Controller

Catholic Social Services Alaska; Anchorage (AK); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Catholic Social Services Alaska is seeking a Controller to lead the Finance department, ensuring accurate monthly close, financial reporting, and compliance with GAAP and grant requirements. The role collaborates with the CFO, program directors, and agency leadership.

The Controller oversees payroll, internal controls, and budgeting, while supporting board reporting and long-term financial planning. Experience in nonprofit accounting and grant management is highly valued.

Qualifications

• Thorough understanding and application of GAAP.
• Knowledge of budget preparation, financial analysis, and financial reporting.
• Knowledge of financial software systems and accounting processes.
• Understanding of internal financial controls, regulatory compliance requirements, and accounting best practices.

Responsibilities

• Oversee a timely, accurate monthly close process and ensure reconciliation of all accounts.
• Provide timely, accurate financial reports to the CFO and CSS leadership and program directors; support board reporting.
• Analyze organizational activities and determine financial impact; perform service cost analysis across programs.
• Oversee year-end closing, including payroll-related financial statements.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory reporting requirements; coordinate annual audits and Form 990 as required.

Skills

GAAP

Financial reporting

Budgeting

Payroll oversight

Internal controls

Regulatory compliance

Nonprofit accounting

Leadership

Communication

Education

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

CPA (preferred)

Tools

Sage Intacct

ADP

Microsoft Excel

Job description

The Controller is part of the Finance department and reports to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO). This position is responsible for planning, directing, and managing accurate, timely, and objective financial information to support informed management decisions. The Controller is accountable for the monthly close and financial reporting, audit and regulatory compliance, budgeting and cash flow, and payroll oversight, and works closely with the CFO, agency department and program directors, and Catholic Social Services (CSS) leadership. The CFO holds primary responsibility for Board of Trustees reporting, and the Controller supports that work. The Controller supervises the Senior Accountant, who oversees the accounts payable and accounts receivable staff. This position requires a commitment to the values and guiding principles of dignity and respect for all people and a commitment to serving the vulnerable in our community.

ABOUT US

CSS is a Catholic human and social services agency and behavioral health care provider that welcomes people of all faiths through its programs and employment. We provide help for our Alaskan neighbors through a variety of supportive service programs, including emergency shelter, food stability, housing, case management, and refugee assistance. CSS empowers individuals and families on their path to permanent stability, creating thriving communities for all. Located in Anchorage, Alaska, CSS is a nationally accredited organization through the Council on Accreditation (COA), which recognizes that CSS provides high quality services that meet best practice standards in the social service field.

Mission: To promote the physical, spiritual and mental welfare of persons in need in the community. This mission is achieved by:

• Offering charitable assistance to those in need, especially persons who are poor
• Developing and conducting programs to strengthen and support families and the dignity of the human spirit
• Administering the Corporal Works of Mercy and Gospel of Jesus Christ as defined by the magisterium of the Roman Catholic Church and envisioned by the traditional concepts of Catholic Social Teaching and Action through the laity
• And advocating for social justice for the common good of all

ABOUT OUR PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT

The Finance and Grants Department at Catholic Social Services (CSS) - Alaska plays a crucial role in ensuring the financial health and sustainability of the organization. With a strong focus on accounting functions, including accurate financial recording, reporting, and compliance with applicable financial regulations, this department lays the foundation for CSS's fiscal integrity. In conjunction with these accounting responsibilities, the department also actively engages in grants management. It is responsible for securing, tracking, and effectively utilizing grants to support CSS's mission of providing compassionate and comprehensive social services to individuals and families in need across Alaska. This dual emphasis on accounting and grants management ensures CSS maintains transparent and accountable financial practices while maximizing the impact of grant funds in fulfilling its mission.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

Accountability: Takes ownership for delivering on commitments, owns mistakes and uses them as opportunities for learning, and has the courage to have difficult conversations.

Adapting to Change: Accepts and adapts to change in a professionally appropriate and thoughtful manner; offers a different perspective when needed and knows when to graciously accept a well-thought-out decision.

Confidentiality: Maintains the highest level of confidentiality regarding CSS’s records and information and uses confidential information for business purposes only.

Communicating Effectively: Shares information, listens, involves others, and conveys ideas clearly in a manner that engages others.

Decision Making and Critical Thinking: Approaches problems and decisions methodically and objectively, analyzes facts to identify the root cause of issues, uses sound judgment, and makes timely decisions.

