general ledger, journal entries, account reconciliations, transaction processing, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll accounting, and cash management.
• Manage monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes and ensure accurate and timely preparation of financial statements and supporting schedules.
• Review and reconcile restricted and unrestricted funds, grants, contracts, projects, and cost centers; investigate and resolve discrepancies.
• Ensure accurate coding and allocation of expenses across grants, programs, departments, and cost centers in accordance with organizational policy and funder requirements.
• Prepare and analyze budget-to-actual reports, cash flow summaries, financial position forecasts, and other financial reports for organizational leadership and the Finance Committee.
• Maintain fixed asset records, depreciation schedules, and capital project accounting.

Annual Audit, Tax and Regulatory Compliance

• Serve as primary Finance liaison for the annual financial statement audit and Single Audit, when applicable, including preparation of schedules, reconciliations, and supporting documentation requested by external auditors.
• Maintain records and financial information required for annual Form 990, Oregon CT-12, payroll tax filings, and other applicable federal, state, and local tax or regulatory reporting, in coordination with external tax professionals as appropriate.
• Maintain current knowledge of accounting standards, tax requirements, federal award requirements, and other financial regulations applicable to NYC.
• Support and monitor financial compliance with grant, contract, and assistance-agreement terms, including allowable cost, cost allocation, match, invoicing, and financial reporting requirements.
• Maintain financial records in accordance with applicable records-retention requirements.

Financial Controls and Cash Management

• Establish, maintain, and periodically evaluate internal controls and accounting policies designed to safeguard organizational assets and support accurate financial reporting.
• Monitor cash flow, reserve levels, bank reconciliations, and other financial activity to support operational needs and compliance requirements.
• Serve as a principal Finance contact with banking and credit facilities and maintain appropriate controls over access to funds, banking activity, and disbursement processes.
• Maintain and monitor financial aspects of agency tax-exempt status and related required reporting to taxing and revenue authorities.
• Recommend and implement accounting process, reporting, and financial-system improvements that increase efficiency, accuracy, transparency, and control.

Budgeting, Analysis and Organizational Support

• Support annual organizational and departmental budget preparation in partnership with the Senior Vice President of Administration & Systems and department leadership.
• Monitor budget performance and provide timely variance analysis and financial information to support operational decision-making.
• Advise leadership and department managers on accounting, budgeting, financial controls, cost allocation, and efficient use of financial resources.
• Provide technical financial guidance related to new grants, agreements, programs, or operational changes, while leaving programmatic and enterprise-level strategic ownership with the appropriate organizational leaders.

Finance Team Leadership

• Supervise, train, mentor, and evaluate Finance Department staff and review work for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with established procedures.
• Establish clear accounting workflows, deadlines, documentation standards, and cross-training necessary for reliable and timely financial operations.
• Coordinate with People & Culture to maintain the accuracy and integrity of payroll and benefits-related financial data; the Controller is responsible for the accounting and financial-control aspects of these functions rather than general HR administration.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

• The position is primarily performed in an office setting and requires regular use of a computer, telephone, and standard office equipment.
• The employee is regularly required to sit, communicate, and use hands for computer and office work, and may periodically stand or walk during the workday.
• The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Complies with attendance and punctuality standards, as well as all organizational policies.

This Position Description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Terms of Employment

This is a full-time, exempt position based at Northwest Youth Corps Headquarters in Eugene, Oregon. Typical hours are Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with periodic longer days and/or evening or weekend responsibilities during audit, budget, year-end close, or other peak finance periods. Remote-work eligibility, if any, is governed by current NYC policy.

All job offers are contingent upon completion of the background-check requirements applicable to the position and current NYC policy.

To Apply:

Send a cover letter and resume to Jessica Johnson, Human Resources Officer at jessicaj@nwyouthcorps.org with "Controller" in the subject line and document attachments in Word or PDF format. Please do not call or drop in. Alternatively, apply online at https://nwyouthcorps.workbrightats.com/jobs/1328104

Northwest Youth Corps is an Equal Opportunity Employer - At Northwest Youth Corps, we believe diversity is an essential source of strength for our communities, and we strive to create a safe and empowering environment for all participants and staff from the widest range of backgrounds and abilities. We are privileged to facilitate conservation service on our public lands with humility and are deeply invested in supporting youth and young adults of all races, ethnicities, gender identities, religions, sexual orientations, economic status, and/or other socio-cultural identifiers to learn, grow, and experience success in our programs, and beyond.