Controller

Houston Parks Board; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision coverage

PTO

Short- and long-term disability

Group term life insurance

403(b) retirement plan

Job summary

Houston Parks Board is seeking a Controller to lead its day‑to‑day accounting operations in Houston, TX. This hands‑on role requires strong financial reporting, audit coordination, and the ability to manage a small team of accounting professionals.

You’ll oversee close processes, grants accounting, and donor reporting, collaborating with the CFO/COO to improve systems and reporting visibility. The ideal candidate has 7+ years in accounting/finance, a solid GAAP background, CPA preferred, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance is required.
• Strong understanding of GAAP, internal controls and financial reporting.
• Experience supervising and developing accounting staff.
• Active CPA and experience with MIP/Abila are preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead monthly, quarterly and annual close processes and ensure accurate and timely financial reporting.
• Oversee general ledger, reconciliations, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll and related accounting activities.
• Maintain strong internal controls and support ongoing audit readiness.
• Coordinate preparation for the annual audit and Form 990 filings.
• Ensure grant and project expenditures align with funding requirements and prepare financial reports for funders.
• Assist with budgeting, forecasting, cash flow reporting and variance analysis.
• Provide clear financial information to leadership and the Board.
• Lead, coach and develop accounting staff.
• Collaborate with colleagues across programs, development and leadership.
• Identify and implement process improvements for accuracy and efficiency.

Skills

Financial reporting

Audit coordination

GAAP knowledge

Internal controls

Staff supervision

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance

Tools

MIP/Abila

Job description

Sorrell is proud to partner with Houston Parks Board in its search for a new Controller.

Houston Parks Board’s mission is to expand, improve and protect parks and greenspace in the Houston region. Since 1976, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization has utilized public-private partnerships and its extensive philanthropic, government and community relationships to create an interconnected network of parks, trails and greenspace for a more resilient and equitable Houston region.

Houston Parks Board recently reached a major milestone with substantial completion of Bayou Greenways, an ambitious $225 million initiative that significantly expanded Houston’s parks system and created a continuous trail network of more than 150 miles of linear parks and trails along Houston’s bayous. Houston Parks Board also cares for more than 2,800 acres of green space and supports park projects large and small.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer, the Controller will lead Houston Parks Board’s day-to-day accounting function and supervise a team of three to four professionals.

This is a hands‑on accounting leadership role for someone who takes pride in accurate, timely financial reporting, strong internal controls and well‑run accounting processes while also enjoying collaboration with colleagues throughout an organization.

The Controller will have responsibility for financial reporting across Houston Parks Board and its related entities and will oversee close processes, general ledger activity, accounts payable and receivable, payroll, reconciliations, grants administration and compliance, donor reporting and audit preparation. The Controller will also work closely with the CFO/COO to improve processes, reporting efficiency and financial visibility for organizational, program and Board leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead monthly, quarterly and annual close processes and ensure accurate and timely financial reporting.
• Oversee general ledger, reconciliations, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll and related accounting activities.
• Maintain strong internal controls and support ongoing audit readiness.
• Coordinate preparation for the annual audit and Form 990 filings.
• Ensure grant and project expenditures align with funding requirements and prepare financial reports for public and private funders.
• Assist with annual and project budgeting, forecasting, cash flow reporting and variance analysis.
• Provide clear, useful financial information to leadership, the Board and colleagues outside of finance.
• Lead, coach and develop accounting staff.
• Collaborate effectively with colleagues across programs, development and organizational leadership.
• Identify and implement process and system improvements that strengthen accuracy and efficiency.

Qualifications

The strongest candidates will bring 7+ years of progressively responsible accounting and finance experience, including meaningful responsibility for financial reporting, close processes, audit coordination and accounting operations.

A bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance is required. Candidates should have a strong understanding of GAAP, internal controls and financial reporting; experience supervising and developing accounting staff; strong analytical and problem-solving skills; and the ability to communicate financial information effectively to both finance and non‑finance colleagues.

Experience with nonprofit or fund accounting, grants and donor reporting, multiple entities or other complex accounting environments is highly valued. An active CPA and experience with MIP/Abila are preferred.

How You Work Matters

Houston Parks Board is looking for someone who combines high standards with a collaborative approach. The successful candidate will be professional, thoughtful and responsive; comfortable working across functions; able to develop and support a team; and committed to the accuracy and integrity of the organization’s financial reporting.

Location and Benefits

Houston Parks Board is centrally located at 300 North Post Oak Lane in Houston and offers employees a hybrid work schedule with a minimum of one day per week in the office.

This is a salaried, exempt position with compensation commensurate with skills and experience. Benefits include medical, dental and vision coverage, paid time off, short- and long‑term disability, group term life insurance and a 403(b) retirement plan.