Controller

Pathways for Children; Gloucester (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Pathways for Children in Gloucester, MA is seeking a seasoned Controller to lead the accounting team and partner with the Director of Finance on strategic financial planning. The role focuses on internal controls, grant accounting, and accurate financial reporting to sustain organizational mission.

The Controller will oversee core accounting functions, support external audits, ensure grant compliance, and mentor staff while driving process improvements across the finance department.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• CPA or CPA candidate preferred.
• Minimum 7 years of progressive accounting and financial management experience.
• Experience within a nonprofit organization preferred.
• Experience leading external audits and managing complex financial reporting processes.
• Experience with grant accounting and state and federal contracts.
• Prior supervisory experience and demonstrated ability to collaborate with executive leadership strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily accounting operations, including general ledger maintenance, account reconciliations, and supporting documentation.
• Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, billing, cash receipts, and payroll processing completed by the Accounting Assistant.
• Maintain and strengthen internal controls, financial policies, and accounting procedures to support organizational growth and compliance.
• Partner with the Director of Finance on budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, financial modeling, and long-range planning.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and lead the annual financial statement audit.
• Manage accounting and fiscal compliance for Development Department fundraising and private grant awards, including restricted gifts.
• Monitor grant performance and support program leaders in understanding financial results and requirements.
• Identify opportunities to improve financial systems, reporting capabilities, workflow efficiency, and organizational effectiveness.

Skills

Leadership

Financial analysis

Grant accounting

Internal controls

Staff mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

CPA or CPA candidate

Job description

At Pathways for Children, we nurture young children and support families impacted by economic and social inequity through programs that educate, enrich, empower, and inspire. Every role within our organization contributes to advancing this mission, and we are seeking an experienced and mission-aligned Controller to join our team in Gloucester.

Reporting to the Director of Finance, the Controller serves as a key member of the Finance leadership team and plays an integral role in advancing the organization's financial health, operational excellence, and long-term sustainability. This position combines hands‑on accounting leadership with opportunities to contribute to strategic financial planning, process improvement, organizational decision‑making, and department development.

The Controller provides leadership and oversight of the organization's accounting and financial operations, ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and transparency of financial information. This position is responsible for maintaining strong internal controls, supporting grant compliance, producing timely financial reporting, and driving efficient accounting processes that support informed decision‑making across the organization.

The Controller oversees all core accounting functions, including general ledger management, accounts payable, payroll oversight, billing, reconciliations, grant accounting, and month‑end and year‑end close activities. The successful candidate will bring a high degree of accuracy, accountability, analytic rigor, and leadership potential to the role.
We are seeking a finance professional who is excited not only by strong accounting practices, but also by the opportunity to help shape systems, strengthen organizational performance, mentor staff, and assume increasing leadership responsibilities over time.

The ideal candidate approaches financial management with curiosity, attention to detail, and a continuous improvement mindset. They are skilled at identifying trends, mitigating risks, uncovering opportunities, and translating financial information into actionable insights that support organizational leaders in advancing Pathways' mission.

Accounting Operations & Internal Controls

• Manage daily accounting operations, including general ledger maintenance, account reconciliations, and supporting documentation.
• Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, billing, cash receipts, and payroll processing completed by the Accounting Assistant.
• Maintain and strengthen internal controls, financial policies, and accounting procedures to support organizational growth and compliance.

Financial Reporting, Planning & Audit Coordination

• Partner with the Director of Finance on budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, financial modeling, and long‑range financial planning initiatives.
• Provide financial analysis and recommendations that support strategic decision‑making
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Lead and manage the annual financial statement audit from planning through completion.
• Develop regular management reports for leadership and Board of Directors review.

Grant, Contract & Fund Accounting

• Manage accounting and fiscal compliance for Development Department fundraising and private grant awards, including restricted gifts.
• Manage accounting for federal and state grants and contracts, including all billing, compliance, and reporting requirements.
• Monitor grant performance and support program leaders in understanding financial results and requirements.
• Leadership & Department Development
• Serve as a key thought partner to the Director of Finance in shaping the future direction of the Finance Department.
• Support the development, training, and mentoring of finance staff.
• Identify opportunities to improve financial systems, reporting capabilities, workflow efficiency, and organizational effectiveness.
• Participate in organization‑wide initiatives and cross‑functional projects that advance Pathways' strategic goals.
• Demonstrate readiness to assume expanded leadership responsibilities as the organization and Finance Department continue to grow.
  

Process Improvement & Organizational Support

• Oversee fiscal aspects of the organization's insurance programs including annual renewal, premium payments, workers' compensation audits, and claim management.
• Coordinate fiscal aspects of facilities projects, including compliance with procurement procedures, budget monitoring, and funder requirements.
• Lead continuous improvement efforts that enhance financial reporting, accountability, and operational efficiency.
  

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
• CPA or CPA candidate preferred.
• Minimum 7 years of progressive accounting and financial management experience, including increasing levels of responsibility and leadership.
• Experience within a nonprofit organization preferred.
• Experience leading external audits and managing complex financial reporting processes.
• Experience with organizations of comparable size and complexity preferred.
• Experience with grant accounting and state and federal contracts.
• Prior supervisory experience and demonstrated ability to collaborate with executive leadership strongly preferred.

Other Requirements:

Complete and maintain all required pre‑employment and ongoing medical examinations, clearances, and health requirements as required by program licensure and agency policy.

Obtain suitability BRC clearance and maintain licensor background check requirements

Possess valid MA driver’s license and proof of auto insurance, access to reliable transportation and acceptable driving record