Nonprofit Controller

Position Summary

The Senior Nonprofit Controller is a senior accounting leader responsible for overseeing the organization’s accounting operations, financial reporting, internal controls, budgeting, treasury management, and regulatory compliance. This role ensures the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of financial information while strengthening accounting processes, improving operational efficiency, and supporting strategic decision-making.

The Senior Nonprofit Controller provides leadership across the full accounting cycle, including general ledger management, month-end and year-end close, financial statement preparation, audit coordination, tax compliance, revenue recognition, and fund accounting. Working closely with executive leadership, department heads, external auditors, and other key stakeholders, the Controller translates complex financial information into actionable insights that support organizational goals.

The ideal candidate combines strong technical accounting expertise with a demonstrated ability to lead teams, implement financial systems, improve internal controls, and manage the unique financial reporting and compliance requirements of nonprofit organizations.

Primary Responsibilities

Accounting Operations and Financial Reporting

• Oversee day-to-day accounting operations, including general ledger maintenance, accounts payable, accounts receivable, treasury, payroll accounting, and financial reconciliations.
• Lead the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes, ensuring accurate and timely reporting.
• Prepare and review monthly and annual financial statements in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and applicable nonprofit accounting standards.
• Oversee revenue recognition, restricted-fund accounting, endowment accounting, and other specialized accounting activities as applicable.
• Maintain accurate accounting records and ensure appropriate documentation, reconciliations, and supporting schedules are completed.
• Evaluate financial results, identify trends and variances, and communicate findings and recommendations to leadership.
• Oversee consolidated financial reporting and accounting activities involving affiliated entities, subsidiaries, or shared-service operations, as applicable.

Financial Planning, Budgeting, and Cash Management

• Partner with executive leadership and department heads to develop annual budgets, forecasts, and financial projections.
• Monitor actual financial performance against budgets, investigate variances, and recommend corrective actions when appropriate.
• Oversee cash flow forecasting, treasury operations, banking relationships, and liquidity management to support current and future organizational needs.
• Provide financial analysis and reporting to support resource allocation, operational planning, and strategic initiatives.
• Monitor investment and endowment activity, ensuring transactions are appropriately recorded and financial information is accurate and transparent.
• Support organizational leadership in evaluating financial risks, opportunities, and long-term sustainability.

Internal Controls, Audit, and Compliance

• Develop, implement, and maintain effective internal controls, accounting policies, and financial procedures to safeguard organizational assets.
• Lead the annual external audit process, coordinating schedules, preparing supporting documentation, and responding to auditor requests.
• Oversee the preparation and filing of IRS Form 990 and other required federal, state, and local tax and regulatory filings.
• Ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards, tax regulations, grant and donor restrictions, and nonprofit reporting requirements.
• Identify control gaps and opportunities to strengthen accounting procedures, reduce risk, and improve the reliability of financial reporting.
• Coordinate with external auditors, tax advisors, and other professional service providers to resolve technical accounting and compliance matters.
• Research and implement new accounting standards, ensuring appropriate application and timely adoption.

Financial Systems and Process Improvement

• Evaluate existing accounting systems, financial reporting tools, and operational workflows to identify opportunities for improvement and automation.
• Lead or support the implementation, configuration, and optimization of accounting, budgeting, accounts payable, expense management, and financial close systems.
• Improve month-end close procedures, reconciliation processes, reporting structures, and documentation standards to increase accuracy and efficiency.
• Develop standardized accounting policies, procedures, and workflows to promote consistency, accountability, and scalability.
• Partner with technology and operational teams to improve the integration and accuracy of financial data across systems.
• Support financial systems modernization initiatives, including ERP transitions, data migration, implementation planning, and user training.

Leadership and Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Lead, mentor, and develop accounting personnel, establishing clear expectations and promoting accountability, professional growth, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee outsourced accounting resources and external service providers, as applicable.
• Collaborate with department leaders to improve financial processes, strengthen budget management, and support informed operational decisions.
• Partner with fundraising and development teams to improve gift and pledge documentation, revenue tracking, restricted-fund reporting, and financial stewardship.
• Work with retail, program, and operational teams to strengthen revenue reconciliation, inventory accounting, accounts payable procedures, and reporting accuracy, as applicable.
• Communicate financial information clearly to stakeholders with varying levels of financial expertise.
• Support executive leadership with special projects, financial analyses, and strategic initiatives as needed.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting required.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) required.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive accounting experience, including substantial experience in a Controller or senior accounting leadership role.
• Demonstrated experience overseeing accounting operations, financial reporting, internal controls, audits, and regulatory compliance.
• Experience working within a nonprofit organization or providing accounting and financial management services to nonprofit clients required.
• Knowledge of nonprofit GAAP, fund accounting, restricted revenue, endowment accounting, and IRS Form 990 reporting highly desirable.
• Experience managing accounting teams and collaborating with executive leadership, department heads, external auditors, and other financial stakeholders.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency with accounting and financial management systems or comparable ERP platforms.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and experience with financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and reconciliation tools.
• Experience implementing or optimizing accounting systems, budgeting platforms, accounts payable automation, and financial close management solutions.
• Strong understanding of GAAP, internal controls, audit requirements, and financial reporting best practices.
• Ability to analyze complex financial data, identify discrepancies, and develop practical recommendations to improve performance and efficiency.

Leadership and Professional Competencies

• Strong leadership and team development skills, with the ability to motivate staff and establish a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills, with exceptional attention to detail.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to explain complex financial concepts to nonfinancial stakeholders and provide clear, actionable recommendations.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and perform effectively in a dynamic environment.
• High ethical standards, sound judgment, and a commitment to financial accuracy, transparency, and responsible stewardship.
• A proactive approach to process improvement, technology adoption, and operational efficiency.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing accounting operations for a nonprofit organization with a complex funding structure, multiple revenue streams, or significant annual operating budget.
• Experience overseeing endowment accounting, restricted funds, consolidated financial statements, or affiliated entities.
• Demonstrated success implementing financial systems and automating accounting processes.
• Experience managing relationships with external auditors, tax advisors, financial institutions, and outsourced accounting providers.
• Experience serving as a financial advisor to executive leadership or nonprofit boards.

Position Expectations

The Senior Nonprofit Controller is expected to provide reliable financial information, maintain strong internal controls, ensure compliance with applicable accounting and regulatory requirements, and support the organization’s long-term financial health. Success in this role requires a balance of technical accounting expertise, strategic thinking, effective team leadership, and the ability to improve financial processes while partnering across the organization.