Controller

Association of International Certified Professional Accountants; North Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 110,000 - 185,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Life insurance

Retirement benefits

HSA and FSA options

5 weeks of paid time off annually

13 paid holidays annually

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

The Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce is seeking a strategic Controller to lead accounting operations, strengthen controls, and modernize our finance function. This role reports to the COO and drives accurate reporting across programs and grants while shaping the financial strategy of a nonprofit organization.

Ideal candidates are CPAs with at least 5 years of accounting leadership, strong communication, and a track record of building high-performing finance teams and implementing

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or related field; CPA required.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible accounting experience including financial reporting, close, audits, and internal controls.
• Experience budgeting, forecasting, cash management, and financial analysis.
• Strong leadership skills with ability to develop a team and communicate complex financial information clearly.

Responsibilities

• Lead monthly and annual close processes and GAAP/nonprofit reporting.
• Ensure accurate reporting across departments, programs, grants, and activities; strengthen internal controls.
• Oversee audit preparation, Form 990 coordination, and grant compliance.
• Partner with COO and leadership on budgeting, forecasting, and cash-flow management.
• Develop meaningful financial analytics and Board-ready reports; communicate risks and opportunities.
• Transition to an internal Finance operation and modernize financial systems and technology.

Skills

CPA license

Team leadership

GAAP & nonprofit accounting

Excel advanced

ERP/Financial systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

Tools

Sage Intacct

Ramp

ERP systems

Power BI

Job description

Controller

Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce | Charleston, SC

Help Shape the Future of Finance at the Charleston Metro Chamber!

The Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce is seeking a strategic, forward-thinkingControllerto lead our accounting and financial operations and help shape the future of our Finance function.

This is more than a traditional accounting leadership role. We're looking for a collaborative, solutions-oriented finance professional who enjoys building strong teams, improving processes, leveraging technology, and translating financial information into meaningful business insights.

Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), the Controller will play a pivotal role in bringing our accounting operations in-house, modernizing our financial systems, strengthening forecasting and reporting capabilities, and developing a scalable, high-performing Finance team.

If you're an experienced CPA who enjoys both the technical and strategic sides of finance, we'd love to meet you!

What You'll Do:

Lead Accounting & Financial Operations

• Oversee monthly and annual close processes, financial reporting, reconciliations, and compliance with GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards.
• Ensure accurate financial reporting across departments, programs, grants, and organizational activities.
• Strengthen internal controls, financial policies, and accounting processes.
• Oversee audit preparation, Form 990 coordination, and applicable grant compliance requirements.

Drive Financial Strategy & Insights

• Partner with the COO and executive leadership on budgeting, forecasting, cash-flow management, and financial planning.
• Develop meaningful financial reporting, analytics, and recommendations to support organizational decision-making.
• Prepare executive- and Board-ready financial reporting that communicates organizational performance, risks, and opportunities.

Build & Modernize Our Finance Function

• Lead the transition from outsourced accounting services to a fully internal Finance operation.
• Drive implementation and optimization of modern financial technology, including Sage Intacct, Ramp, and related platforms.
• Explore responsible use of automation and AI-enabled finance tools to improve efficiency, accuracy, and reporting.
• Establish scalable processes, clear accountability, and strong financial operating practices.

Develop & Empower Your Team

• Lead, coach, and support the professional development of the Financial Analyst and Director of Grant Compliance.
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and continuous-improvement-oriented team environment.
• Build team capabilities through mentorship, cross-training, and thoughtful delegation.

What We're Looking For:

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a closely related field.
• Active CPA license.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible accounting experience, including financial reporting, month-end close, audit preparation, and internal controls.
• Demonstrated experience with budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, and cash management.
• Proven ability to lead and develop team members.
• Strong technical accounting knowledge, advanced Excel skills, and experience working with financial systems.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to translate complex financial information into actionable insights.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous Controller or comparable accounting leadership experience.
• Nonprofit accounting and grant-funded financial management experience, including ASC 958.
• Familiarity with federal grant requirements, Single Audits, and Form 990.
• Experience implementing or optimizing ERP systems and finance technology.
• Familiarity with Sage Intacct, Ramp, Business Central, Power BI, or similar platforms.

Why Join the Chamber?

At the Charleston Metro Chamber, our work is driven by a shared commitment to strengthening our region's business community and creating opportunities for long-term economic prosperity.

You'll join a collaborative, mission-driven team where your expertise, ideas, and leadership can make a tangible difference.

Our Benefits Include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Retirement benefits
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options
• 5 weeks of paid time off annually
• 13 paid holidays annually
• Opportunities for professional growth and development

Ready to Make an Impact?

If you're excited by the opportunity to build, lead, and modernize a Finance function while contributing to the success of Charleston's business community, we encourage you to apply.

Join us in helping shape the future of the Charleston region!