Vice President, Controller

About the role

The Vice President, Controller will lead and strengthen UWNYC's accounting and financial operations, focusing on financial oversight, reporting, and compliance, program support and analysis, and management and special projects.

Responsibilities

• Financial Oversight, Reporting, and Compliance
• Manages accounting functions including disbursements, receipts, payroll processing, reconciliations.
• Oversees and participates in the monthly and annual fiscal closing process.
• Serves as master user and administrator of the Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT accounting system.
• Manages cash flow; forecasts disbursements and directs follow-up on delinquent collections and outstanding donor pledges.
• Produces the monthly internal financial statements.
• Ensures timely payments to vendors.
• Ensures timely completion of reports required by government agencies, foundations, United Way Worldwide and other funding partners.
• Prepares key schedules required for the annual Form 990.
• Coordinates with external auditors, ensuring compliance with deadlines and the timely production of all required requests, information, forms and filings.
• Maintains the Finance Policies & Procedures Manual.
• Program Support and Analysis
• Collaborates with the Vice President, Financial Planning and Analysis to produce financial reports for the finance committee analysis, decision-making, and Board reporting.
• Liaises with program Vice Presidents to evaluate the financial impact of departmental services; identifies opportunities and risks.
• Management and Special Projects
• Supervises a team of staff accountants and payables specialists.
• Together with the CFO, sets the strategic and tactical direction of financial processes, workflows, and communications with program staff.
• Leads special departmental and organization-wide projects geared at process improvement and innovation.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting required; CPA preferred.
• 12+ years of progressive accounting experience demonstrating increasing responsibility and scope, including Controller-level leadership.
• Recent, hands-on transactional experience with Blackbaud’s Financial NXT accounting platform, including general ledger and business rules configurations.
• Strong Proficiency in Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) for nonprofit organizations.
• Extensive experience with government contracting and revenue recognition principles.
• Demonstrated familiarity in grants management, including government funding, budgeting, multi-program allocations, indirect cost rate development, and financial reporting.
• Familiarity with New York City fiscal systems and processes, particularly those of the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD).
• Proven supervisory experience, managing teams of three (3) or more staff members.
• Experience leading and managing external audits and audit readiness processes.
• Strong strategic planning, financial management, and analytical skills.
• Experience preparing and presenting board-level financial packages is a plus.
• Deep knowledge of accounting and payroll systems (ADP); experience with Great Plains is a plus.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Skills

• Strong strategic thinking, financial management, and analytical skills.
• Ability to translate complex financial information for diverse audiences, including senior leadership, boards, program teams, and external stakeholders.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Key Competencies

• Accountability
• Teamwork
• Conflict Resolution
• Strategic Thinking
• Superior Communication
• Ethical Practices
• Data Driven Decision Making
• Embracing and Managing Change
• Planning and Execution
• Sound Judgment

Why Join Us?

We offer a collaborative, mission-focused work environment along with a competitive benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) with employer contributions
• Generous paid time off and holidays
• Hybrid work schedule
• Summer Fridays
• Tuition assistance and professional development opportunities
• Wellness reimbursement programs

Additional Information

As part of the application process, candidates may be asked to submit a work sample demonstrating relevant experience and skills.