Controller - Nonprofit Organization
Job description
Ghj Search and Staffing serves as the recruitment division of Ghj, a prominent national accounting and advisory firm. Our team provides qualified Accounting and Finance professionals on a temporary and permanent basis across a broad range of industries. Ghj's relationship with our Global Advisory and Accounting Network provides the resources needed to better understand client's needs, attract a higher caliber of candidates and assess candidate potential. We are seeking a mission-driven Controller to oversee the financial & accounting operations of a highly-respected nonprofit organization in Atlanta, GA. The Controller is responsible for overseeing the financial operations of the nonprofit organization, including accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, compliance, internal controls, and audit coordination. This role ensures the accuracy and integrity of financial records while supporting the organization's mission through sound financial management and strategic guidance. The Controller manages day-to-day accounting functions and helps ensure compliance with nonprofit accounting standards and applicable laws and regulations.
About the role
You will own the end-to-end oversight of the general ledger, ensuring that all financial transactions are recorded accurately, timely, and in strict accordance with nonprofit accounting frameworks. You will own the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of internal controls that safeguard the organization's assets and ensure the reliability of financial data. You will own the preparation of management reporting packages that provide leadership with clear, insightful, and actionable financial information for decision-making. You will own the coordination and execution of the annual audit process, working closely with external auditors to ensure a smooth, efficient, and compliant audit cycle. You will own the development and monitoring of the annual budget and multi-year forecasts, aligning financial performance with the strategic objectives of the nonprofit. You will own the oversight of cash management and banking activities, ensuring that all funds are handled in a manner that mitigates risk and maintains transparency. You will own collaboration with program leaders to analyze the financial impact of initiatives, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to support mission delivery. You will own the stewardship of the organization's financial health, providing strategic guidance that enables sustainable growth and long-term mission fulfillment.
Key facts
What you'll do
Establish and maintain a robust general ledger accounting system that accurately reflects the financial position and activities of the nonprofit organization.
Implement and monitor internal controls over financial processes, mitigating risks related to fraud, error, and non-compliance.
Prepare and present comprehensive financial reports, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements, tailored to stakeholder needs.
Liaise with external auditors, providing leadership and direction throughout the audit process to ensure adherence to deadlines and regulatory standards.
Develop and manage the annual operating budget, tracking actual results against projections and recommending corrective actions as necessary.
Oversee accounts payable and accounts receivable functions, ensuring that vendor payments are processed accurately and donor funds are allocated properly.
Coordinate the preparation of year-end financial statements, ensuring that all disclosures are complete and compliant with nonprofit accounting standards.
Analyze funding trends and revenue streams, providing insights that support the diversification and stability of the organization's income base.
Collaborate with program department heads to assess the financial feasibility and impact of new programs and operational initiatives.
Maintain current knowledge of laws and regulations governing nonprofit organizations, ensuring that all financial activities remain within legal and ethical boundaries.
Manage relationships with banking institutions, resolving any issues related to cash handling, wire transfers, and account reconciliations efficiently.
Support the development of financial policies and procedures that enhance efficiency, transparency, and accountability across the finance function.
Utilize financial data to perform scenario analyses and modeling, assisting leadership in evaluating strategic options and potential risks.
Serve as a key point of contact for finance-related inquiries from board members, donors, and regulatory bodies, providing clear and accurate responses.
Requirements
Must possess a Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a closely related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Must hold a current Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license or be eligible to obtain one upon hire.
Must have a minimum of five years of progressively responsible accounting experience, with at least two years in a supervisory or leadership capacity.
Must demonstrate in-depth knowledge of nonprofit accounting principles, including fund accounting and compliance with IRS reporting requirements.
Must be proficient in the use of enterprise-level accounting software, such as QuickBooks Enterprise, NetSuite, or similar platforms.
Must have advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including the ability to create complex financial models and automate routine reporting tasks.
Must possess strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills, with the ability to interpret financial data and communicate findings effectively.
Must have a proven track record of managing internal controls, audit processes, and regulatory compliance for nonprofit entities.
Nice to have
Experience working with nonprofit organizations in the Atlanta metropolitan area is preferred.
Familiarity with grant management and reporting requirements is highly desirable.
Knowledge of fundraising finance and donor management systems is a distinct advantage.
Experience supporting organizations with multi-state operations or federal funding sources is beneficial.
Practical notes
This is a regular full-time position based in Atlanta, Georgia.
The role requires the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship at this time.
Travel is not required for this position.
This role does not require security clearance.
This position is posted for active searching candidates.