Controller

Current Newspaper; Portland (OR); Hybrid; USD 121,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB) seeks an experienced Controller to lead accounting operations, financial reporting, and internal controls. This key role ensures accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of financial information, complying with GAAP and nonprofit standards, and partnering with the CFO on strategy.

The Controller will oversee transaction entry, payroll, monthly close, audits, compliance, and core accounting functions, driving scalable processes and a strong control environment during

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 8+ years of progressive accounting experience, including nonprofit accounting.
• 3+ years of management experience.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and internal controls.
• Experience leading external audits and working with auditors.
• Experience leading 990 preparations in coordination with tax firm.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex accounting operations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes and ensure accurate financial reporting.
• Lead external audit processes and coordinate with auditors and CFO.
• Manage day-to-day accounting functions including payroll, GL, payables/receivables, and fixed assets.
• Lead ERP systems initiatives, drive process improvements, and ensure data governance across financial systems.

Skills

Technical accounting

Leadership

Internal controls

GAAP expertise

Financial reporting

Analytical thinking

Communication

Time management

Strategic thinking

Risk assessment

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance

CPA or equivalent certification

Tools

Workday

Rampex

Job description

About OPB

OPB is a leader in public media, serving diverse communities of the Northwest with fact-based, in-depth news and information about politics, the environment, science, arts, history, and cultures, business, education and more. Powered by the generous support of members, OPB seeks out a variety of voices in our communities and lifts up authentic stories of the people, places, events and issues of the region, providing context and a deeper understanding. OPB’s independent journalism and programs are available atopb.org, on OPB Radio and OPB TV. Follow us onBluesky,Instagram,YouTubeandFacebook.

The Opportunity

Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB) isseekinga highly experienced and detailoriented Controller to lead the organization’s accounting operations, financial reporting, and internal controls. This roleis responsible forensuring the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of OPB’s financial information, whilemaintainingcompliance with GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards.
The Controller serves as a key partner to the CFO and Finance leadership, overseeing transaction entry, payroll, the monthly close process, external audit, compliance, and core accounting functions. This role will play a critical leadership role in strengthening accounting processes, supporting OPB’s continued growth, and ensuring strong financial stewardship across the organization.

Position Summary

The OPB Finance team is evolving beyond traditional accounting functions toward a highly collaborative, strategic partner model. The Controller will be instrumental in building scalable processes, strengthening controls, and supporting a high performing finance team.
OPB is currently modernizing its financial systems through implementation of a new ERP, Workday. The Controller will playa central rolein system design, process improvement, and ensuring data integrity during and after implementation.
In partnership with the CFO, the Controller contributes to OPB's long-term financial strategy by providing insights, identifying risks and opportunities, and supporting organizational decision-making. This role helps translate OPB's strategic priorities into sustainable financial plans, ensuring financial systems, processes, and reporting frameworks can support future growth, innovation, and operational excellence.

Working Conditions

Work environment: Hybrid, located at bureau or other OPB location. Primarily office based with extensive computer use during OPB business hours. Hybrid workis availablein accordance withOPB policy.
Schedule: This position typically works 5 days per week, Monday through Friday during core business hours, though some weekend/evening work is possible/required.
Physical demands: This position requires extended periods of computer use, including viewing screens and performing repetitive keyboard and mouse tasks, as well as the occasional lifting, carrying, and moving of file boxes and office materials weighing up to 40 pounds.
Travel: Occasional travel could be required for conference opportunities.

Required Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• 8+ years of progressive accounting experience, including nonprofit accounting
• 3+ years of management experience
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and internal controls
• Experience leading external audits and working with auditors
• Experience leading 990 preparations in coordination with tax firm
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex accounting operations

Preferred Education & Experience

• CPA or equivalent certification
• Experience in nonprofit, media, or public broadcasting organizations
• Experience with ERP systems; Workdayand Rampexperience strongly preferred
• Familiarity with grant accounting and donorrestricted funds

Minimum Position Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Technical accountingexpertise
• Commitment to accuracy and integrity
• Strong leadership and team development skills
• Process improvement and systems mindset
• Effective communication with both finance and nonfinance stakeholders
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Strategic thinking and long-range financial planning capabilities
• Ability to translate financial data into actionable business insights
• Strong analytical and scenario-planning skills
• Ability to identify organizational risks, opportunities, and emerging trends
• Enthusiasm for the mission of OPB

Supervisory Responsibilities

• This position supervises 4 employees.
• Lead and manageanaccounting teamof 4people, Accountant 1, Payroll Accountant, and 2 Accounting Technicians,including hiring, coaching, and performance management
• Establish andmaintainclear workflows, documentation, and internal controls across accounting functions
• Provide mentorship, training, and professional development to accounting team members
• Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement within Finance

Essential Functions

• Financial Reporting & Close – 25%
  Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes to ensureaccurateand complete transaction entry andtimelyfinancial reporting
  Partner with Senior Finance Manager to prepare and review internal financial statements andsupportingschedules
  Provide financial insight and trend analyses that support strategic decisions and organizational planning
• Audit & Compliance – 25%
  Lead annual external audit and serve as primary liaison with auditors in partnership with CFO
  Oversee preparation of Form 990, 990T and other state and municipal regulatory filings in partnership with CFO
  Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local requirements, including grant reporting
  Maintain and strengthen internal controls and risk mitigation practices
• Accounting Operations – 25%
  Overseedaytodayaccounting functions, including transaction entry, general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll accounting, lease accounting, and fixed assets
  Ensureaccurateaccounting for diverse revenue streams, including grants, underwriting, membership, and sponsorships
  Oversee and reviewjournal entriesandreconciliations
  Performkey account analysesincluding identifyingerrors, omissions,anditems for reclassification
  Support cash and treasury accounting processes in coordination withCFO
• ERP Systems & Process Optimization – 25%
  Play a leadership role in implementation, configuration, and ongoing optimization or all finance department IT systems
  Identifyand implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, scalability, and data accuracy
  Partner with Finance, IT, and system stakeholders to troubleshoot issues and improve workflows
  Ensure strong data governance and integrity across financial systems

Additional Information

• This role is full time, benefits eligible, and unrepresented.
• The probable hiring range for this exempt role is $121,000-150,000 per year.
• This position has access to highly sensitive data and therefore must pass a background check.

OPB is an Equal Opportunity Employer.