Controller

Overview

This role reports to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and is responsible for the day-to-day operation and integrity of the organization’s financial operations. The Controller ensures timely and accurate financial reporting, maintains strong internal controls, oversees grant and fund accounting, and supports organizational decision-making through financial analysis and process excellence.

The position serves as a strategic partner to the CFO and leadership team by improving accounting processes, implementing financial technologies, strengthening compliance, and supporting the organization’s mission through sound fiscal stewardship. A key responsibility includes leading the implementation and ongoing administration of a new Accounting Information System and Human Resources Information System (HRIS), modernizing financial and payroll operations while supporting continued organizational growth.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day accounting operations to ensure the accuracy, completeness, and integrity of all financial records.
• Maintain the general ledger and ensure transactions are recorded in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), organizational policies, and nonprofit accounting standards.
• Coordinate and participate in monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, including preparation and review of journal entries, reconciliations, and supporting schedules.
• Prepare timely and accurate financial statements and management reports for the CFO, executive leadership, program management, and the Board of Directors.
• Meet regularly with program directors and department managers to review financial performance, budget variances, grant activity, and related financial matters.
• Assist the CFO with development of the annual operating budget, financial forecasts, and long-range financial planning.
• Monitor cash flow and support treasury management activities to ensure sufficient liquidity.
• Manage banking relationships and cash management activities in collaboration with the CFO.
• Oversee grant and fund accounting to ensure expenditures, revenues, and reporting comply with applicable federal, state, local, and private funding requirements, including Uniform Guidance and Single Audit requirements.
• Ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards, regulatory requirements, grant agreements, and organizational policies.
• Monitor internal control effectiveness, identify areas of financial risk, and recommend corrective actions and process improvements.
• Prepare audit schedules and supporting documentation; coordinate with external auditors, tax professionals, and regulatory agencies.
• Assist with preparation of the annual Form 990 and other required financial reports and regulatory filings.
• Maintain accurate accounting for fixed assets, depreciation, prepaid expenses, accruals, allocations, and other balance sheet accounts.
• Review and approve accounting transactions, reconciliations, payment processing, and vendor/customer records to ensure accuracy, completeness, and internal control compliance.
• Develop, document, implement, and continuously improve accounting policies, procedures, and internal control processes to safeguard organizational assets and improve efficiency.
• Identify opportunities to automate financial processes and improve accounting efficiency, accuracy, and effectiveness.
• Serve as the accounting lead for implementation, configuration, testing, and ongoing administration of the organization’s accounting software, including data migration, financial reporting, chart of accounts maintenance, and user training.
• Partner with Human Resources and other departments to implement and optimize integrated HRIS, payroll, and accounting processes for efficient operations and accurate financial reporting.
• Evaluate, recommend, and implement technology solutions to improve financial reporting, workflow automation, internal controls, and organizational efficiency.
• Maintain accounting system configurations, financial reporting structures, and supporting documentation for reliable financial information.
• Collaborate with the CFO and organizational leadership on strategic initiatives, organizational planning, financial analysis, and continuous process improvement.
• Research and resolve complex accounting issues; provide technical guidance and recommendations as needed.
• Maintain current knowledge of nonprofit accounting standards, regulatory requirements, and financial management best practices through continuing professional education.

Job Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, related field, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum seven years of progressively responsible accounting experience.
• Minimum five years of nonprofit accounting experience.
• Demonstrated experience managing federal, state, and private grants, including Uniform Guidance, Single Audit requirements, and federal cost principles.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional projects, manage competing priorities, and coordinate accounting activities in a collaborative environment.
• Experience leading accounting software conversions or ERP implementations.
• Experience leading HRIS and payroll system implementations and financial integrations.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills including Pivot Tables, XLOOKUP/VLOOKUP, Power Query, and financial modeling preferred.
• Experience with Microsoft Dynamics GP, Sage Intacct, MIP, Blackbaud, NetSuite, or comparable accounting software.
• Ability to analyze financial information and communicate complex issues clearly to both financial and non-financial staff.
• Demonstrated experience working with diverse communities and maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality and professionalism.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or Finance
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• Experience supporting Board Finance Committees and Audit Committees

Location

Phoenix, Arizona

Compensation & Benefits

• Pay range: $90,000 - $112,000 USD per year