Controller

Job Summary:  

Under the direction of the Director of Finance, the Controller is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day accounting operations of the organization and ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant financial reporting. The Controller supports organizational leadership by maintaining strong internal controls, managing accounting staff, coordinating audits, and assisting with budgeting and financial analysis. 

This role plays a key operational leadership function within a nonprofit environment, ensuring compliance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), nonprofit reporting standards, and applicable grant and regulatory requirements with an emphasis on those relating to the Workforce Investment and Opportunity (WIOA) Act. 

WIOA compliance is a core focus of this role; candidates with a strong controllership foundation who are motivated to learn WIOA requirements are encouraged to apply. The ideal candidate brings a disciplined close, strong controls mindset, and a continuous-improvement approach to strengthen financial operations. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Oversee daily accounting operations, including AP, AR, general ledger, and month/quarter and year-end close.
• Ensure timely & accurate preparation of month/quarter/annual financial statements.
• Prepare financial reports, including statements of activities (P&L), financial position (balance sheet), cash flow, and budget‑to‑actual analyses.
• Maintain and improve accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls. 
• Maintain year-round audit readiness by ensuring accurate supporting documentation, effective internal controls, and compliance with applicable accounting standards and regulatory requirements.
• Lead audit coordination and compliance support, including planning, PBC documentation, and issue remediation; in grant-funded environments, oversee Single Audit (Uniform Guidance/2 CFR 200) requirements and reporting. 
• Support preparation and review of required tax and statutory filings; where applicable, coordinate nonprofit filings (e.g., Form 990) and other regulatory reports. 
• Assist in the annual budgeting process. 
• Supervise accounting staff, providing guidance, training, and feedback. 
• Engage in cross‑departmental initiatives related to financial systems or process improvements. 
• Promote a collaborative, inclusive, and quality‑focused work environment. 
• Perform other related duties as assigned. 

Required Skills: 

• Experience with ERP/Accounting systems (e.g., NetSuite, Great Plaines or comparable systems). 
• Advanced Microsoft Excel &Office 365; experience with Microsoft Copilot AI a plus. 
• Ability to prepare, review, and analyze financial statements and management reports, including variance and trend analysis. 
• Demonstrated ability to manage a disciplined close process, including reconciliations, review routines, and adherence to deadlines. 
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem‑solving skills
• Demonstrated ability to lead, manage, and mentor accounting staff, including performance coaching and development. 
• Commitment to accuracy, strong internal controls, and continuous process improvement; able to support audit readiness. 
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and with external partners (e.g., auditors, banks, vendors, and funders). 
• Willingness and ability to learn and apply WIOA compliance and grant reporting requirements; knowledge of Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200) and prior grant compliance experience preferred. 
• Experience with external reporting systems (e.g., federal/state portals such as ETA/DOL/GRS) a plus. 
• Respect for diversity and commitment to an inclusive work environment. 

Education and Experience: 

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance required; master’s and/or CPA preferred. 
• 7+ years of overall combined accounting and financial management experience; nonprofit and federal grants management preferred. 
• Managing large budgets (more than $25M) with multiple funding sources (e.g., departments, programs, contracts, grants, or entities). 
• Creating, analyzing, and managing financial statements, reports, and forecasts. 
• Preparing financial statements and taxes including 990 filings, charitable organization filings, and indirect cost applications preferred. 
• General ledger functions including account reconciliations and month-end/year-end close processes.  

Physical Requirements:  

• Frequently required to stand, walk, and sit. 
• Frequently required to utilize hand and finger dexterity using a keyboard. 
• Frequently required to talk or hear.
• Occasionally required to lift/push/carry items up to 25 pounds. 
  
  

The Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support staff and their families. Benefits include, but are not limited to, medical, prescription drug, dental and vision insurance, generous paid time off, a 401(k) plan with company match, commuter benefits, and meaningful volunteer opportunities.

The listed annual base salary range reflects the anticipated pay range for this position. Actual compensation may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, education, training, experience, skills, and other job-related factors. If hired, base pay will be determined on an individualized basis and is only one part of the total compensation package, which may also include a discretionary performance bonus and other Partnership-sponsored benefit programs, where applicable.