Controller

Santa Fe Recovery Center, Inc; Santa Fe (NM); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Santa Fe Recovery Center, Inc is seeking a Controller to lead the accounting operations and ensure timely, GAAP-compliant financial reporting for a nonprofit organization. The role reports to the COO and emphasizes internal controls and financial governance.

The successful candidate will oversee grants and contracts, audit coordination, budgeting, and strategic financial planning to strengthen the organization’s financial infrastructure and sustainability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or equivalent.
• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience; Controller or Assistant Controller preferred.
• Advanced knowledge of GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards.
• Experience leading nonprofit annual audits and grant/contract reporting.
• Proficiency with Excel and financial reporting systems.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, supervision, and professional development to accounting staff.
• Oversee month-end and year-end close processes and financial reporting.
• Ensure grant and contract compliance and accurate billing.
• Coordinate annual financial statement audit and external communications.
• Strengthen internal controls and drive process improvements.

Skills

GAAP

Nonprofit accounting

Financial reporting

Internal controls

Excel

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting

Tools

ERP systems

General ledger software

Audit management software

Job description

SUMMARY:

The Controller, reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, is responsible for the overall leadership, management, and integrity of the organization’s accounting operations. This role ensures accurate and timely financial reporting, compliance with GAAP, regulatory requirements, grant and contract obligations, and internal control standards. The Controller oversees the daily accounting functions, leads the month-end and year-end close processes, manages audit coordination, and partners with executive leadership to support strategic financial planning and sustainability. This position plays a critical role in strengthening financial infrastructure, improving processes, and ensuring fiscal accountability across the organization.

Requirements

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1) Accounting Leadership & Oversight

• Provide leadership, supervision, and professional development to accounting staff.


• Provide strategic oversight of all accounting operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, general ledger.


• Work with the Billing Systems and Compliance Manager to ensure accurate and timeline financial integration and transactions.


• Ensure timely and accurate month-end and year-end close processes.


• Review and approve reconciliations, journal entries, accruals, and financial reports.


• Maintain strong internal controls and ensure adherence to GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards.


• Manage the general ledger structure and ensure consistent coding, class/fund tracking, and departmental reporting integrity.

2) Cash, Treasury Support & Banking Controls

• Support cash management and cash flow visibility through timely posting, reconciliation, and reporting.


• Maintain banking controls and ensure routine reconciliation of all cash accounts and restricted funds.


• Support COO with cash forecasting inputs (AP aging, payroll timing, AR expectations, grant draw schedules).

3) Grant & Contract Compliance

• Ensure accurate billing, financial reporting, and compliance for all grants and contracts.


• Maintain a comprehensive understanding of grant requirements and funding restrictions.


• Collaborate with the Grants team and program leadership to support budget development and reporting.


• Serve as the primary financial liaison for funders on accounting matters.

4) Internal Controls, Policies, and Process Improvement

• Strengthen internal controls and document core finance processes (close, reconciliations, AP, cash handling, purchasing, credit cards, expense reimbursement).


• Identify control gaps, recommend improvements, and implement sustainable workflows that reduce risk and increase efficiency.


• Lead finance process improvement projects, including automation, standard templates, and documentation checklists.

5) Financial Reporting & Analysis

• Produce and review monthly financial statements for executive leadership and the Board of Directors.


• Conduct financial analysis to identify trends, variances, risks, and opportunities for improvement.


• Support strategic financial decision-making through forecasting and modeling.


• Assist in the development and monitoring of the annual operating budget.

6) Audit & Regulatory Compliance

• Lead coordination of the annual financial statement audit and tax return preparation.


• Serve as the primary point of contact for external auditors.


• Ensure timely resolution of audit findings and compliance issues.


• Maintain readiness for federal, state, and funder financial monitoring reviews.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting


• More than five years (5+) of progressive accounting experience; experience as Controller or Assistant Controller preferred


• Advanced knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)


• Experience leading non-profit annual audits


• Experience with federal grants/contracts or cost reimbursement environments


• Advanced Excel skills; strong general ledger and financial reporting systems experience


• High integrity, strong attention to detail, and ability to lead through deadlines

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• CPA


• Experience in healthcare/behavioral health/human services and/or nonprofit accounting


• Experience with Single Audit (Uniform Guidance) environments


• Experience with improving internal controls and documenting policies/procedures


• Familiarity with fund accounting, restricted funds, and grant reporting