Research: Adept at reading and interpreting regulation, code, and law, and applying findings across multiple scenarios.

Self-Sufficiency: Works independently and self-guides day-to-day activities; knows when to involve others and ask questions.

Delivering High-Quality Work and Results Orientation: Pays close attention to detail, critically reviews work for quality and accuracy, follows through on commitments, and persists in achieving goals despite obstacles.

Teamwork: Demonstrates great interpersonal and relationship-building skills, fostering teamwork and open communication within the agency.

Knowledge:

• Thorough understanding and application of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Knowledge of budget preparation, financial analysis, and financial reporting.
• Knowledge of financial software systems and accounting processes.
• Understanding of internal financial controls, regulatory compliance requirements, and accounting best practices.

Skills

• Proficiency in financial software systems and advanced Microsoft Excel.
• Ability to prepare budgets, analyze financial data, and develop accurate financial reports.
• Ability to oversee payroll processing, identify discrepancies, and ensure accurate financial reconciliations.
• Strong communication, relationship-building, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines, balance competing priorities, and adapt to changing needs.
• High degree of professionalism, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence in financial services.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Sage Intacct.
• Experience with ADP or a comparable payroll system.
• Experience in nonprofit accounting and grant-funded financial management.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Payroll Professional (CPP), or similar certification.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Monthly Close and Financial Reporting:

• Oversee a timely, accurate monthly close process and ensure reconciliation of all accounts.
• Provide timely, accurate financial reports to the CFO, CSS leadership, and program directors, and support the CFO in preparing board and committee reports.
• Analyze organizational activities and determine their financial impact; provide service cost analysis within and across programs.
• Support financial stability and liquidity through timely monthly financial reporting and analysis.
• Oversee year-end closing, including accurate payroll-related financial statements.

Audit, Form 990, and Regulatory Compliance:

• Ensure compliance with all agency, federal, state, and local requirements relating to reporting and financial transactions.
• Manage annual audit preparation and coordination with the external auditors.
• Under the direction of the CFO, work with the external CPA firm to ensure the Form 990 is completed no later than December 31 each year.
• Accurately complete and file all required reports to federal, state, municipal, and private entities.
• Review and advise on implementation of changes in GAAP.
• Stay current on federal, state, and local financial and payroll regulations.

Budgeting and Cash Flow:

• Coordinate the preparation and management of the agency budget, including facilitating the annual budget process, revisions, and established timelines, under the direction of the CFO.
• Oversee the data input of budgets for grants, contracts, and special projects for all programs and departments.
• Work with key personnel to prepare and amend the annual budget and gather data to support budget requests.
• Monitor income and expenses and recommend budget adjustments as necessary to support positive cash flow.
• Develop annual cash flow projections and provide monthly reports to the CFO.
• Perform treasury management tasks, and coordinate and advise on investment activities and lending needs, making recommendations to the CFO.
• Assist in developing business plans to fund revenue generation.

Payroll Processing, Oversight and Compliance:

• Manage and oversee bi-weekly payroll processing in ADP, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with agency policy and legal requirements.
• Ensure payroll compliance, including review of quarterly and annual payroll tax filings and W-2s.
• Oversee payroll and payroll-liability reconciliations between ADP and the accounting system (Sage Intacct), and periodic audits of payroll data integrity.
• Review payroll reports (labor cost summaries, tax liability reports, and payroll registers) and use payroll data and trends to support budgeting and planning.
• Coordinate with HR to maintain accurate employee payroll information (benefits, leave balances, and employment status), and resolve payroll discrepancies.
• Maintain confidentiality and accuracy of payroll records and ensure appropriate internal controls are followed.

Finance Department Leadership:

• In coordination with the CFO, develop and implement finance department goals, methods, controls, policies, PQIs, and procedures.
• Supervise, develop, and evaluate the Senior Accountant, who oversees the accounts payable and accounts receivable staff.
• Ensure accuracy, efficiency, and compliance within all aspects of the finance department, and identify process improvements.
• Provide training and support to staff on Sage Intacct, ADP, and finance best practices.

Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Education Requirement: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field. Four (4) years of additional experience may be substituted for the required education.

Minimum Experience Requirement: Five (5) or more years of experience in an accounting role or equivalent, preferably in a non-profit environment, including two (2) or more years of demonstrated success supervising accounting staff.

A relevant combination of education and experience may be considered.

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is preferred; equivalent experience will be considered.