Controller

Friendly House, Inc., is a 501(c) 3 non-profit agency located in Phoenix, Arizona whose primary function is to provide a variety of educational and social service programming aimed at addressing the needs of low-income individuals and families, vulnerable populations and diverse communities. Additionally, Friendly House operates a charter school, Academia del Pueblo, with the mission to provide an academic environment which promotes a culture of high expectations to students from diverse cultures. Friendly House was organized in 1920 as the Phoenix Americanization Committee by a group of Phoenix citizens with the assistance of the United States Department of Education. In our 100-year history, the work of Friendly House has resulted in building resilient communities that are helping to spur economic development, stabilize neighborhoods and revitalize our city. Position Summary Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), the Controller is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the and integrity of the organization's financial operations. The Controller ensures timely and accurate financial reporting, maintains strong internal controls, oversees grant and fund accounting, and supports organizational decision-making through financial analysis and operational excellence. The Controller serves as a strategic partner to the CFO and leadership team by improving accounting processes, implementing financial technologies, strengthening compliance, and supporting the organization's mission through sound fiscal stewardship. This position will play a key leadership role in the implementation and ongoing administration of a new Accounting Information System and Human Resources Information System (HRIS), helping modernize financial and payroll operations while supporting continued organizational growth. Job Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, related field, or equivalent experience.Minimum seven years of progressively responsible accounting experience.Minimum five years of nonprofit accounting experience.Demonstrated experience managing federal, state, and private grants, including Uniform Guidance, Single Audit requirements, and federal cost principles.Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional projects, manage competing priorities, and coordinate accounting activities in a collaborative environment.Experience leading accounting software conversions or ERP implementations.Experience leading HRIS and payroll system implementations and financial integrations.Strong knowledge of GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards.Advanced Microsoft Excel skills including Pivot Tables, XLOOKUP/VLOOKUP, Power Query, and financial modeling preferred.Experience with Microsoft Dynamics GP, Sage Intacct, MIP, Blackbaud, NetSuite, or comparable accounting software.Ability to analyze financial information and communicate complex issues clearly to both financial and non-financial staff.Demonstrated experience working with diverse communities and maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality and professionalism. Preferred Qualifications Master's Degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or FinanceCertified Public Accountant (CPA)Experience supporting Board Finance Committees and Audit Committees Responsibilities Oversee the day-to-day accounting operations of the organization, ensuring the accuracy, completeness, and integrity of all financial records.Maintain the general ledger and ensure all financial transactions are recorded in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), organizational policies, and nonprofit accounting standards.Coordinate and participate in the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes, including preparation and review of journal entries, reconciliations, and supporting schedules.Prepare timely and accurate financial statements and management reports for the CFO, executive leadership, program management, and Board of Directors.Meet regularly with program directors and department managers to review financial performance, budget variances, grant activity, and other financial matters.Assist the CFO in the development of the annual operating budget, financial forecasts, and long-range financial planning.Monitor cash flow and assist with treasury management activities to ensure sufficient liquidity for organizational operations.Manage banking relationships, cash management activities, and related financial services in collaboration with the CFO.Oversee grant and fund accounting to ensure expenditures, revenues, and reporting comply with applicable federal, state, local, and private funding requirements, including Uniform Guidance and Single Audit requirements.Ensure compliance with all applicable accounting standards, regulatory requirements, grant agreements, and organizational policies.Monitor the effectiveness of internal controls, identify areas of financial risk, and recommend corrective actions and process improvements.Prepare audit schedules and supporting documentation and coordinate activities with external auditors, tax professionals, and regulatory agencies.Assist with preparation of the annual Form 990 and other required financial reports and regulatory filings.Maintain accurate accounting for fixed assets, depreciation, prepaid expenses, accruals, allocations, and other balance sheet accounts.Review and approve accounting transactions, reconciliations, payment processing, vendor and customer records, and other financial activities to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with internal controls.Develop, document, implement, and continuously improve accounting policies, procedures, and internal control processes to safeguard organizational assets and improve operational efficiency.Identify opportunities to automate financial processes and improve the efficiency, accuracy, and effectiveness of accounting operations.Serve as the accounting lead for the implementation, configuration, testing, and ongoing administration of the organization's accounting software, including data migration, financial reporting, chart of accounts maintenance, and user training.Partner with Human Resources and other departments to implement and optimize integrated HRIS, payroll, and accounting processes that support efficient operations and accurate financial reporting.Evaluate, recommend, and implement technology solutions that improve financial reporting, workflow automation, internal controls, and organizational efficiency.Maintain accounting system configurations, financial reporting structures, and supporting documentation to ensure reliable financial information and efficient operations.Collaborate with the CFO and organizational leadership on strategic initiatives, organizational planning, financial analysis, and continuous process improvement.Research and resolve complex accounting issues, providing technical guidance and recommendations as needed.Maintain current knowledge of nonprofit accounting standards, regulatory requirements, and financial management best practices through continuing professional education. Knowledge, Skills And Abilities Strong knowledge of nonprofit accounting principles, GAAP, grant compliance, Uniform Guidance, and internal controls.Expertise in financial reporting, financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and risk management.Demonstrated ability to lead accounting systems implementations, business process improvements, and organizational change initiatives.Strong analytical, critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills with exceptional attention to detail.Excellent organizational, project management, and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.Effective verbal, written, interpersonal, and presentation skills, including the ability to communicate complex financial information to non-financial audiences.Proficiency with accounting systems, financial technologies, Microsoft Excel, and other business applications.Ability to collaborate effectively with internal stakeholders, external auditors, consultants, funding agencies, and other business partners.Demonstrated ownership, accountability, integrity, professionalism, confidentiality, and sound judgment.Commitment to continuous improvement, agility, teamwork, and providing exceptional service in support of the organization's mission. Core Competencies Ownership & AccountabilityAgility and AdaptabilityIntegrity and ProfessionalismCollaboration and TeamworkContinuous ImprovementMission-Focused Service The Pay Range For This Role Is 90,000 - 112,000 USD per year(Phoenix)