Controller

Connect Search, LLC; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Connect Search, LLC is partnering with a mission-driven nonprofit in Milwaukee, WI to hire a hands-on Controller who will lead accounting operations and strengthen financial processes. This role collaborates with executive leadership, develops a skilled accounting team, drives system improvements, grant accounting, budgeting, and internal controls to support programs and stakeholder reporting.

Ideal candidates will have CPA preferred, 10+ years of finance experience, and a proven record of

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting required; CPA preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience.
• 5+ years of hands-on accounting leadership experience, including managing and developing teams.
• Experience with nonprofit or government grant accounting, including cost allocations, financial reporting, and compliance.
• Strong understanding of GAAP, budgeting, financial statements, and internal controls.
• Advanced Excel skills and experience with financial modeling and ERP systems; Sage Intacct highly preferred.
• Proven ability to improve processes, implement changes, and drive operational efficiencies.
• Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Proactive, adaptable leader who enjoys being hands-on, developing teams, and collaborating across departments.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily accounting operations: GL, financial reporting, payroll, AP and AR.
• Lead, coach, and develop accounting managers and teams.
• Manage grant accounting, cost allocations, reporting, and compliance across funding sources.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, cash management, and financial modeling.
• Prepare and review financial statements, month-end and year-end close, and audit documentation.
• Partner with executive and program leadership to provide financial insights, monitor budgets, and support decision-making.
• Strengthen internal controls, accounting procedures, and financial reporting processes.
• Lead process improvements and system automation initiatives to improve accuracy and efficiency.
• Support financial presentations and reporting for executive leadership and the Board of Directors.

Skills

Financial leadership

GAAP expertise

Budgeting

Financial analysis

Internal controls

Process improvement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

CPA preferred

Tools

Sage Intacct

ERP systems

Job description

Looking for a Controller opportunity where you can make a meaningful impact beyond the numbers? We're partnering with a well-established, mission-driven nonprofit seeking an experienced, hands-on Controller to lead its accounting operations and help strengthen financial processes across the organization. This is an opportunity to work closely with executive leadership, guide an established accounting team, and play a key role in improving systems, streamlining processes, and driving greater efficiency. The organization is entering an exciting period of change, offering the chance to bring fresh ideas, build stronger processes, and make a lasting impact while supporting work that makes a difference in the community.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily accounting operations, including general ledger, financial reporting, payroll, accounts payable, and accounts receivable
• Lead, coach, and develop accounting managers and their teams
• Manage grant accounting, cost allocations, financial reporting, and compliance across multiple funding sources
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, cash management, and financial modeling
• Prepare and review financial statements, month-end and year-end close activities, and audit documentation
• Partner with executive and program leadership to provide financial insights, monitor budgets, and support decision-making
• Strengthen internal controls, accounting procedures, and financial reporting processes
• Lead process improvement and system automation initiatives to improve accuracy and efficiency
• Support financial presentations and reporting for executive leadership and the Board of Directors

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting required; CPA preferred
• 10+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience
• 5+ years of hands-on accounting leadership experience, including managing and developing teams
• Experience with nonprofit or government grant accounting, including cost allocations, financial reporting, and compliance
• Strong understanding of GAAP, budgeting, financial statements, and internal controls
• Advanced Excel skills and experience with financial modeling and ERP systems; Sage Intacct highly preferred
• Proven ability to improve processes, implement changes, and drive operational efficiencies
• Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Proactive, adaptable leader who enjoys being hands-on, developing teams, and collaborating across departments