Controller

Goodwill of Western NY; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 100,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Goodwill of Western New York seeks an accomplished Controller to partner with the CFO and lead daily accounting operations. This onsite, hands-on role focuses on strengthening internal controls and delivering analyses to inform strategic decisions that advance the organization’s mission.

The Controller will oversee financial reporting, close processes, payroll, payables, receivables, fixed assets, and grant accounting, guiding the Accounting Department and collaborating with program leaders to

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive accounting experience.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and internal controls.
• Experience with nonprofit accounting and grants (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Lead financial reporting, month-end and year-end close.
• Oversee payroll, accounts payable, receivable, fixed assets, and cash management.
• Prepare reconciliations and journal entries.
• Lead annual audit preparation and regulatory reporting.
• Support grant reporting and reimbursement requests.
• Identify opportunities to improve accounting systems and processes.
• Manage and develop the Accounting Department.
• Partner with leaders to resolve issues and support decisions.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Attention to detail

Leadership

Analytical skills

Communication

Nonprofit accounting

Grant accounting

CPA preferred

GAAP knowledge

Staff oversight

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

Job description

Description

Lead the Strategy. Own the Details. Make an Impact.

At Goodwill of Western New York, financial leadership is about more than reporting numbers. It is about turning financial information into actionable insights, protecting the resources entrusted to us, and helping our organization make sound decisions that advance our mission.

As our Controller, you will serve as a strategic partner to the Chief Financial Officer while leading the day-to-day accounting operations of a mission-driven organization. You will help shape financial practices, strengthen internal controls, improve processes, and provide meaningful analysis to support organizational planning and decision-making.

This is an onsite, highly visible, hands-on leadership role for an experienced accounting professional who is equally comfortable advising on financial strategy, analyzing complex information, preparing a journal entry, completing a reconciliation, or stepping in wherever the work needs to be done. Our Accounting team is small and collaborative, so success requires someone who can move confidently between big-picture thinking and detailed transactional work.

What You'll Do

• Lead financial reporting, month-end and year-end close, budgeting support, forecasting, and financial analysis
• Maintain strong internal controls and ensure compliance with GAAP
• Oversee payroll accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, fixed assets, and cash management
• Prepare reconciliations, journal entries, schedules, and other accounting work as needed
• Lead annual audit preparation and required regulatory reporting
• Support grant reporting and reimbursement requests
• Identify opportunities to improve accounting systems and processes
• Manage and develop the Accounting Department
• Partner with leaders to resolve issues and support informed decisions

This Role May Be Right for You If You:

• Think strategically but stay connected to the details
• Enjoy improving processes while keeping daily accounting work moving
• Are comfortable shifting between leadership, analysis, problem-solving, and transactional responsibilities
• Believe that strong financial leadership includes rolling up your sleeves and helping the team
• Can independently manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Communicate complex financial information clearly to both financial and nonfinancial partners
• Lead with integrity, accountability, accuracy, and sound judgment
• Want your accounting expertise to support meaningful work in the Western New York community

What You Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
• 10+ years of progressive accounting experience
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, internal controls, financial reporting, and month-end close
• Ability to work effectively at both strategic and transactional levels
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• High integrity, accuracy, accountability, and attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

CPA and experience with nonprofit accounting, grants, and staff oversight is highly preferred.

Why Goodwill?

At Goodwill of Western New York, your financial leadership will help support our mission of helping people achieve a better life through the power of work. You will join a collaborative, purpose-driven organization where your ideas, expertise, and willingness to contribute will make a meaningful impact.

Compensation

$100,000 to $115,000 annually, based on experience and qualifications. We regularly review our pay and benefits to stay competitive.

Equal Opportunity Employer
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