Controller

Overview

The organization is seeking a Controller, a key financial leader responsible for core accounting operations, GAAP and regulatory compliance, and continuous process improvements. This role oversees accounts payable and receivable, procurement oversight, payroll integration, tax filings, grant and fund accounting, Single Audit readiness, and internal controls. The Controller leads the monthly and annual close process, coordinates audits, and provides actionable insights to support organizational performance.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the integrity, accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of the general ledger and financial statements, including the chart of accounts, accounting policies, significant and complex transactions, journal entries, account reconciliations, and balance-sheet substantiation.
• Design, implement, and continuously improve the monthly and annual close process, including close calendars, accountability structures, review checkpoints, escalation procedures, and quality controls.
• Oversee revenue recognition, contract accounting, billing, and accounts receivable controls.
  • Ensure district contracts, grants, attendance or service-delivery data, invoices, contract assets, deferred revenue, and receivables are complete, accurate, and reconciled.
  • Establish controls to identify unbilled services, revenue leakage, billing disputes, and collection risks.
• Oversee accounting controls and reporting processes that support compliance with Expanded Learning fiscal requirements.
• Ensure robust internal controls and compliance across all financial activities, including maintaining segregation of duties and identifying and mitigating financial and operational risks.
• Maintain and update departmental procedures documentation regularly.
• Lead annual financial statement audits and the Single Audit in coordination with external CPA firms.
  • Oversee other required financial reviews (including accounts receivable and workers’ compensation audits).
  • Coordinate timely resolution of audit findings.
• Ensure nonprofit-specific GAAP compliance (ASC 958) and consistency across entities, programs, and funding sources.
• Review financial results using fluctuation and variance analysis, investigating unexpected movements, unusual transactions, missing activity, and other anomalies to ensure accuracy and completeness prior to reporting.
• Oversee accounts payable and accounts receivable processes, cash application, procurement oversight, and fixed-asset accounting, implementing effective monitoring, approval, coding, capitalization, and reconciliation procedures.
• Oversee cash accounting and treasury operations, including bank reconciliations, bank-account administration, payment controls, authorized signers, debt and investment accounting, and support for short-term liquidity forecasting.
  • Partner with the CFO on banking relationships, capital structure, and liquidity strategy.
• Oversee payroll postings to the general ledger and reconciliation of payroll and benefits accounts.
• Oversee accurate and timely preparation and filing of Form 990 and other required federal, state, local, sales, property, and informational tax filings, in coordination with internal and external tax resources.
• Partner with FP&A and operational leaders to reconcile actual results to forecasts, explain key drivers of variances, improve budget accuracy, and support organization-wide decision-making.
• Lead, coach, mentor, and develop the accounting team by setting clear expectations, providing ongoing feedback, identifying development opportunities, and creating a culture of accountability, learning, and continuous improvement.
• Build a scalable, technology-enabled accounting function by establishing appropriate service levels and performance measures, and leading process improvement and automation across financial close, accounting, and reporting activities.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Chief Financial Officer.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or business administration required.
• CPA designation required; active CPA license strongly preferred.
• MBA preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible accounting experience, including experience leading an accounting function and managing professional accounting staff.
  • Nonprofit, grant-funded, and multi-entity accounting experience strongly preferred.
• In-depth knowledge of GAAP and applicable federal and state financial regulations for nonprofit entities.
• Demonstrated experience designing, implementing, and improving financial close processes, including automation and workflow enhancements.
• Experience leading accounting or finance improvements, including process redesign, automation, close acceleration, stronger internal controls, and team development.
• Demonstrated success building and sustaining high-performing teams through clear expectations, coaching, accountability, and talent development.
• Strong project management skills, with ability to manage multiple priorities, establish accountability, anticipate risks, and deliver high-quality results within deadlines.
• Experience using automation, analytics, or AI-enabled tools within accounting or finance processes, or demonstrated ability to evaluate and adopt emerging technologies that improve efficiency, accuracy, and controls.
• Demonstrated ability to build productive cross-functional partnerships and influence outcomes through clear communication, sound judgment, and effective problem-solving.
• Exceptional analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound financial judgment, identify inconsistencies in financial information, investigate root causes, and translate findings into actionable recommendations.
• Ability to work collaboratively and maintain accuracy under tight deadlines.
• Ethical integrity and confidentiality when handling sensitive financial data.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active CPA license.
• MBA.
• Nonprofit, grant-funded, and multi-entity accounting experience.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary Range: $210K–$260K

Location and Work Environment

• Working conditions are consistent with a normal office and/or home office environment.
• Must pass a Live Scan fingerprint background check and provide a clear TB test.
• Travel up to 10%.
• Reliable transportation required to meet the needs of the position.
• While driving is not a regular requirement, employees who operate a personal or company vehicle for work purposes must maintain a valid driver's license and current auto insurance on file with HR.

Computer Skills

• Proficiency in accounting software and Microsoft Office Suite; advanced proficiency in Excel.
• Experience with ERP systems (NetSuite preferred) and ADP General Ledger Interface.
• Ability to use business intelligence and reporting tools for financial analysis and reporting.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The organization is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on protected characteristics under applicable federal, state, or local law.