Controller

Children-; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Children- seeks a Controller to supervise daily accounting and business office operations, ensuring accurate financial records and regulatory compliance. The role manages payroll, grant accounting, and month-end close, while supporting budgets, audits, and internal controls across the agency and foundation.

The Controller will lead staff, coordinate with departments, and ensure timely financial reporting in accordance with laws and agency policies.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree with accounting emphasis and two years' supervisory experience.
• Knowledge of payroll, general ledger and financial reporting processes.
• CPA certification preferred and experience with audits.

Responsibilities

• Oversee accounting functions including AR/AP, payroll, and general ledger.
• Support budgeting, audits, and internal controls across the agency and foundation.
• Prepare month-end financials, grant accounting, and cash management.
• Coordinate with staff on 1099s, W-2s, and contract management.

Skills

Payroll processing

General ledger

Accounts payable

Accounts receivable

Audits

Budgeting

Grant accounting

Internal controls

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in business with accounting emphasis

CPA certification preferred

Job description

Description

Under the general direction of the Chief Financial Officer, the Controller oversees daily accounting and business office operations, including financial reporting, payroll processing, grant accounting, and internal controls. This role supervises assigned business office staff, supports budgeting and audits, and ensures accurate financial records and compliance with applicable laws, contractual obligations, and agency policies.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Accounting and Financial Operations

• Provide oversight of the general accounting functions to ensure successful operation and regulatory compliance. Includes but is not limited to oversight of accounts receivable, accounts payable, expense reports, general ledger, and payroll.
• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of payroll functions and oversee payroll processing to ensure accurate, timely payment and compliance with applicable laws and agency policies.
• Own the preparation of the agency and foundation financials including month-end foundation tasks.
• Complete daily cash deposit and monitor cash flow for the Agency.
• Handle all fixed asset records and depreciation schedules to ensure effective reporting and safeguarding of assets.

Supervision and Business Office Support

• Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include: interviewing, hiring, and training employees and volunteers; planning, assigning and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees and volunteers; addressing complaints and resolving problems; facilitating related staff meetings and participating in other related meetings as appropriate.
• Assist with general business office operations. Includes but is not limited to: contract management, company leased vehicles, supervision of front desk customer support specialist, preparation of 1099s and W2s.

Audit and Internal Controls

• Assist with the annual audit of the Agency and Foundation in order to meet agency and external requirements. Coordinate and assist with specific program and grant audits as appropriate.
• Perform regular internal audit of entries and procedures relating to business office processes to ensure procedures are accurate and efficient.

Grants and Budgeting

Coordinate the financial activities of grants to ensure effective operation. Includes, but is not limited to:

• Prepare billing for grants and manage receivables for grants.
• Prepare budgets and budget amendments for grants.
• Track grant expenditures compared to budget.
• Maintain records to ensure reporting compliance.
• Assist in the preparation of the agency budget in order to ensure successful operation of all services.

Requirements

WHAT YOU NEED TO SUCCEED

• Must have an undergraduate degree in a business related field with accounting emphasis (or equivalent agency experience to meet requirements of the position) and two years' experience in business office management including supervisory experience. CPA certification preferred.
• Must have knowledge and experience with business office related computer systems.
• Must be able to use agency computer system software, including Microsoft Office products, necessary to carry out job functions.

Additional requirements

• Must maintain all training requirements and other standards as required by applicable licensing, accreditations, contract, and agency guidelines.

Be a part of something extraordinary!

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, disability, veteran, or other protected status.