Controller

Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce; Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

HSA/FSA

Job summary

Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce in Charleston, SC is seeking a strategic Controller to lead accounting operations, modernize finances, and build a scalable Finance team. The role reports to the COO and focuses on bringing accounting in-house, strengthening forecasting, and delivering insightful reporting to shape the finance function and organizational decisions.

The successful candidate will be a CPA with 5+ years of experience, strong technical accounting knowledge, and proficiency with

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• Active CPA license.
• Minimum 5 years of progressive accounting experience.
• Experience with budgeting, forecasting, and cash management.
• Ability to lead and develop team members.
• Strong Excel skills and familiarity with financial systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead accounting & financial operations and close processes.
• Ensure GAAP-compliant reporting across departments and grants.
• Strengthen internal controls and financial policies.
• Oversee audit prep, Form 990 coordination, grant compliance.
• Partner on budgeting, forecasting, cash-flow management, and planning.
• Develop actionable financial reporting and insights for decision-making.
• Provide board-ready financial reporting on performance and risk.
• Transition to a fully internal finance operation from outsourcing.
• Implement and optimize modern finance tech (Sage Intacct, Ramp).
• Explore automation and AI-enabled tools for efficiency.

Skills

CPA

Leadership

Financial analysis

GAAP knowledge

Excel proficiency

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

Tools

Sage Intacct

Ramp

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central

Power BI

Job description

Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce | Charleston, SC

Help Shape the Future of Finance at the Charleston Metro Chamber!

The Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce is seeking a strategic, forward-thinking Controller to lead our accounting and financial operations and help shape the future of our Finance function. This is more than a traditional accounting leadership role. We're looking for a collaborative, solutions-oriented finance professional who enjoys building strong teams, improving processes, leveraging technology, and translating financial information into meaningful business insights.

Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), the Controller will play a pivotal role in bringing our accounting operations in-house, modernizing our financial systems, strengthening forecasting and reporting capabilities, and developing a scalable, high-performing Finance team.

If you're an experienced CPA who enjoys both the technical and strategic sides of finance, we'd love to meet you!

What You'll Do:

• Lead Accounting & Financial OperationsOversee monthly and annual close processes, financial reporting, reconciliations, and compliance with GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards.
• Ensure accurate financial reporting across departments, programs, grants, and organizational activities.
• Strengthen internal controls, financial policies, and accounting processes.
• Oversee audit preparation, Form 990 coordination, and applicable grant compliance requirements.
• Drive Financial Strategy & InsightsPartner with the COO and executive leadership on budgeting, forecasting, cash-flow management, and financial planning.
• Develop meaningful financial reporting, analytics, and recommendations to support organizational decision-making.
• Prepare executive- and Board-ready financial reporting that communicates organizational performance, risks, and opportunities.
• Build & Modernize Our Finance FunctionLead the transition from outsourced accounting services to a fully internal Finance operation.
• Drive implementation and optimization of modern financial technology, including Sage Intacct, Ramp, and related platforms.
• Explore responsible use of automation and AI-enabled finance tools to improve efficiency, accuracy, and reporting.
• Establish scalable processes, clear accountability, and strong financial operating practices.
• Develop & Empower Your TeamLead, coach, and support the professional development of the Financial Analyst and Director of Grant Compliance.
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and continuous-improvement-oriented team environment.
• Build team capabilities through mentorship, cross-training, and thoughtful delegation.

What We're Looking For:

• Required QualificationsBachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a closely related field.
• Active CPA license.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible accounting experience, including financial reporting, month-end close, audit preparation, and internal controls.
• Demonstrated experience with budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, and cash management.
• Proven ability to lead and develop team members.
• Strong technical accounting knowledge, advanced Excel skills, and experience working with financial systems.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to translate complex financial information into actionable insights.
• Preferred QualificationsPrevious Controller or comparable accounting leadership experience.
• Nonprofit accounting and grant-funded financial management experience, including ASC 958.
• Familiarity with federal grant requirements, Single Audits, and Form 990.
• Experience implementing or optimizing ERP systems and finance technology.
• Familiarity with Sage Intacct, Ramp, Business Central, Power BI, or similar platforms.

Why Join the Chamber?

At the Charleston Metro Chamber, our work is driven by a shared commitment to strengthening our region's business community and creating opportunities for long-term economic prosperity.

You'll join a collaborative, mission-driven team where your expertise, ideas, and leadership can make a tangible difference.

• Our Benefits Include:Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options
• 5 weeks of paid time off annually
• 13 paid holidays annually
• Opportunities for professional growth and development
• Vision insurance, Medical insurance, Dental insurance

Join us in helping shape the future of the Charleston region!