Controller - Nonprofit

About the role

The Controller plays a crucial role in the financial operations of a mission-driven nonprofit organization based in downtown Indianapolis. Reporting to the Vice President of Finance, the Controller oversees all accounting operations, manages the monthly close process, ensures compliance with U.S. GAAP, and supports the organization’s strategic goals.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, fixed assets, lease accounting, and cash management.
• Manage the monthly close process, ensuring timely reconciliations, accurate financial reporting, and proper revenue and expense recognition.
• Review and approve journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules.
• Maintain accounting records, contracts, fixed assets, leases, and financial documentation in compliance with organizational policies and audit requirements.
• Ensure timely bank reconciliations, monitor cash flow, and identify financial risks and opportunities.
• Oversee semi-monthly payroll processing and related accounting, including benefits, 401(k), commissions, and other compensation accruals.
• Partner with the VP of Finance on annual budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning activities.
• Prepare budget-to-actual analyses and provide financial insights to support organizational decision-making and cost management.
• Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll accounting, and intercompany transactions.
• Maintain and strengthen accounting processes and internal controls to support operational efficiency and financial accuracy.
• Partner with the VP of Finance to manage annual audits, tax filings, and regulatory reporting requirements.
• Serve as the primary contact for auditors and coordinate the preparation of audit schedules, supporting documentation, and compliance reporting.
• Monitor accounting standards and regulatory changes and implement necessary updates.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and performance management for accounting staff.
• Establish team priorities, accountability standards, and workload management practices.
• Serve as a trusted financial resource to leadership, promoting collaboration, accuracy, and continuous improvement.
• Assist with special projects such as vendor rationalization, documentation of processes and controls, presentations for the Board, providing data for other teams in the organization, etc.

Requirements

• Financial Management & Reporting: Oversee all accounting operations, manage the monthly close process, ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP, and prepare financial statements.
• Treasury, Cash Management & Payroll: Ensure timely bank reconciliations, monitor cash flow, oversee semi-monthly payroll processing, and manage payroll accounting.
• Budgeting, Forecasting & Financial Analysis: Partner with the VP of Finance on budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning activities, and prepare budget-to-actual analyses.
• Accounting Operations & Internal Controls: Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll accounting, and intercompany transactions, and maintain and strengthen accounting processes and internal controls.
• Audit, Tax & Compliance: Manage annual audits, tax filings, and regulatory reporting requirements, and partner with the VP of Finance to monitor accounting standards and regulatory changes.
• Leadership & Organizational Support: Provide leadership, coaching, and performance management for accounting staff, establish team priorities, and serve as a trusted financial resource to leadership.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field.
• At least 5-7 years of overall experience and 4 years in a managing role.
• Experience with Microsoft Dynamics (Great Plains) accounting and/or similar software.
• Experience in Not-for-Profit accounting and reporting.
• CPA certification preferred.

Preferred Competencies

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrates effective interpersonal skills and customer service orientation.
• Proactive in anticipating and alerting others to problems with projects or processes.
• High detail orientation and accuracy.
• Able to manage multiple requests and meet multiple deadlines.
• Works well in a team environment.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of accounting principles and concepts, including fund accounting and donor-restricted revenue.
• Experience in financial statement review, account reconciliations, and internal control processes.

Red Envelope Consulting is an Equal Opportunity Employer