Controller

JFK Library Foundation; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The John F. Kennedy Library Foundation seeks a seasoned Controller to lead accounting operations, financial reporting, and grants management.

You will act as a strategic partner to the CFO, performing hands-on work while guiding the finance team in a collaborative, donor‑focused nonprofit environment. You will oversee close processes, GAAP reporting, budgeting, cash flow, and regulatory filings; manage investments and donor funds, and drive internal controls and process improvements to support

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA preferred.
• 7–10 years progressive accounting/financial management experience.
• 5+ years supervisory or leadership experience.
• Thorough knowledge of U.S. GAAP and financial reporting.
• Strong internal controls, systems knowledge, and financial management best practices.
• Advanced Excel and financial reporting skills; familiarity with AI tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day accounting operations—GL, AP, payroll, fixed assets, close.
• Prepare journal entries, reconciliations, analyses, and reporting.
• Coordinate monthly, quarterly, and annual close and GAAP financial statements.
• Prepare reports, forecasts, dashboards, and budget-to-actual variance analyses for CFO/Board.
• Assist CFO with operating budget, forecasts, and long-range planning.
• Support grant administration, reporting, and compliance.
• Oversee audits, 990, and regulatory filings; strengthen internal controls.
• Manage investments accounting and donor-restricted funds; ensure compliance.

Skills

Leadership

GAAP knowledge

Financial reporting

Internal controls

Nonprofit accounting

Excel

Grants management

Audit coordination

Investments accounting

Payroll

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

CPA

MBA (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft 365

AI tools

Job description

The Controller reports directly to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and is responsible for the leadership, management, and execution of the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation's accounting and financial operations. As a key member of a small, collaborative finance team, the Controller serves as both a strategic partner and a hands‑on accounting professional who actively performs a significant portion of the Foundation's day‑to‑day financial work.

While the Controller supervises accounting functions and provides leadership to finance staff, they are also expected to personally prepare, review, and complete essential accounting and financial activities. The successful candidate will be comfortable moving seamlessly between financial strategy and detailed accounting execution, including reconciliations, journal entries, financial reporting, grants management, compliance activities, audits, and month-end close responsibilities.

Working closely with the CFO, the Controller plays a critical role in maintaining the Foundation's financial integrity, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations and donor requirements, supporting earned revenue activities, assisting with the Foundation's capital campaign, and identifying opportunities to improve processes and systems.

The ideal candidate will possess strong technical accounting expertise, nonprofit financial management experience, exceptional organizational and analytical skills, and the ability to thrive in an environment where teamwork, flexibility, and a willingness to roll up one's sleeves are essential to success.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Financial Management and Accounting

• Lead and actively participate in the day-to-day accounting operations of the Foundation, including general ledger maintenance, accounts payable, pledge receivables, cash receipts, payroll, purchasing, fixed assets, collections, inventory, investments, and monthly close activities.

• Personally prepare and review journal entries, account reconciliations, financial analyses, and other accounting work products.

• Manage and participate in the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting.

• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

• Prepare and analyze monthly financial reports, forecasts, dashboards, and budget-to-actual variance reports for the CFO, senior leadership, and Board of Directors.

• Assist the CFO in the preparation and management of the annual operating budget, financial forecasts, and long‑range financial planning.

• Work closely with department leaders to support annual budget development and ongoing financial management.

• Monitor organizational cash flow and prepare cash flow forecasts and analysis.

• Reconcile and review all balance sheet accounts and key revenue accounts.

• Maintain investment accounting records and prepare all related accounting entries and reconciliations supporting the Foundation's investment portfolio.

• Ensure accurate accounting for earned revenue activities and other Foundation programs.

• Establish priorities and manage workloads to ensure all Finance Department responsibilities are completed accurately and on time.

• Manage the Finance Department's records retention process.

Grants Management and Compliance

• Administer federal, state, foundation, and privately funded grants throughout the full grant lifecycle.

• Ensure grant expenditures comply with donor restrictions, grant agreements, Uniform Guidance requirements (where applicable), and Foundation policies.

• Monitor grant budgets and financial performance.

• Prepare and review grant financial reports for funding agencies and donors.

• Coordinate grant reporting activities with program staff and external funders.

• Maintain documentation and internal controls necessary to support grant compliance and reporting requirements.

Audit, Regulatory Reporting, and Internal Controls

• Coordinate and actively participate in the annual independent audit process.

• Prepare audit schedules, work papers, reconciliations, and supporting documentation.

• Oversee and participate in the preparation of IRS Form 990, Massachusetts charitable filings, and other required federal, state, and local financial reports.

• Ensure compliance with nonprofit accounting standards, regulatory requirements, and organizational policies.

• Develop, maintain, document, and strengthen internal controls, accounting procedures, and financial policies.

• Support organizational risk management efforts through strong financial oversight and compliance practices.

Systems and Process Improvement

• Serve as the primary administrator for the Foundation's accounting and financial systems.

• Lead implementation efforts for new financial systems, software upgrades, and process improvements.

• Evaluate opportunities to enhance financial reporting, operational efficiency, internal controls, and workflow effectiveness.

• Maintain data integrity and financial system accuracy.

• Ensure cutting edge technology is used effectively to improve productivity and reporting

Leadership and Collaboration

• Supervise the Senior Staff Accountant and Co-Supervise the Payroll and Payables Manager.

• Foster a collaborative, service‑oriented environment focused on teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.

• Partner effectively with departments throughout the Foundation and the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.

• Assist with the financial administration and reporting requirements of the Foundation's capital campaign and other strategic initiatives.

• Prepare materials and financial analyses for Board and committee meetings as requested.

• Manage CFO expense reporting and reimbursement activities.

• Provide operational coverage for payroll, accounts payable, pledge receivables, cash receipts, grant accounting, and other functions during staff absences or periods of increased workload.

• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned by the CFO.

Qualifications

Required

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

• Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive accounting and financial management experience.

• Minimum of five years of supervisory or leadership experience.

• Thorough knowledge of U.S. GAAP and financial reporting requirements.

• Strong understanding of internal controls, accounting systems, and financial management best practices.

• Advanced Microsoft Excel and financial reporting skills.

• Strong technical skills, including Microsoft 365 and effective usage of AI tools

• Excellent analytical, organizational, project management, and problem-solving abilities.

• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting deadlines.

• Commitment to accuracy, integrity, confidentiality, and exceptional internal customer service.

Preferred

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

• MBA or advanced degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.

• Nonprofit accounting experience, including fund accounting and donor‑restricted funds.

• Experience administering federal, state, and private grants.

• Experience preparing IRS Form 990 and coordinating independent audits.

• Experience accounting for investments and endowment funds.

• Experience with nonprofit fundraising operations, capital campaigns, and donor reporting.

About the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation

Founded in 1963, the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that provides financial support, staffing, and creative resources to ensure that the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum remains a vibrant living memorial to our nation's 35th President.

The Foundation's mission is to inspire public service, civic responsibility, civil rights, scientific discovery, and cultural expression by preserving and promoting the legacy of President Kennedy. Together, the Foundation and Library advance President Kennedy's enduring belief that one person can make a difference and that every person should try.

The Foundation supports a wide range of public programs, including the Kennedy Library Forums, nationally recognized civics and history education programs for students and teachers, multicultural arts performances, naturalization ceremonies for new citizens, and an extensive online digital archive that provides global access to the Library's historic collections.