Controller

Lifeline of Ohio; Columbus (OH); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Medical, Dental, Vision plans

401(k) with company match

PTO + holidays

Professional development & licenses

Job summary

Lifeline of Ohio is hiring a Controller to lead the finance team, oversee accounting operations, and ensure accurate financial reporting for Lifeline of Ohio and Network for Life. You will work with clinical, operational, and executive leaders to translate donor activity into financial insights and drive process improvements.

The role requires CPA and 5–7 years of accounting experience in not-for-profit or healthcare settings, with strong GAAP knowledge and cost accounting expertise.

Qualifications

• CPA required.
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or related field.
• Minimum 5–7 years of progressive accounting experience.
• At least 2 years of supervisory or team leadership experience.
• Strong understanding of GAAP and financial reporting for not-for-profit and/or healthcare organization.

Responsibilities

• Lead month-end close and ensure GAAP-compliant financial statements.
• Oversee budgeting process and partner with CFO on significant changes.
• Maintain general ledger integrity and ensure accurate reconciliations.
• Oversee CMS cost reporting, donor-level cost accounting, and internal controls.

Skills

Leadership

GAAP

Cost accounting

Education

CPA

Bachelor's in accounting/finance

Tools

Sage Intacct

ERP systems

Job description

Description

At Lifeline of Ohio, we save and enhance lives through the gift of organ, eye, and tissue donation. As the federally designated organ procurement organization serving central and southeastern Ohio, we partner with hospitals, healthcare professionals, donor families, and our community to honor donors and provide hope to those waiting for a transplant.

Position Overview

Consistent with the mission, vision, and values of Lifeline of Ohio, the Controller provides leadership, oversight, and day to day direction for our finance team in collaboration with our Chief Financial Officer. The Controller plays a critical leadership role in overseeing the organization’s accounting operations, financial reporting, and compliance functions within a complex healthcare and cost-reimbursement environment. This position is responsible for ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial data, managing the month-end close process, and supporting Medicare cost reporting and donor-level cost accounting for Lifeline of Ohio and its supporting organization, Network for Life. Working closely with clinical, operational, and executive leadership, the Controller translates transplant activity and donor case data into meaningful financial insights, enabling informed decision‑making and operational efficiency. This role also leads and develops the accounting team, strengthens internal controls, and drives continuous process improvements to support the organization’s mission and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Management

• Define priorities, set goals, assign work, and manage team workloads to ensure timely and accurate completion of accounting activities.
• Serve as the primary subject matter expert and escalation point for finance-related questions.
• Provide ongoing training, coaching, and mentorship to accounting staff and budget managers.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and data‑driven decision‑making.
• Build, lead, and sustain a high‑performing, engaged team aligned with organizational values.
• Partner with the CFO and HR to recruit, interview, and hire qualified candidates with strong technical skills and cultural alignment.
• Coordinate onboarding for new hires, ensuring completion of required training and department‑specific policies.
• Monitor consistency in processes and protocols across the team, providing corrective feedback as needed.
• Establish clear performance expectations and evaluate staff through the organization’s performance management framework; provide timely, constructive feedback.
• Identify and support training and development opportunities to enhance performance and career growth; coach team members to deliver high‑quality financial analysis and service.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally to ensure financial reporting and analysis needs are effectively met.

Accounting Function

• Month-End & Year-End Close: Manage and oversee the close process for Lifeline and Network for Life, ensuring timely and accurate preparation and review of financial statements (Statement of Activities, Financial Position, Functional Expenses, and Cash Flow) in accordance with GAAP. Analyze variances and provide actionable insights.
• Budgeting: Lead budget preparation by developing templates, assumptions, and estimates; partner with budget managers to refine inputs, analyze variances, and elevate significant changes to the CFO.
• General Ledger: Maintain integrity of the accounting system; review and approve journal entries, reconciliations, and resolve discrepancies to ensure accuracy.
• Cost Accounting & Case Costing: Ensure proper expense classification and coding to cost centers and programs; establish controls for accurate donor‑level cost capture and collaborate with operations to validate case‑level costs.

Financial Performance Reporting & Analysis

• Prepare and present monthly and annual financial reports comparing actual results to budget and strategic goals.
• Lead financial analysis for key business decisions and support project teams with data‑driven insights.
• Maintain financial forecasts and cash projections, ensuring accuracy of assumptions and inputs.
• Analyze trends in cost per donor and by organ; develop scenario modeling for changes in volume, reimbursement, and cost drivers.

Cash Management

• Oversee daily cash management activities and ensure sufficient liquidity to support operations.
• Review and approve bank reconciliations for accuracy and completeness.
• Monitor cash flow, liquidity, and debt balances against forecasts and operational needs.

Compliance, Audit, Tax & Internal Controls

• Ensure compliance with CMS reimbursement guidelines and applicable regulations.
• Develop and maintain documentation frameworks for audits, including cost allocation methodologies and time studies.
• Design, implement, and enhance internal controls to mitigate financial and operational risks.
• Oversee revenue accounting related to CMS cost reporting, ensuring accurate classification of allowable costs, validation of standard acquisition charges (SACs), and alignment with reimbursement requirements.
• Lead coordination of external audits, prepare audit schedules, and serve as the primary auditor liaison.
• Support preparation and filing of IRS Form 990 for affiliated entities.

Systems & Process Improvement

• Drive continuous improvement in accounting processes through automation, standardization, and system enhancements.
• Optimize ERP and accounting system functionality to streamline workflows and improve reporting accuracy.
• Identify cost savings opportunities and operational efficiencies using data analysis; lead implementation of approved initiatives.

Contract Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for contract management across the organization.
• Facilitate contract review and execution, ensuring cross‑functional coordination and compliance with internal policies.
• Partner with legal counsel to review and negotiate higher‑risk or complex agreements.

Requirements

Qualifications

Required

• CPA Required
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or related field required
• Minimum 5‑7 years of progressive accounting experience.
• At least 2 years of supervisory or team leadership experience
• Strong understanding of GAAP and financial reporting for not‑for‑profit and/or healthcare organization
• Familiarity with cost accounting and budgeting processes

Preferred

• Exposure to Medicare cost reporting, grant account or regulated reimbursement models
• Experience with ERP/Accounting systems (Sage Intacct preferred)

Work Environment

• Hybrid work environment consisting of office and remote settings

Benefits

• Competitive pay
• Affordable and comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans (including PPO, HDHP, and HSA)
• Generous PTO bank available for immediate use, plus 9 holidays and 2 floating holidays of your choice
• Paid Maternity, Paternity, and Family Leave
• Free, unlimited access for you and your partner to Maven, a virtual women's & family health platform
• Company provided term life, AD&D, short and long term disability insurance coverage
• Company paid-for certifications and license renewals
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Performance Bonuses
• Organizational dedication to internal advancement and promotion opportunities

Equal Opportunity Employer: Lifeline of Ohio is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other legally protected status in employment decisions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, compensation, promotion, and termination. We are committed to providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment, and we strive to foster a diverse and inclusive workplace. This commitment extends to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, selection, job assignment, training, benefits, and advancement opportunities. Lifeline of Ohio complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding equal employment opportunity.