Controller - Non-Profits

Self-Help

About The Position

WHO We Are: Self-Help started in 1980 with a focus on economic inequality especially in communities that have faced systemic barriers in building wealth. At the core of what Self-Help does is a drive to create and protect ownership and economic opportunity. In other words, we’re committed to economic justice! Economic Justice means that all communities have the basic infrastructure they need to thrive, from high quality schools to grocery stores selling fresh foods resources that support opportunity at a neighborhood level regardless of demographics, income, or wealth. Since our founding, we’ve constantly sought to find new ways to pursue greater economic justice: from providing fair and affordable loans, to working with partners to demand that lawmakers change unjust policies. We are seeking a Controller - Non- Profits to join our Accounting Team in Durham, NC! WHAT You'll DO: The Controller - Non-Profits will lead and oversee the accounting operations for Self Help’s traditional non profit entities (501c3’s), ensuring the accurate and timely production of financial statements, reports, and regulatory filings. The Controller - Non-Profits will serve as the primary liaison with external auditors, internal staff for accounting questions, and play a key role in strengthening financial practices, internal controls, and organizational efficiency. Provide strategic direction, coordination, and oversight for a team of accountants responsible for financial statement preparation, including bank reconciliations, journal entries, and month-end close. May also supervise Accounts Payable staff and related activities Execute full supervisory responsibilities in alignment with organizational policies and values, including hiring, training, assigning work, evaluation performance, coaching, and addressing employee relations matters. Partner with the CFO, senior leadership, and other functions to ensure accounting and reporting practices remain current, compliant, and aligned with organizational needs. Lead and participate in special projects aimed at improving efficiency, systems, and processes across the accounting function. Ensure timely, accurate monthly financial statements for all relevant Self-Help entities Serve as the organization’s subject matter expert on GAAP, with emphasis on non-profit accounting standards Develop, update, and maintain accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls to support operational integrity and compliance. Act as the primary point of contact for external auditors, overseeing the preparation of annual audited financial statements and support schedules. Provide financial analyses and insights to support decision-making across the organization. Oversee compliance with local, state, and federal reporting requirements, including supervision of multiple annual Form 990 filings. Present financial statements and related material to Self-Help Boards of Directors as needed. Contribute to cross-functional initiatives and special projects that advance organizational goals. Perform additional duties as assigned.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business, or a relevant field.
5 years of accounting experience in public accounting, a large non-profit, mortgage banking, or real estate development environment.
Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
Demonstrated success managing staff and collaborating across multiple teams or organizational units.
Strong knowledge of GAAP.
Ability and willingness to demonstrate Self-Help’s Core Values: Mission Before Self Service With Excellence Embracing & Promoting Change Results Not Credit Diversity as a Strength Financial Sustainability for Mission Impact

Nice To Haves

7+ years of accounting experience in public accounting, a large non-profit, mortgage banking, or real estate development environment.
Advanced degree (MAC, MBA, or related).
Knowledge of Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs).
Experience with complex consolidations, including ASC 810.
Experience with investment tax credits (New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC), Historic Tax Credits (HTC)).
Knowledge of payroll accounting.
Strong accounting, analytical, and communication skills.
Ability and willingness to work beyond normal work hours when necessary.
Ability to effectively hire, develop and motivate staff.
Preference for working in organizations that place priority on teamwork, collaboration.
Proficiency with Word and Excel and familiarity with accounting software (MAS, Drake, Yardi, Defacto Reporting Software) and Workday.
Strong commitment to our mission – creating economic opportunity for traditionally underserved communities.

Responsibilities

Lead and oversee the accounting operations for Self Help’s traditional non profit entities (501c3’s), ensuring the accurate and timely production of financial statements, reports, and regulatory filings.
Serve as the primary liaison with external auditors, internal staff for accounting questions, and play a key role in strengthening financial practices, internal controls, and organizational efficiency.
Provide strategic direction, coordination, and oversight for a team of accountants responsible for financial statement preparation, including bank reconciliations, journal entries, and month-end close.
May also supervise Accounts Payable staff and related activities
Execute full supervisory responsibilities in alignment with organizational policies and values, including hiring, training, assigning work, evaluation performance, coaching, and addressing employee relations matters.
Partner with the CFO, senior leadership, and other functions to ensure accounting and reporting practices remain current, compliant, and aligned with organizational needs.
Lead and participate in special projects aimed at improving efficiency, systems, and processes across the accounting function.
Ensure timely, accurate monthly financial statements for all relevant Self-Help entities
Serve as the organization’s subject matter expert on GAAP, with emphasis on non-profit accounting standards
Develop, update, and maintain accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls to support operational integrity and compliance.
Act as the primary point of contact for external auditors, overseeing the preparation of annual audited financial statements and support schedules.
Provide financial analyses and insights to support decision-making across the organization.
Oversee compliance with local, state, and federal reporting requirements, including supervision of multiple annual Form 990 filings.
Present financial statements and related material to Self-Help Boards of Directors as needed.
Contribute to cross-functional initiatives and special projects that advance organizational goals.
Perform additional duties as assigned.