Controller

Description

The Controller serves as a strategic thought partner and a hands-on, participative financial leader within the organization. Reporting directly to the Senior Director of Finance, the Controller will play a critical role in managing and enhancing the financial infrastructure, ensuring accountability, and delivering high-quality fiscal stewardship to support the organization's mission and strategic objectives.

This position requires a dynamic individual who can balance day-to-day accounting operations with high-level financial strategy. The Controller will oversee core finance functions including accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, compliance, audit preparation, and internal controls. They will lead and develop a small team of finance staff, while also working collaboratively with leaders across departments to provide financial insights, planning, and operational support.

POSITION GOALS

· Ensure Timely and Accurate Financial Reporting - Deliver monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP standards and internal deadlines, enabling leadership to make data-driven decisions.

· Strengthen Internal Controls and Compliance - Implement, document, and regularly review internal control processes to reduce risk, ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements, and prepare the organization for clean, unqualified audit outcomes.

· Lead Cross-Functional Budgeting and Forecasting - Collaborate with department heads to build realistic, mission-aligned budgets and rolling forecasts, ensuring fiscal accountability and strategic resource allocation across all programs and departments.

· Optimize Financial Operations and Technology Use - Streamline financial systems, procedures, and reporting tools—leveraging accounting software and automation where possible—to improve accuracy, reduce inefficiencies, and support organizational growth.

· Develop and Support a High-Performing Finance Team - Provide coaching, training, and leadership development to finance staff, cultivating a team culture that values continuous improvement, service orientation, and professional excellence.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Accurate Financial Reporting

· Prepare and deliver timely, GAAP-compliant monthly and annual financial statements to support organizational transparency and decision-making.

· Ensure compliance with nonprofit accounting standards, restricted funding requirements, and reporting obligations for federal, state, and county grants/contracts.

· Serve as the primary point of contact for annual audits and financial reviews, ensuring readiness and coordinating all supporting documentation.

Oversee Daily Accounting and Fiscal Operations

· Manage all core accounting functions, including accounts payable/receivable, payroll processing, general ledger maintenance, and bank reconciliations.

· Perform monthly and year-end close processes with a focus on accuracy, timeliness, and alignment with funding restrictions and board reporting needs.

· Monitor cash flow and develop short- and long-term projections to maintain financial stability across programs and administrative functions.

Lead Budgeting, Forecasting, and Grant Support

· Coordinate the organization-wide budgeting process in collaboration with program and development leaders to ensure alignment with strategic goals and funder requirements.

· Develop and maintain rolling forecasts and grant-specific budget models to support multi-funder and multi-program planning.

· Track and analyze budget-to-actuals, providing actionable insights to program leads and executive staff for mid-course corrections.

Strengthen Internal Controls and Nonprofit Compliance

· Establish and uphold strong internal control systems to safeguard the organization’s assets and maintain donor and funder trust.

· Ensure compliance with all applicable nonprofit financial regulations, grant requirements, and internal policies.

· Review financial practices regularly to identify and mitigate risks and support long-term financial sustainability.

Collaborate Cross-Functionally to Drive Mission Impact

· Act as a strategic partner to United Community’s executive, programmatic, development, and HR teams, translating financial information into operational insights.

· Support grant writers and program staff with accurate financial data, cost allocations, and funder reporting tools.

· Build financial capacity across the organization by training staff on budget ownership and financial literacy.

Lead and Develop the Finance Team

· Supervise and mentor the finance team, fostering a collaborative, mission-aligned team culture of excellence, integrity, and continuous improvement.

· Delegate and oversee team responsibilities to ensure effective workflows and professional development opportunities.

· Champion system upgrades and process improvements that support the efficiency, accuracy, and growth of the organization.

Requirements

 Education & Certification

· Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required.

· CPA certification strongly preferred; MBA or equivalent advanced degree a plus.

Experience

· Minimum of 5 years of progressive accounting/finance experience, with at least 2–3 years in a supervisory or leadership role.

· Prior experience in a nonprofit organization with federal, state, and local grants is highly preferred.

· Demonstrated experience managing fund accounting, restricted funds, and grant compliance/reporting.

Technical Skills

· Strong proficiency in GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards.

· Hands-on experience with accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, Sage Intacct, Blackbaud) and Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, etc.).

· Familiarity with payroll systems and financial management tools; experience with budgeting and forecasting software is a plus.

Strategic & Operational Acumen

· Ability to manage both high-level strategic planning and day-to-day financial operations.

· Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; able to synthesize complex financial data into actionable insights.

· Experience leading budget development, multi-year financial planning, and cash flow forecasting.

Communication & Collaboration

· Excellent communication skills with the ability to present financial data clearly to non-financial stakeholders, including program leaders, board members, and funders.

· Proven ability to build collaborative relationships across departments and contribute to a culture of trust, learning, and accountability.

Leadership & Integrity

· Demonstrated ability to lead and develop staff, foster teamwork, and drive continuous improvement.

· High level of professionalism, integrity, and commitment to United Community’s mission and values.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

United Community is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where everyone is respected and valued. United Community does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws