Controller

Covenant House New Jersey; Newark (NJ); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental Insurance

Flexible spending account

403b retirement plan

Vacation & Benefit Days

Ten observed holidays

Employee Assistance Program

Life Insurance

Vision plan

Job summary

Covenant House New Jersey is seeking a Controller to lead accounting operations, ensuring timely month-end and year-end closes, audit readiness, and accurate reporting in NetSuite. You will supervise Finance staff and collaborate with the CFO and executive team to strengthen internal controls and financial processes.

Responsibilities include coordinating audits, grant accounting, budget processes in NSPB, and delivering reliable schedules and analyses for funders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field; 3–5 years controllership in nonprofit.
• Experience with grant management and funder reporting.
• Strong knowledge of applicable nonprofit laws and reporting.
• Hands-on NetSuite experience including month-end close.
• Advanced Excel skills (VLOOKUP, pivots) required.

Responsibilities

• Lead full-cycle accounting and monthly/year-end closes in NetSuite.
• Coordinate annual audit prep and audit schedules.
• Oversee tax filings, Form 990, 941 reconciliations, 1099s.
• Manage general ledger, accounts payable, cash receipts, disbursements.
• Support budget preparation and NSPB budgeting and forecasting.

Skills

Nonprofit accounting

Financial reporting

Internal controls

Audits coordination

Advanced Excel

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance

Tools

NetSuite

NSPB

Salesforce

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Job Description The Controller leads CHNJ's accounting operations and is responsible for ensuring timely, accurate, and well-documented monthly and year-end closes. The role is accountable for audit readiness, annual Form 990 coordination, NJHMFA compilation and reporting support, grants accounting, internal controls, and effective use of NetSuite and NSPB. The Controller supervises Finance staff, supports accurate financial reporting, and provides technical accounting and operational support to the CFO and executive management.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Lead the full-cycle accounting function, with primary responsibility for ensuring timely, accurate, and well-documented monthly and year-end closes in NetSuite and related reporting workflows.
• Coordinate annual audit preparation, internal audit requests, audit schedules, and supporting documentation, ensuring the organization remains audit-ready throughout the year.
• Oversee preparation and coordination of annual tax and compliance filings, including IRS Form 990, quarterly 941 reconciliations, 1099 filings, bank reconciliations, and other finance-related external reporting requests.
• Support NJHMFA compilation and related reporting requirements by maintaining accurate financial records, preparing schedules, coordinating documentation, and responding to information requests.
• Manage the general ledger, accounts payable, cash receipts, disbursements, reconciliations, depreciation, and property records, ensuring all activity is recorded accurately and timely in NetSuite.
• Work closely with the Associate Director of Administration & CRM and the Development team on Salesforce-related processes, reconciliations, reporting, data accuracy, and accounting integration; recommend process improvements to reduce redundancy and strengthen financial reporting.
• Serve as a finance liaison with corporate office contacts, vendors, auditors, funders, and other external partners as needed.
• Assist the CFO with preparation of the annual operating budget, budget revisions, financial projections, and related analyses, including use of NSPB for budgeting, planning, and forecasting activities.
• Provide programs and departments with contract-level budget support, financial analysis, variance explanations, and reporting assistance.
• Oversee grants accounting and funder reporting, including restricted revenue tracking, contract-level budget monitoring, financial reports to governmental agencies and funders, and related compliance documentation.
• Develop and implement internal control systems and risk management policies to establish and maintain proper protection of CHNJ's assets.
• Update, develop, and maintain accounting process documentation, policies, procedures, and internal control narratives as needed or requested by management.
• Monitor company email and other communication channels regularly to ensure timely response to Finance, audit, compliance, and reporting matters.
• Prepare ad hoc reports, analyses, reconciliations, and management schedules for the CFO, CEO, auditors, funders, and other stakeholders as needed.
• All Other duties as assigned by the CFO or CEO

Salary: $120,000

This position will be in office/Hybrid

Required Experience

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field from an accredited college or university; 3-5 years of controllership experience required, preferably in a non-profit environment, with demonstrated responsibility for full-cycle accounting, financial reporting, audit preparation, monthly close, and internal controls.
• Experience with grant management, restricted revenue tracking, funder reporting, and contract-level budgeting is required.
• Strong working knowledge of Federal and New Jersey State laws, regulations, financial reporting requirements, and accounting standards applicable to non-profit organizations.
• Hands-on NetSuite experience is required, including month-end close, general ledger management, account reconciliations, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, workflow review, and troubleshooting of accounting and planning system issues.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills required, including VLOOKUP, pivot tables, complex reconciliations, data analysis, and preparation of audit-ready schedules.
• CPA or CPA track strongly preferred.
• Excellent writing and verbal communication skills.
• Drivers License and an insurable driving record.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Flexible spending account
• 403b retirement plan
• Vacation & Benefit Days
• Ten observed holidays
• Employee Assistance Program
• Life Insurance
• Vision plan

Keyword: controller, property management, budget, payroll, finance, accounting, contracts