Controller

Financial Management & Reporting 

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  Own and oversee the general ledger, including account structure, journal entries, reconciliations, and month-end and year-end close processes for all or designated segments of the organization. 

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  Review and approve journal entries and oversee the accuracy and integrity of transactions within the accounts payable and accounts receivable systems. 

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  Perform regular reconciliations of bank accounts, balance sheet and income statement accounts, interfund activity, and federal payroll tax filings (including Form 941). 

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  Oversee payroll and benefits reconciliations, ensuring that payroll registers and benefit deductions align with vendor invoices, ADP records, and general ledger records. 

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  Ensure the timely and accurate preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP and applicable accounting standards. 

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  Maintain consistent accounting policies, internal controls, and documentation across locations, with direct responsibility for general ledger integrity and accuracy. 

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  Monitor financial performance, trends, and variances; prepare and clearly communicate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports. 

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  Provide short- and long-term financial analysis, forecasting, and projections to support organizational planning and growth. 

Audits, Compliance & Internal Controls 

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  Lead and support audit activities, including serving as a primary point of contact for external auditors and coordinating Single Audits, as applicable. 

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  Identify and implement improvements to accounting processes, internal controls, reporting efficiency, and data accuracy to support strong audit outcomes. 

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  Ensure compliance with accounting standards, grant agreements, donor requirements, and reporting deadlines. 

Grants & Restricted Funds 

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  Oversee accounting for grants and restricted funds, including proper classification, tracking, release of restrictions, and alignment with approved budgets. 

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  Ensure grant invoicing and financial reporting are accurate, timely, and prepared directly from general ledger data, with appropriate reconciliations between grant activity and the general ledger. 

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  Partner with program staff to support grant budgeting, monitoring, variance analysis, and financial reporting for government, corporate, and foundation funders. 

Budgeting & Planning 

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  Assist with the annual budgeting and financial planning process, including reviewing financial plans and analyzing actual results against budget. 

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  Monitor program budgets and expenditures to ensure alignment with approved funding and organizational priorities. 

Systems, Supervision & Collaboration 

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  Supervise accounting staff as assigned and support collaboration across locations and teams. 

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  Support the implementation, optimization, and effective use of accounting and financial systems. 

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  Partner with colleagues across finance, HR, IT, and program teams to strengthen systems integration and organizational effectiveness. 

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a closely related field. 

• At least 7-10 years of progressive accounting and financial management experience, including direct ownership of a general ledger in a complex organization. 

• Minimum of 4 years in a senior accounting or Controller-level role with responsibility for journal entries, account reconciliations, month-end and year-end close, and financial statement preparation. 

• Demonstrated experience preparing financial statements in accordance with GAAP and maintaining strong internal controls. 

• At least 3 years of experience coordinating audits, including serving as a primary point of contact for external auditors and managing audit schedules, documentation, and follow-up. 

• Substantial experience in grants accounting and compliance, including financial reporting and invoicing for government, corporate, and foundation funders. 

• Advanced proficiency with accounting and financial reporting systems and demonstrated experience maintaining accurate, reliable financial data. 

• Ability to clearly communicate financial information, risks, and trends to non-finance managers and senior leadership. 

• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with consistent attention to detail, accuracy, and follow-through. 

• Demonstrated ability to build effective working relationships across diverse teams, roles, and identities. 

• Experience in a multi-site or nationally structured nonprofit organization with complex funding streams. 

• Prior background in public accounting or audit earlier in career progression. 

• Experience supporting or leading Single Audits and managing compliance requirements associated with federal funding. 

• Experience selecting, implementing, or significantly optimizing accounting or financial systems, including managing vendor relationships. 

• Experience translating complex financial data into practical guidance for program, operations, or executive leadership. 

• Demonstrated commitment to equity-driven, client-centered work and to organizations serving historically marginalized communities. 

Perform other related duties as needed to support evolving organizational needs and priorities.  

How to Apply: Interested applicants should submit a resume with their application as one document, preferably PDF. For more information about NDS, please visit our website at https://neighborhooddefender.org/jobs/list/

The Neighborhood Defender Service is committed to creating a diverse environment that reflects the community we serve. NDS is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. NDS encourages people with incarcerated loved ones, formerly incarcerated people, people of color, women, queer, transgender, gender non-confirming, and gender fluid people to apply.