Controller

Chimes; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Chimes is seeking a senior accounting leader to oversee the financial close, reporting, and compliance across multiple units. This role directs GAAP-compliant processes and strengthens internal controls while partnering with executives.

You will lead audits, manage ERP systems, and mentor accounting staff, delivering accurate statements and timely management reports.

Ideal candidates have CPA, 10+ years of progressive accounting experience, and a track record in complex, multi-entity environments.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive accounting and financial management experience.
• CPA required and CPA designation.
• Experience leading accounting operations in complex organizations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes.
• Ensure timely preparation and distribution of accurate financial statements and management reports.
• Review and approve journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules.
• Maintain the integrity of the general ledger and chart of accounts.
• Analyze financial results and explain significant variances to budget, forecast, and prior year.

Skills

Leadership

GAAP knowledge

Financial analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Excel proficiency

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's in Accounting/Finance

CPA

Tools

ERP systems

Financial reporting tools

Job description

• Lead and manage the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes.
• Ensure timely preparation and distribution of accurate financial statements and management reports.
• Review and approve journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules.
• Maintain the integrity of the general ledger and chart of accounts.
• Analyze financial results and explain significant variances to budget, forecast, and prior year.
• Develop and maintain accounting policies and procedures to support consistent and accurate financial reporting.

Job Details

Description

Essential Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & Close Process

• Lead and manage the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes.
• Ensure timely preparation and distribution of accurate financial statements and management reports.
• Review and approve journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules.
• Maintain the integrity of the general ledger and chart of accounts.
• Analyze financial results and explain significant variances to budget, forecast, and prior year.
• Develop and maintain accounting policies and procedures to support consistent and accurate financial reporting.

Accounting Operations

• Oversee all accounting functions including:
• General Ledger
• Accounts Payable
• Accounts Receivable
• Fixed Assets
• Payroll Accounting
• Cash and Treasury Accounting
• Revenue Cycle Management
• Intercompany Accounting
• Ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and organizational accounting policies.
• Ensure timely completion and review of account reconciliations and supporting documentation.

Functional Expense Allocation & Compliance

• Oversee the development, maintenance, and documentation of allocation methodologies used to support financial reporting and organizational requirements.
• Ensure allocation methodologies are consistently applied, appropriately documented, and periodically reviewed.
• Support preparation of regulatory filings, grant reporting, and other financial compliance requirements.
• Partner with operational leadership to ensure financial reporting accurately reflects organizational activities and funding requirements.
• Maintain compliance with applicable accounting standards, contractual requirements, and organizational policies.

Internal Controls & Audit

• Maintain and strengthen the organization's internal control environment.
• Identify and mitigate financial and operational risks related to accounting processes.
• Coordinate annual financial statement audits and other external audits.
• Manage preparation of audit schedules and responses to auditor inquiries.
• Implement corrective actions and process improvements resulting from audit findings or internal reviews.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop accounting staff.
• Establish clear performance expectations and accountability measures.
• Promote cross-training and succession planning within the accounting function.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
• Build organizational capability through coaching, training, and professional development.

Financial Systems, Process Improvement & Automation

• Lead initiatives to reduce the month-end close cycle through process redesign, standardization, and automation.
• Establish and monitor close performance metrics, including close calendar adherence, reconciliation completion, and reporting timelines.
• Identify opportunities to streamline manual accounting processes and improve data accuracy.
• Partner with Finance, Operations, and Information Technology to improve financial reporting capabilities and system functionality.
• Evaluate and implement technology solutions that enhance accounting workflows, reporting, and data integrity.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen controls while increasing efficiency.

Business Partnership

• Collaborate with FP&A on budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis activities.
• Support executive leadership with financial insights and reporting.
• Partner with operational leaders to improve financial understanding, accountability, and decision-making.
• Support strategic initiatives, organizational growth, and special projects as needed.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
• CPA required.

Experience

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive accounting and financial management experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of leadership experience managing accounting teams and complex financial operations.
• Experience supporting organizations with multiple business units, service lines, legal entities, or operating divisions.
• Demonstrated experience managing accounting operations within a complex organization with diverse revenue streams and funding sources.
• Experience leading annual financial statement audits and maintaining strong internal control environments.
• Experience implementing process improvements, automation initiatives, and scalable accounting practices.
• Experience with ERP systems and financial reporting tools.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in nonprofit, healthcare, human services, education, government-funded, or other complex service-based organizations.
• Experience supporting organizations with multiple revenue streams, funding sources, or reimbursement methodologies.
• Experience with government funding, grants, contracts, third-party reimbursement arrangements, or other regulated revenue environments.
• Experience in multi-entity and/or multi-state organizations preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong understanding of GAAP and financial reporting requirements.
• Knowledge of accounting and reporting considerations related to diverse funding and revenue sources.
• Ability to manage accounting operations in a complex, highly regulated environment.
• Demonstrated ability to establish processes and controls across multiple business units or operating entities.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel and financial systems proficiency.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with financial and non-financial stakeholders at all levels of the organization.