Controller

Gateway Special Recreation Association; Lisle, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 105,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

403(b) Retirement Plan

Paid vacation, sick, and personal time

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Professional development and training

Mileage reimbursement

Monthly phone allowance

Job summary

Ray Graham Association for People with Disabilities in Lisle, IL seeks an experienced Controller to lead accounting operations, ensure GAAP compliance, and safeguard the organization’s financial health.

Reporting to the CFO, you will oversee the finance team, drive budgeting and forecasting, audits, grant reporting, and cross‑functional collaboration to support program goals and mission delivery.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• Minimum 7 years of finance or accounting experience.
• Minimum 2-3 years of people management experience.
• CPA preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day accounting operations and oversee general ledger.
• Ensure GAAP-based monthly close and financial statement prep.
• Develop and test internal controls and procedures.
• Support CFO with financial reporting and planning.
• Lead annual budget process and capital planning.
• Coordinate audits and grant reporting.
• Oversee accounting staff and professional development.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Financial leadership

People management

Excel proficiency

Internal controls

Education

Bachelor's in Accounting/Finance

CPA preferred

Tools

Sage Intacct

ERP systems

Payroll systems

Excel

Job description

Description

Join Our Mission

Ray Graham Association for People with Disabilities (RGA) is dedicated to supporting people with disabilities in achieving their fullest potential. We are seeking an experienced Controller who will help ensure the organization's financial sustainability while supporting our mission, values, and commitment to customer excellence.

Position Overview

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Controller is responsible for leading the day-to-day accounting operations of the organization, overseeing the finance team, maintaining strong internal controls, ensuring compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and supporting financial planning and reporting activities. This leadership role plays a critical part in safeguarding the organization's financial health and supporting strategic decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Leadership & Accounting Operations

• Lead daily accounting operations and oversee general ledger activities.
• Ensure timely account reconciliations and resolution of discrepancies.
• Manage monthly and year-end close processes in accordance with GAAP.
• Prepare and review monthly financial statements and analyze financial trends.
• Develop, implement, document, and test accounting procedures and internal controls.
• Support the CFO with financial reporting, analysis, and organizational planning.

Budgeting & Financial Planning

• Lead the annual operating budget process across the organization.
• Support development and monitoring of the capital improvement plan.
• Provide financial guidance to department and program leaders.
• Assist managers with budgeting, financial reporting, and fiscal accountability.

Compliance, Audit & Funding Oversight

• Ensure compliance with GAAP and applicable government regulations.
• Review and approve reports required by grantors, governmental agencies, and other funding sources.
• Monitor grant funding activity and compliance requirements.
• Lead annual audit activities and preparation of year-end financial statements.
• Coordinate required governmental financial reporting.

Team Leadership

• Manage and develop accounting staff, including:
  • Senior Staff Accountant
  • Staff Accountant
  • Payroll Coordinator
  • Accounts Payable Coordinator
  • Accounts Receivable Coordinator
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide coaching, mentoring, and development opportunities.
• Support succession planning and cross-training initiatives within the finance department.
• Assist with hiring, training, employee development, and performance management.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Build strong working relationships across departments.
• Communicate effectively with team members, leadership, families, and individuals supported by RGA.
• Promote a culture of customer service, integrity, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or equivalent related experience.
• Minimum 7 years of finance or accounting experience.
• Minimum 2-3 years of people management experience.

Technical Knowledge

• Thorough knowledge of GAAP.
• Strong understanding of:
  • General ledger accounting
  • Financial statement preparation
  • Budgeting and forecasting
  • Internal controls
  • Financial analysis
  • Audit processes
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience using financial ERP and payroll systems.

Leadership Competencies

• Proven ability to coach, mentor, and develop employees.
• Strong organizational, time management, and prioritization skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• High level of integrity and professionalism.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
• Sage Intacct experience.

Additional Requirements

• Valid Driver's License.
• Must successfully complete required background screenings, including CANTS, LEADS, and State Police checks.
• Must comply with Ray Graham Association's drug-free workplace policies.
• Ray Graham Association is a drug-free workplace.

Benefits

Ray Graham Association offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Competitive Salary
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Company-Paid Life Insurance
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with 3% Employer Match
• Paid Vacation, Sick, and Personal Time
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Professional Development and Training Opportunities
• Mileage Reimbursement for Approved Business Travel
• Monthly Phone Allowance

Drug-Free Workplace

Ray Graham Association for People with Disabilities is committed to maintaining a safe, healthy, and productive work environment. RGA is a drug-free workplace. All candidates offered employment may be required to comply with the organization's drug-free workplace policies and applicable pre-employment screening requirements.