Controller – Nonprofit Finance

NorthPoint Search Group

About The Position

The Controller manages all accounting operations for a nonprofit organization, ensuring accurate financial reporting, compliance with U.S. GAAP, Uniform Guidance, and donor restrictions, and oversight of endowment and federal grant accounting. Reporting to senior finance leadership, this role leads the accounting team, oversees audits, implements strong internal controls, and ensures accurate preparation of financial statements and reports for leadership and the board.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
8–10+ years progressive accounting experience, including nonprofit fund accounting
Experience with endowment accounting and federal grants
Knowledge of U.S. GAAP, nonprofit standards, and Uniform Guidance
Experience leading audits, including Single Audits
Proven people management experience
High accuracy and attention to detail
Strong analytical and compliance-oriented mindset
Ability to manage complex funding streams and deadlines
Effective communication with auditors, funders, and leadership
Commitment to mission-driven financial stewardship

Nice To Haves

CPA designation strongly preferred
Experience in federally funded nonprofits, foundations, or public health organizations
Familiarity with UPMIFA and endowment spending policies
Experience with nonprofit ERP systems (Salesforce, NetSuite, Workday)

Responsibilities

Direct general ledger, revenue reconciliation, and month-end/year-end close processes
Prepare accurate financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP and nonprofit standards
Classify and report net assets with/without donor restrictions, including releases
Prepare monthly/quarterly financial reports and variance analysis for leadership and the Board
Oversee accounting for permanently restricted, temporarily restricted, and board-designated endowments
Record and review investment activity, income, gains/losses, and spending policy allocations
Ensure compliance with donor restrictions, UPMIFA, and Board-approved endowment policies
Reconcile endowment balances and prepare disclosures for audited financial statements
Manage accounting and compliance for federal grants under Uniform Guidance
Ensure proper cost allocation, allowability, and reasonableness of grant expenditures
Support federal financial report preparation (e.g., SF-425) and Single Audit schedules
Monitor subrecipient activity and reporting compliance
Design and maintain strong internal controls over financial reporting, grants, and endowments
Ensure adherence to donor agreements, grant terms, and organizational policies
Lead fraud prevention, risk mitigation, and compliance monitoring efforts
Serve as liaison with external auditors for annual audits and Single Audits
Prepare schedules, reconciliations, and supporting documentation
Manage audit responses and corrective action plans
Lead and develop accounting team with clear expectations and workflows
Oversee accounting systems, fund, grant, and endowment configuration
Lead or support system implementations, upgrades, and process improvements