Controller

ABOUT US:

Women's Lunch Place is a Boston-based nonprofit serving more than 2,300 women annually through day shelter, meals, housing, healthcare, and case management. We believe Dignity is Everything and that is how we operate, with the same care and commitment. 

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Controller is responsible for overseeing all financial operations and strategy. This includes budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, audits, compliance, risk management, and grants management. The Controller works closely and transparently with the Chief Executive Officer, Executive Leadership Team, Board Treasurer, Finance Committee, Investment Advisory Council, and external partners to support the organization's mission and ensure long-term fiscal health.

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

Direct Reports: N/A

Status: Exempt

Position Type: Full-time, hybrid (minimum 4 days in person); While we strive to be flexible with work-from-home schedules, designated remote workdays are not guaranteed and may be subject to change based on organizational and operational needs.

Salary: $107,000-120,000 annually

BENEFITS:

• Time Off: 20 vacation days and 10 sick days annually for full-time employees; vacation increases to 25 days after 3 years
• Holidays: 10 paid holidays per year
• Health insurance (80% employer-paid) 
• 100% employer-paid dental and vision insurance
• Short- and long-term disability (60% wage replacement)
• Life insurance up to $25,000
• Retirement: 403(b) with up to 5% automatic employer contribution
• Commuter Benefits: Pre-tax MBTA/Commuter Rail passes 
• Flexible Spending: Pre-tax health, dependent care, and insurance premium options
• Pet Insurance: Up to 20% discount through SPOT

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Leadership & Collaboration

• Collaborate with the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Program Officer, Chief Philanthropy Officer, Board Treasurer, and Finance Committee to develop and manage the organization’s financial strategy and policies, including long-term financial planning and monitoring of investment portfolio in collaboration with the Investment Advisory Council.
• Serve as financial liaison to the Board of Directors and Finance Committee; communicate and present financial matters effectively to the Board.
• Lead the creation and monitoring of all financial plans; update and implement necessary accounting practices and internal controls.
• Oversee and execute Federal, State, and City grant budgeting, reimbursement and reporting requirements

Financial Management & Reporting

• Lead the annual budgeting process, working with department heads to develop and manage the organization’s revenue and expenses and providing a detailed budget narrative to accompany the financial statements; oversee QBO input, monitor budget performance and provide regular updates to ensure financial sustainability.
• Prepare, analyze, and present accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports and statements. Analyze material variances to budget. Offer recommendations for improvements.
• Lead in-depth financial analysis, forecasting, modeling, and scenario planning to inform business decisions.
• Manage and optimize the agency's cash flow, including monitoring working capital and ensuring sufficient safety and liquidity while maximizing growth.
• Implement a robust financial management and reporting infrastructure to support strategic and operational goals.

Audit

• Manage all aspects of audit preparation and serve as the main point of contact with external auditing firm.
• Review the draft audited financial statement, Form 990 and PC and provide comments to the auditor and Finance committee.

Accounting & Compliance

• Supervise and provide oversight to the external contracted bookkeeper and ensure timely payment and recording of payments and receivables.
• Coordinate with the Senior Director of HR and Philanthropy team on payroll, reporting, and restricted funding.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant nonprofit accounting standards (GAAP), tax filings (990, 5500, PC), and federal/state regulations.
• Oversee and update the finance department’s Financial Policies, Investment Policies, and accounting manual.
• In collaboration with the Senior Director of HR, administer all organizational insurance programs, including health, workers comp, liability, D&O and retirement funds.
• Review all grant and funding agreements for potential restrictions to properly record revenue recognition in accordance with the grant.
• Ensure timely monthly closings with preparation of related workpapers and support for key accounts.

Grants, Contracts, and Campaign Oversight

• Manage financial aspects of grants and government contracts, including proposal budgets, financial reporting compliance, and reimbursement submissions.
• Partner with the Philanthropy team on donor reporting, campaign fund tracking, and reserves management.
• Monitor and report on any capital project financials, including monthly loan requisitions, with transparency, accuracy, and cost control.

Risk Management & Vendor Oversight

• Identify and mitigate financial risks; maintain and improve internal controls.
• Ensure best practices in financial risk management are employed. Conduct periodic risk assessments, financial institution evaluations, and insurance reviews.
• Negotiate and manage contracts with vendors and consultants in competitive bidding processes, ensuring favorable terms.
• Maintain on-going relationships with banking and investment provider.

Operations Leadership

• Manage IT system consultant, data security, communications and technology infrastructure to support staff and program needs.
• Oversee facilities management, including maintenance, capacity planning, vendor contracts, capital expenditures, and safety compliance.
• Maintain WLP certifications and insurances.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Individuals reentering the workforce are encouraged to apply.

Education and/or Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required; CPA or MBA preferred.
• Minimum of 5–7 years of progressively responsible finance experience, preferably in the nonprofit sector.
• Strong understanding of nonprofit financial regulations, audits, reporting standards, and compliance.
• Government and non-government grants accounting experience preferred.
• Proven track record of overseeing complex budgets, reporting systems, and audits.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with ability to convey financial information clearly to a range of stakeholders.
• Experience working with QuickBooks Online, Excel, and other accounting and financial analysis tools.
• Commitment to WLP’s mission, values, and culture, with a collaborative, solutions-oriented approach.

Language and Communication Skills:

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
• Excellent written, verbal and listening skills.
• Excellent collaboration skills. 

Other Skills and Abilities:

• Strong leadership and team management experience.
• Proficiency in financial software and tools, including QuickBooks Online.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills.
• Ability to adapt to a rapidly changing business environment.
• Excellent strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Physical and Environmental Requirements:

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical activities include:

The employee primarily sits, but is occasionally required to stand, walk, and use hands to finger, handle or feel controls. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision and hearing abilities required by this job include close vision and distance vision and ability to hear conversations in office and group settings. Attendance at meetings in the community is required.

Work Environment:

The noise level in the office is generally low; the noise level in the shelter is usually high. Women’s Lunch Place is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Women’s Lunch Place offers a rewarding work environment with competitive salary, generous benefits and a strong commitment to diversity in its workforce and programs. Women’s Lunch Place does not discriminate based on race, color, gender or gender identity, religion, national origin, sexual orientation or disability.