Controller

Tennessee Wildlife Federation; Richland (TN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match up to 6%

Medical, Dental, Vision, HSA

Paid holidays

Job summary

Tennessee Wildlife Federation is seeking a Controller to lead accounting operations, financial reporting, and compliance for a multi-fund nonprofit with a $6.5 million operating budget. You will supervise two staff accountants and collaborate with senior leadership on forecasting, audits, and financial strategy.

The role emphasizes internal controls, grant accounting, payroll, and regulatory filings, including Form 990. A CPA and nonprofit experience are highly valued.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related field; CPA preferred.
• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience including leadership in finance.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, nonprofit accounting, grant financial management, and audit coordination.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all accounting operations including ledger management, payables, receivables, payroll, and close processes with accuracy and timeliness.
• Maintain internal controls to safeguard assets and promote compliant financial practices.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning for a multi-fund grant portfolio.

Skills

GAAP Knowledge

Internal Controls

Financial Reporting

Payroll Administration

Audit Coordination

Nonprofit Accounting

Team Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

CPA preferred

Tools

QuickBooks (Desktop & Online)

Microsoft Excel

Google Workspace

Job description

Founded in 1946 and based in Nashville, Tennessee Wildlife Federation is one of the state’s oldest and most influential conservation organizations. For 80 years, we’ve worked to protect Tennessee’s wildlife, promote responsible stewardship of natural resources, and ensure everyone can enjoy the outdoors. With an annual operating budget of $6.5 million, the Federation operates statewide to advance meaningful conservation efforts. As a trusted voice for sportsmen, outdoor enthusiasts, and conservation advocates, we lead conservation efforts that make a lasting impact — and we’re looking for people who want their work to make a real difference for Tennessee’s wild places.

The Controller oversees the organization’s accounting and financial operations, ensuring accuracy, integrity, and compliance across all financial activities. As the highest finance and accounting position reporting to the Director of Administration, the role directs core accounting functions, financial reporting, audit coordination, and regulatory requirements while maintaining strong internal controls that support organizational stability. The position provides clear, data‑driven financial insight that informs planning and supports strategic decision‑making, including forecasting, resource allocation, and financial risk assessment. By strengthening financial systems and refining key processes, the role enhances operational efficiency and supports effective long‑range financial planning.

The Controller supervises and develops two staff accountants, fostering a high‑quality, reliable accounting team that upholds strong accounting practices and supports the organization’s financial operations with consistency and precision.

No relocation assistance provided

Job Responsibilities

Accounting Operations & Financial Management

• Oversee all accounting operations, including general ledger management, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and month‑end and year‑end close processes, ensuring accuracy, integrity, and timeliness across all financial activities.
• Maintain and strengthen internal controls that safeguard organizational assets, support compliant financial practices, and promote consistency and reliability in financial operations.
• Manage cash flow, banking relationships, and treasury activities to ensure adequate liquidity, responsible financial stewardship, and alignment with organizational priorities.
• Monitor financial performance and operational trends, identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce risk, and support informed decision‑making.
• Lead the development, implementation, and refinement of accounting policies, procedures, and workflows that enhance operational effectiveness and reflect best practices.
• Ensure financial operations and resources effectively support programmatic and organizational needs, balancing day‑to‑day execution with long‑range financial considerations.
• Partner with the senior leadership team to provide operational and financial insight that supports planning, resource allocation, and organizational sustainability.
• Work alongside the Finance Committee Chair to provide clear, timely financial information that supports effective financial oversight and decision‑making.
• Direct the preparation of accurate, timely, and compliant financial statements, management reports, and supporting schedules.
• Ensure financial reporting provides clear, actionable insight that supports organizational planning, operational decision‑making, and resource allocation.
• Lead forecasting and budgeting processes, incorporating historical trends, operational needs, and strategic priorities to produce reliable financial projections.
• Analyze financial performance and key metrics, identifying variances, trends, and emerging issues that require attention or adjustment.
• Translate financial data into meaningful narratives and recommendations that support informed decisions by the senior leadership team.
• Maintain reporting structures, tools, and methodologies that promote consistency, transparency, and effective communication of financial information.
• Conduct scenario planning and financial modeling to evaluate potential operational or strategic decisions and their financial implications.

Audit, Compliance & Regulatory Oversight

• Oversee all audit activities and serve as the primary point of contact for external auditors, ensuring thorough preparation, clear communication, and timely completion of audit requirements.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, regulatory standards, contractual obligations, and internal policies across all financial operations.
• Maintain and update accounting policies, procedures, and documentation to reflect best practices, evolving regulations, and organizational needs.
• Monitor compliance‑related risks and implement controls or process improvements that strengthen financial integrity and reduce exposure.
• Oversee the preparation and submission of regulatory, grant‑related, and other required financial filings – including the annual Form 990 – ensuring accuracy, completeness, and adherence to deadlines.
• Provide guidance to senior leadership on compliance considerations, emerging regulatory changes, and their potential operational or financial impacts.

