Controller

Arts for Learning Maryland; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 108,000 - 132,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision healthcare coverage

Retirement plan

Paid holidays and leave

Job summary

A nonprofit organization in Baltimore is looking for a Controller to oversee all financial operations, ensuring compliance with nonprofit standards and handling grant management. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Accounting and a minimum of 5 years of progressive accounting experience, including 2 years in a non-profit setting. Strong leadership and communication skills are also essential. Compensation starts at $120,000, with a comprehensive benefits package including healthcare coverage and a hybrid work environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of accounting and finance experience.
• At least 2 years in a non-profit organization.
• Proficient in nonprofit accounting software.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all financial operations of the organization.
• Prepare accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Manage restricted and unrestricted fund accounting.

Skills

Nonprofit GAAP

Analytical skills

Leadership

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting

Tools

QuickBooks

Microsoft Excel

Job description

About Us

Arts for Learning Maryland (formerly Young Audiences of Maryland) is devoted to enriching the lives and education of Maryland’s youth through educational and culturally diverse arts programs. Through Arts for Learning, professional teaching artists from all disciplines partner with educators, schools, and school districts to provide -- on average -- over 560,000 hours of learning in, through, and about the arts to more than 155,000 Maryland students annually.

Arts for Learning is a mission-driven organization that values community, innovation, and passion. The staff, board, and teaching artists have a shared commitment to advance equity in the field of education by working tirelessly to generate opportunities for students to imagine, create, and realize their full potential through the arts.

Job Description:

The Controller is a key member of the management team, responsible for overseeing all financial operations of the organization. This role ensures the integrity of financial reporting, compliance with nonprofit accounting standards (including GAAP and grant regulations), and the development of strong internal controls. The ideal candidate combines technical accounting expertise with a passion for mission-driven work.

Financial Management & Reporting

• Prepare accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP
• Lead the annual audit process, serving as the primary liaison with external auditors
• Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and general ledger functions
• Maintain the chart of accounts and ensure consistent coding across all funds and programs

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Partner with the Vice President, Administration and program leads to develop the annual operating budget
• Provide monthly budget-to-actual variance analyses with actionable commentary
• Develop multi-year financial projections to support strategic planning and board decision-making

Grant & Fund Accounting

• Manage restricted and unrestricted fund accounting to ensure compliance with donor intent and grant terms
• Prepare financial reports for government, foundation, and corporate grants in accordance with funder requirements
• Monitor grant expenditures and alert program staff of budget variances or compliance risks

Compliance & Internal Controls

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including IRS Form 990 preparation support
• Design, implement, and maintain robust internal control policies and procedures
• Ensure compliance with OMB Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200) for federally funded programs, where applicable

Team Leadership & Systems

• Supervise and mentor finance staff and/or consultants
• Administer and optimize accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, Ramp)
• Support the Finance Committee of the Board of Directors, including preparation of board materials

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive accounting and finance experience with at least 2 years in a non-profit organization
• Demonstrated knowledge of nonprofit GAAP, fund accounting, and grant management
• Proficiency in nonprofit accounting software and Microsoft Excel
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with ability to present financial information to non-financial audiences

Preferred

• Experience with federally funded programs and OMB Uniform Guidance
• Experience supporting Board Finance Committees and preparing audit-ready financials
• Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, Financial Edge, or similar)

Soft Skills

• Outstanding written and verbal communication abilities
• Strong leadership and team management capabilities
• Detail-oriented with excellent organizational skills
• Professional demeanor and ability to maintain confidentiality

Compensation

Starting salary $120,000; skills and experience will be considered. Compensation includes an attractive benefits package—medical, dental, and vision healthcare coverage, retirement plan, hybrid work environment, paid holidays and paid leave (FTO).

To Apply

For consideration, please apply on our website at artsforlearningmd.org. Please do not send applications that include headshots or photos of yourself. No phone calls or recruiters, please. All employees will be subject to a federal and state background check in accordance with state and federal law.