Assistant Controller

United Way of Central Alabama, Inc.; Birmingham (AL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

United Way of Central Alabama, Inc. is seeking an Assistant Controller to help safeguard financial integrity and support the organization’s community impact.

You will oversee journal entries, GL maintenance, and treasury activities while ensuring compliance with policies, audits, and deadlines. This role demands a detail-oriented, proactive professional with nonprofit accounting experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
• Minimum 5 years of progressive accounting experience required.
• Experience with financial reporting and general ledger accounting required.
• CPA or CPA candidate preferred.
• Nonprofit accounting experience preferred.
• Experience supporting audits and maintaining internal controls preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and review monthly, quarterly, and annual journal entries.
• Prepare and analyze monthly financial statements.
• Maintain the general ledger and ensure transactions are recorded accurately.
• Monitor cash activity and manage banking relationships.
• Coordinate audits and respond to audit requests.
• Support month-end and year-end closing activities.
• Strengthen internal controls and ensure policy compliance.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Internal controls

Financial reporting

Excel proficiency

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

CPA or CPA candidate

Nonprofit accounting experience

Tools

Accounting software familiarity

Job description

Are you a detail-oriented accounting professional who thrives on accuracy, accountability, and want to make an impact beyond the numbers? Join our team and help ensure the financial strength and integrity behind life-changing work in our community.

Job Description:

The Assistant Controller supports the Controller in maintaining the integrity of the organization's financial records, safeguarding cash and banking relationships, overseeing financial reporting processes, and ensuring compliance with internal controls and accounting policies. This position requires a highly organized, detail-oriented professional who exercises sound judgment, demonstrates exceptional accuracy, and takes personal ownership of financial processes and deadlines.

The ideal candidate is conscientious, dependable, and proactive in identifying issues, improving processes, and ensuring that financial transactions are completed timely and accurately.

Responsibilities:

• Prepare and review monthly, quarterly, and annual journal entries.
• Prepare and analyze monthly financial statements.
• Maintain the general ledger and ensure transactions are recorded accurately.
• Record and reconcile health insurance, employee benefit, and related administrative fee entries.
• Monitor account activity and investigate unusual or unexpected variances.
• Support month-end and year-end closing activities.
• Prepare supporting schedules and documentation for annual audits.

Treasury & Cash Management

• Monitor daily cash activity and organizational liquidity.
• Transfer funds between bank accounts as needed.
• Approve and release ACH payments and wire transfers in accordance with internal controls.
• Review and approve purchase orders and payment requests.
• Process line of credit draws and repayments and record related accounting entries.
• Record line of credit interest and unused commitment fees.
• Coordinate transfers associated with grant and program funding activities.
• Assist with cash deposits and other banking transactions.
• Maintain online banking systems and user access.
• Coordinate the opening and closing of bank accounts.
• Update authorized signers and banking documentation.
• Monitor ACH alerts, Positive Pay notifications, and other fraud prevention tools.
• Administer purchase card programs, including issuance, replacement, credit limit maintenance, and departmental resets.
• Serve as a liaison with banking partners regarding treasury management services.

Internal Controls & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with established accounting policies and internal control procedures.
• Review transactions for accuracy, completeness, and proper authorization.
• Maintain supporting documentation for financial activities.
• Assist with audit requests, confirmations, and compliance reporting.
• Support IT and financial system control reviews, user access validations, and annual testing requirements.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen controls and improve operational efficiency.

Systems Administration & Process Support

• Maintain accounting system records, account structures, and account code combinations.
• Support financial system administration and periodic software updates.
• Serve as a backup for key accounting and treasury functions.
• Assist with workflow maintenance and process documentation.
• Provide training and guidance regarding financial procedures, expense reporting, and travel policies.

Travel & Employee Expense Administration

• Review travel requests and expense reports for policy compliance and accuracy.
• Ensure reimbursement requests are properly documented and approved.
• Maintain travel-related forms and procedures.
• Update mileage and per diem rates as required.
• Provide training and support to employees regarding travel and expense policies.
• Coordinate with finance, human resources, program staff, and external partners to obtain information needed for reporting and accounting activities.
• Communicate deadlines and follow up on outstanding financial information.
• Respond to questions regarding payments, financial procedures, and accounting activities.
• Foster a service-oriented approach while maintaining strong internal controls and accountability.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
• Minimum 5 years of progressive accounting experience required.
• Experience with financial reporting and general ledger accounting required.
• CPA or CPA candidate preferred.
• Nonprofit accounting experience preferred.
• Experience supporting audits and maintaining internal controls preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong understanding of GAAP and accounting principles.
• Demonstrated ability to manage sensitive financial information with confidentiality.
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple deadlines and responsibilities.
• Experience with accounting and financial management systems.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across departments.

Key Personal Characteristics

The successful candidate will be:

• Highly conscientious and dependable.
• Meticulous in reviewing financial data and transactions.
• Organized and disciplined in managing recurring deadlines.
• Proactive in identifying issues before they become problems.
• Committed to maintaining strong internal controls and financial stewardship.
• Professional, ethical, and accountable.
• Customer service oriented while remaining firm in enforcing policies and procedures.