Financial Systems & Process Improvement

• Oversee the organization’s financial systems to ensure accuracy, reliability, and effective utilization across all accounting and reporting activities.
• Evaluate system performance and identify opportunities to enhance functionality, streamline workflows, and strengthen data integrity.
• Lead system improvements, upgrades, or implementations that support efficient financial operations and long‑range planning needs.
• Maintain a strong control environment within financial systems, ensuring appropriate access, security, and documentation.
• Assess and refine financial processes to improve efficiency, reduce risk, and support consistent, high‑quality financial operations.
• Collaborate with senior leadership and cross‑functional teams to ensure financial systems and processes align with organizational priorities and operational requirements.

Budgeting, Forecasting & Financial Planning

• Lead development of the annual operating budget, partnering with the senior leadership team to produce accurate, well‑supported financial plans that align with organizational priorities.
• Oversee the organization’s annual $6.5 million operating budget, ensuring financial plans are accurate, well‑supported, and aligned with organizational priorities.
• Direct ongoing forecasting activities, providing clear variance analysis and actionable financial insight that strengthens organizational decision making.
• Manage financial planning and forecasting for a large, multi‑fund grant portfolio, ensuring compliance, clarity, and alignment between program needs and funding requirements.
• Partner with program leaders to develop and maintain program‑level budgets that reflect funding requirements, operational needs, and strategic objectives.
• Maintain structured, accessible, and reliable budget information that enables leadership to plan effectively and make informed financial decisions.

Grant & Contract Financial Management

• Oversee financial tracking, reporting, and compliance for grants and contracts, ensuring accuracy, alignment with funder requirements, and strong financial stewardship.
• Partner with program leaders to develop grant budgets, monitor spending, and ensure timely, accurate financial reporting that meets funder expectations.
• Ensure proper revenue recognition, expense allocation, and documentation that supports grant audits, funder reviews, and compliance standards.
• Maintain responsible and transparent financial stewardship of restricted and unrestricted funds, ensuring resources are managed in accordance with organizational and funder requirements.

Payroll Administration

• Process the organization’s semi‑monthly payroll with precision, confidentiality, and strict adherence to federal and state regulations.
• Administer payroll changes—including compensation adjustments, benefits updates, and deductions with accuracy and alignment to established timelines and organizational policies.
• Coordinate with Human Resources to ensure payroll reflects personnel actions, benefits administration, and policy requirements.
• Manage payroll related reporting, year‑end documentation, and compliance obligations, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timely submission.
• Supervise and develop two Staff Accountants, fostering a high‑quality, reliable accounting team that upholds strong accounting practices and supports the organization’s financial operations with consistency and precision.
• Provide leadership that strengthens technical capability, builds confidence in accounting judgment, and supports professional growth within the team.
• Set clear performance expectations and ensure accountability for accuracy, timeliness, and quality across all accounting activities.
• Cultivate a team environment that values collaboration, continuous improvement, and strong execution of core accounting responsibilities.

Other Duties

• Attend meetings to represent TWF on projects and initiatives.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; CPA or equivalent professional certification preferred.
• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience , including leadership responsibility within a finance or accounting function.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and strengthen accounting operations, internal controls, and financial processes at an organizational level.
• Extensive knowledge of GAAP, nonprofit accounting, grant financial management, and audit coordination.
• Proven experience overseeing grant and contract financial requirements, including compliance, reporting, and revenue recognition.
• Hands‑on experience processing payroll with accuracy, confidentiality, and strict regulatory compliance.
• Strong analytical capability with the ability to interpret financial data and deliver clear, actionable insight to senior leadership.
• Advanced proficiency with accounting systems and financial reporting tools, with the ability to evaluate and enhance system effectiveness; experience with QuickBooks (Desktop and Online) preferred.
• High level of discretion, judgment, and commitment to responsible financial stewardship.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise, develop, and elevate accounting staff, fostering accountability, accuracy, and professional growth.
• Proficiency across Microsoft Office 365 and Google Suite.

Skills and Abilities

• Strong communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills; ability to translate complex financial information into easy to understand format.
• Strategic thinking and systems orientation, with the ability to connect financial operations to broader organizational needs.
• Strong operational planning skills, including the ability to refine and implement processes that improve efficiency and consistency.
• High level of confidentiality, discretion, and sound judgment when handling sensitive information or financial matters.
• Effective cross-functional collaboration skills, with the ability to work closely with multiple departments and build productive internal relationships.
• Initiative, accountability, and strong problem-solving skills..
• Strong work ethic with the ability to overcome setbacks and enthusiastically persist until goals are achieved.
• Professional, adaptable, and positive, with strong attention to detail and the ability to handle fast‑paced, day‑to‑day challenges with composure—and a sense of humor.
• Ability to work independently and within a collaborative, team environment.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast‑paced environment while producing accurate, timely, and effective results.
• Resourceful and innovative at tackling challenges in a timely manner.
• Approach work from the Federation’s point of view rather than a personal point of view.
• Must have a passion for the Federation’s mission.
• A valid TN driver’s license, including a good motor vehicle record, and appropriate automobile insurance.

Additional Information

• Medical, Dental, Vision, HSA, Short- and Long-Term Disability, Life, AD&D, Critical Illness, Accident
• Employee Assistance Program
• 401(k) match up to 6%
• 13 company paid holidays plus the week between Christmas and New Year’s
• Working Hours: 40 hrs/wk; M-F, 8:00am - 5:00pm (flexible)