Controller

Job Description

The Controller is responsible for the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of the Greater Providence YMCA’s financial reporting. This role owns the month-end close process, ensures accounting accuracy, and leads to audit preparation and execution across a multi-branch nonprofit organization. The Controller will establish discipline, structure, and accountability within the accounting function and partner with leadership to support informed financial decision-making.

Qualifications

• Required
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting
• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience
• 3–5 years in an accounting leadership role
• Proven experience owning month-end close and financial statements
• Direct experience leading or heavily supporting annual audits
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and accrual accounting
• Experience overseeing or partnering on payroll processes
• Strong attention to detail and ability to enforce deadlines
• Advanced Excel and accounting systems proficiency
• PREFERRED
• Experience in a multi-entity or multi-location organization
• Nonprofit experience (helpful but not required)
• Experience improving accounting processes and internal controls

Essential Functions

• Core Responsibilities (Primary Focus Areas)
• Month-End Close Ownership (Top Priority)
• Own and manage the monthly, quarterly, and year-end close process
• Ensure all journal entries, accruals, and reconciliations are completed accurately and on time
• Establish and enforce a structured close calendar and review process
• Maintain full ownership of the general ledger
• Accounting Accuracy & Financial Integrity
• Ensure financial statements are accurate and prepared in accordance with GAAP
• Oversee all balance sheet reconciliations and review processes
• Maintain strong control over account classifications and cutoff
• Identify and resolve accounting issues proactively
• Audit Ownership
• Lead the annual audit process end-to-end
• Prepare and review audit workpapers and supporting schedules
• Serve as the primary contact for external auditors
• Oversee preparation of IRS Form 990 and required filings
• Supporting Responsibilities
• Accounting Operations
• Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, and general accounting functions
• Ensure consistent and accurate processing across all branches
• Payroll Oversight (in partnership with HR)
• Oversee payroll accounting, reconciliations, and accruals
• Partner with HR and payroll providers to ensure accurate and timely payroll processing
• Internal Controls & Process Improvement
• Strengthen and enforce internal controls
• Improve accounting workflows, documentation, and close timelines
• Ensure consistent financial processes across the organization
• Team Leadership
• Directly supervise: Senior Accountant and Accounts Payable
• Establish accountability, structure, and performance expectations
• Budget Support (Secondary)
• Support the CFO in the annual budget process
• Assist with variance analysis and financial reporting
• Organizational Relationships
• Reports to: Chief Financial Officer
• Works in tandem with: Grants & Finance Manager

Required Certifications

• Required
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting