Controller, Finance

Accountabilities: As Controller, you will oversee the organization's accounting operations and financial planning processes, ensuring reliable reporting, regulatory compliance, and effective financial management. Lead the monthly financial close process, ensuring accurate and timely recording, reconciliation, and reporting of transactions, including cash activity, pledges, journal entries, accruals, restricted funds, and grants. Ensure financial statements and accounting practices comply with U.S. GAAP and applicable nonprofit accounting standards, including revenue recognition, restricted contributions, grants, and functional expense reporting. Maintain the integrity of the general ledger, chart of accounts, and subsidiary ledgers while administering and continuously improving Sage Intacct and related accounting systems and processes. Develop and maintain cash-flow reporting and a rolling 13-week cash-flow forecast to support liquidity planning and cash-management decisions. Lead monthly financial forecasting and update full-year revenue and expense projections in collaboration with the Chief Finance & Operating Officer and department leaders. Partner with the Development team to forecast fundraising revenue, grants, and restricted contributions. Review monthly budget-to-actual performance with department managers, investigate variances, and update financial projections accordingly. Lead the annual organizational budgeting process, including developing assumptions and templates, consolidating departmental budgets, and preparing reports for review. Prepare accurate monthly financial statements and reporting packages, maintain supporting documentation, and develop workpapers for the annual external audit and Form 990 preparation. Manage the annual external audit, including preparing schedules and supporting documents, coordinating with external auditors and finance partners, responding to requests, and following up on recommendations and findings. Ensure compliance with applicable financial and regulatory requirements, including charitable registrations, federal and state tax-exemption requirements, and sales and use tax obligations. Maintain and strengthen accounting policies, documentation, and internal controls while identifying financial risks and recommending practical process improvements. Supervise and support the professional development of the Operations Coordinator, who is primarily responsible for accounts payable and accounts receivable. Provide financial analysis, reporting, and actionable insights to senior leadership, department heads, and the Finance and Audit Committee to support organizational decision-making. Requirements The ideal candidate is an experienced nonprofit accounting professional who combines strong technical expertise with practical leadership, sound judgment, and the ability to communicate financial information clearly across an organization. 7–10 years of progressive accounting and finance experience, including significant experience in nonprofit accounting. At least 3 years of management or leadership experience. Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP and nonprofit accounting principles, including restricted contributions, grants, revenue recognition, and functional expense reporting. Demonstrated experience independently managing monthly financial close processes, reconciliations, financial statement preparation, and general ledger integrity. Proven experience managing annual external audits and preparing audit schedules and supporting documentation. Experience with organizational budgeting, financial forecasting, cash-flow modeling, and budget-to-actual analysis. Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective internal controls, accounting policies, and financial processes. Hands-on experience with Sage Intacct. Proficiency with accounting and financial systems, as well as Microsoft Office or Google Workspace, particularly Excel or Google Sheets. Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines without compromising accuracy. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex financial information to colleagues without a finance background. A collaborative, service-oriented leadership approach, with a commitment to mentoring team members and supporting colleagues across departments. A practical, solutions-focused mindset and the ability to improve processes while maintaining appropriate structure and accountability. Preferred Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field. CPA or another relevant accounting certification. Experience with QuickBooks and Bill.com. Experience with Salesforce or another CRM platform, including finance and CRM integrations. Experience supporting charitable registrations, sales and use tax compliance, and Form 990 preparation. Previous experience working within a national, remote nonprofit organization. An interest in music, music education, or youth development. Benefits Salary: Starting annual salary range of $114,506–$121,241. New hires are typically placed between 85% and 90% of the range, depending on relevant qualifications, skills, and directly applicable experience. Compensation decisions follow established market benchmarks and internal equity guidelines. Health coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance, with up to 100% of employee coverage paid. Health accounts: Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options. Insurance protection: Short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance. Retirement savings: 403(b) retirement plan with a 3% employer match after 90 days of service. Student loan support: Eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Time off: Discretionary Time Off policy and 10 paid holidays. Company-wide closure: Office closure from December 24 through January 1. Flexible work arrangements: Fully remote position with flexible working arrangements. Remote work support: Monthly remote work stipend. Employee enjoyment: Dedicated music enjoyment stipend. Equipment: Laptop, monitor, docking station, and peripherals provided for business use. Professional growth: Opportunities to develop expertise and contribute to a mission-driven organization.