Controller

College Foundation, Inc.; Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill (NC, NC, NC); Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

College Foundation, Inc. in Raleigh, NC seeks a Controller with strong GAAP and nonprofit experience to lead accounting operations and financial reporting. The role requires oversight of the general ledger, month-end close, and coordination of the annual independent audit.

In-office presence is three days per week with two remote days. Ideal candidate has CPA, 7+ years of accountable experience, and is proficient in Excel and accounting systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance from an accredited college or university.
• Active CPA license in good standing.

Responsibilities

• Oversee general ledger and ensure accurate posting in the correct period.
• Lead monthly close and deliver complete financial statements to VP within 20 business days.
• Manage accounts payable, vendor maintenance, expense reports, cash receipts, and reconciliations.
• Apply GAAP for nonprofit entities and allocate expenses by program function.
• Coordinate external audits and prepare audit schedules and supporting docs.
• Supervise accounting staff and ensure deadlines and documentation quality.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Nonprofit accounting

Month-end close

Financial reporting

Leadership

Audit coordination

Cash reconciliations

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

CPA license in good standing

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Accounting systems

Job description

Salary Range $130-135k

The Controller is responsible for the leadership, management, and oversight of the organization's accounting operations, financial reporting, and internal control environment. Reporting to the Vice President of Financial Services, the Controller ensures the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of financial information and maintains accounting practices in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), applicable regulatory requirements, and organizational policies.

This position requires in office presence at our corporate office in Raleigh, NC 3 days a week with ability to work remotely 2 days.

Essential Functions:

1. Financial Reporting and General Accounting

• Oversee the general ledger and ensure all accounting transactions are recorded accurately, completely, and in the appropriate accounting period.
• Lead the monthly financial close process and deliver complete, accurate financial statements and supporting reports to the VP within 20 business days after month-end.

2. Accounting Operations

• Manage day-to-day accounting operations, including accounts payable, vendor maintenance, employee expense reports, cash receipts, credit card reconciliations, journal entries, and other accounting transactions.
• Ensure invoices, expense reports, and payment requests are processed accurately, promptly, and in accordance with organizational policies.

3. Nonprofit and Program Accounting

• Apply GAAP requirements applicable to nonprofit organizations, including appropriate accounting for net assets, contributions and grants where applicable, functional expenses, and financial statement disclosures.
• Oversee expense allocation procedures among program services, management and general, and fundraising functions, as applicable.

4. Audit and Tax Reporting

• Lead the day-to-day coordination of the annual independent financial statement audit.
• Prepare and coordinate audit schedules, reconciliations, supporting documentation, and responses to auditor requests.
• Supervise, develop, and evaluate accounting team members, establishing clear responsibilities, performance expectations, and accountability.
• Review accounting work to ensure accuracy, completeness, adequate documentation, and compliance with established deadlines.

6. Financial Leadership Development and Succession Readiness

• Work closely with the VP/CFO to develop a comprehensive understanding of the organization's financial operations, strategic priorities, and long-term financial objectives.
• Participate, as assigned, in budgeting, forecasting, financial planning, and analysis activities.

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field from an accredited college or university; Active Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license in good standing

Experience Required:

• At least seven years of progressively responsible accounting experience, including substantial general ledger, financial reporting, reconciliation, and month-end close responsibilities.
• Demonstrated experience in a Controller, Assistant Controller, Accounting Director, or comparable senior accounting role.
• Experience supervising accounting personnel and reviewing the work of others.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, financial statement preparation, internal controls, and accounting policies and procedures.
• Experience with nonprofit accounting, including application of nonprofit-specific GAAP requirements.
• Demonstrated success managing a monthly close process and delivering accurate financial reports within established deadlines.
• Experience coordinating external financial statement audits and preparing audit schedules and supporting documentation.
• Experience overseeing accounts payable, journal entries, cash and bank reconciliations, and balance sheet account reconciliations.
• Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities, exercise sound judgment, and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency with accounting systems, Microsoft Excel, and financial reporting tools.

Skills:

Technical accounting expertise: Applies sound accounting judgment and maintains compliance with GAAP and applicable reporting requirements.

Financial reporting and analytical ability: Produces reliable financial statements, identifies unusual activity and variances, and resolves reporting discrepancies.

Execution and accountability: Establishes clear deadlines and ensures accounting deliverables are completed accurately and on schedule.

Leadership and staff development: Sets expectations, provides constructive feedback, develops employees, and builds a dependable accounting team.

Communication and collaboration: Communicates accounting matters clearly and works effectively with the VP/CFO, other departments, auditors, and external advisers.

Executive leadership potential: Demonstrates initiative, sound judgment, adaptability, discretion, and the ability to lead across functional areas.

Physical Activities/Working Conditions:

• Extensive work with a PC
• Sitting for extended periods of time
• Ability to lift up to 25lbs

Company Description

College Foundation, Inc. (CFI) is a non-profit organization that has served North Carolina students and families since 1955. CFI administers education loan programs, major state-funded grant and scholarship initiatives, and the NC 529 college savings program on behalf of the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority (NCSEAA). The organization supports access to higher education for students attending colleges and universities across North Carolina. Team members at CFI contribute to mission-driven work that helps learners plan and pay for college and supports long-term educational and financial success for families.