Controller

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain all books and records on an accrual basis in full accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Manage the timely and accurate completion of the month-end close, including journal entries, accruals, and financial statement preparation.
• Ensure complete reconciliation of all statement-of-financial-position accounts, including bank accounts, investment accounts, receivables, payables, and other balance sheet items.
• Prepare internal financial reports and support leadership with analysis as needed.
• Serve as the primary liaison for external auditors and system implementation partners.
• Supervise and mentor the Staff Accountant, providing guidance, training, and performance feedback.
• Oversee the accounts payable workflow to ensure timely and accurate vendor payments and proper internal controls.
• Prepare semi-monthly payroll, ensuring accuracy, confidentiality, and compliance with applicable laws and internal policies.
• Reconcile incoming cash receipts in coordination with the Registration Department, ensuring proper classification and deposit controls.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for the annual financial audit, coordinating schedules, preparing audit documentation, and responding to auditor inquiries.
• Maintain and strengthen internal controls, accounting policies, and financial procedures.
• Act as a key participant in the selection and implementation of a new ERP system, contributing to requirements definition, vendor evaluation, process redesign, and system testing.
• Identify opportunities to streamline accounting processes and enhance financial reporting capabilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Accounting
• Demonstrated experience in accrual-basis accounting and GAAP compliance
• Strong understanding of month-end close processes, reconciliations, and internal controls
• Experience supervising accounting staff or leading accounting functions
• Proficiency with accounting systems and Microsoft Office tools

Preferred

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) credential
• Experience in nonprofit, governmental, or regulatory environments
• Prior involvement in ERP implementation or major systems upgrade

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retailer plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location

Hybrid remote in Chicago, IL 60601