Controller

Akin (formerly Children's Home Society of Washington + Childhaven); Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangements

Comprehensive benefits

Paid time off

Job summary

Akin seeks a collaborative Controller to lead accounting operations, financial reporting, and grants management. You will partner with the CFO and cross‑functional leaders to strengthen internal controls and drive process improvements in a mission‑driven environment.

The role emphasizes hands‑on leadership, GAAP/nonprofit expertise, and building a high‑performing Finance team across Washington State. Hybrid work arrangements are possible.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business or related field.
• 7+ years of progressively responsible accounting experience.
• 3+ years supervising or leading accounting/finance staff.
• Experience with nonprofit accounting, fund or grant accounting.
• Experience supporting annual financial statement audits.
• Strong GAAP knowledge and internal controls.
• Experience with ERP/enterprise financial systems and advanced spreadsheets.

Responsibilities

• Lead accounting operations and financial reporting functions.
• Oversee month/quarter/year-end closes and ensure GAAP compliance.
• Manage government grants, contracts, and restricted funding accounting.
• Coordinate audits and external reporting requests.
• Enhance internal controls and financial policies.
• Improve systems and processes for efficiency and accuracy.
• Partner with leaders to support budgeting and forecasting.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Nonprofit accounting

Financial analysis

Auditing coordination

Communication skills

Leadership & staff development

Problem solving

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting/finance/business

CPA/CMA preferred

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Enterprise accounting / financial mgmt systems

Job description

Make an Impact Through Financial Leadership

Are you an experienced accounting leader who enjoys building strong teams, improving processes, and using your expertise to support meaningful work? Are you looking for an opportunity to shape financial operations while contributing to an organization dedicated to strengthening children, families, and communities?

Akin is looking for a collaborative, solutions-oriented Controller to join our Finance leadership team!

At Akin, we believe strong financial stewardship is essential to delivering high-quality services and making a lasting difference in the communities we serve. As our Controller, you'll play a critical role in ensuring the accuracy and integrity of our financial operations while helping build the systems, processes, and partnerships that support our continued growth.

Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), you'll lead our accounting operations, develop and support a talented Finance team, and partner with leaders across the organization to strengthen financial practices and support informed decision‑making.

This is an exciting opportunity for a hands‑on financial leader who thrives in a complex, mission‑driven environment and is passionate about both operational excellence and continuous improvement.

What You’ll Do

Lead Accounting Operations & Financial Reporting

• Oversee day‑to‑day accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable and receivable, cash accounting, reconciliations, fixed assets, and cost allocations.
• Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes, ensuring accurate, timely, and reliable financial reporting.
• Ensure financial statements and transactions comply with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and applicable nonprofit accounting standards.
• Maintain the integrity of accounting policies, financial systems, and the organization’s chart of accounts.
• Partner with the CFO and financial planning team to support budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, and organizational decision‑making.

Strengthen Grants, Contracts & Revenue Management

• Provide financial oversight of government grants, contracts, philanthropic contributions, and other restricted funding.
• Partner with program leaders and Grants and Contracts teams to support compliance with funding requirements and accurate financial reporting.
• Oversee grant accounting, revenue recognition, cost allocations, billing, accounts receivable, and financial reconciliations.
• Identify and address potential revenue risks, reimbursement delays, and financial discrepancies.
• Ensure financial documentation meets applicable federal, state, local, donor, and contractual requirements.

Drive Financial Accountability & Compliance

• Develop and strengthen internal controls, financial policies, and accounting procedures that protect organizational resources.
• Lead financial audit preparation and serve as a primary point of contact for external auditors.
• Coordinate financial information for regulatory filings, including Form 990, and support grant and compliance audits.
• Identify opportunities to reduce financial risk, improve accountability, and strengthen operational practices.
• Partner with organizational leaders to resolve financial challenges and implement sustainable solutions.

Improve Systems, Processes & Efficiency

• Identify opportunities to streamline, automate, and improve accounting processes and financial workflows.
• Help strengthen financial systems to support accurate reporting, effective controls, and organizational growth.
• Partner with Information Technology and vendors on financial system improvements, integrations, and upgrades.
• Develop consistent, well‑documented processes that increase efficiency, reduce manual work, and support long‑term sustainability.

Build Relationships & Collaborate Across Akin

• Serve as a trusted financial resource to program, administrative, and organizational leaders.
• Translate complex financial information into clear, practical guidance that supports informed decisions.
• Build strong working relationships across Finance, Grants and Contracts, Development, People Services, Compliance, and other departments.
• Help create practical solutions that balance financial accountability with the needs of a dynamic, service‑focused organization.

Lead, Support & Develop Your Team

• Lead, coach, and develop accounting staff while fostering a collaborative and supportive team environment.
• Establish clear expectations, promote accountability, and support employee growth and development.
• Strengthen cross‑training, documentation, and knowledge‑sharing to ensure continuity of critical financial operations.
• Foster a team culture grounded in accuracy, responsiveness, continuous improvement, and exceptional internal customer service.

What You’ll Bring

We're looking for a financial leader who combines strong technical accounting expertise with a collaborative leadership style, sound judgment, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

The ideal candidate is someone who can see the big picture while remaining attentive to the details, confidently navigate complex financial requirements, and build strong relationships across a diverse organization.

You’ll Be Successful In This Role If You Bring

• Strong knowledge of GAAP, nonprofit accounting, fund accounting, restricted funding, and grant and contract financial management.
• Experience leading financial close processes, preparing financial statements, and maintaining effective internal controls.
• The ability to identify financial and operational challenges, evaluate root causes, and develop practical, sustainable solutions.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to recognize trends, discrepancies, and potential financial risks.
• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines in a complex environment.
• A collaborative leadership approach that emphasizes staff development, accountability, and teamwork.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to make financial information accessible to non‑financial audiences.
• Experience using financial management systems, Microsoft Excel, and technology to improve efficiency and accuracy.
• High standards of integrity, discretion, and professional judgment when handling confidential information.
• A demonstrated commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and belonging.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
• Seven or more years of progressively responsible accounting experience, including significant responsibility for financial close, financial reporting, general ledger accounting, and internal controls.
• Three or more years of experience supervising, developing, or providing significant functional leadership to accounting or finance staff.
• Demonstrated experience with nonprofit accounting, including fund or grant accounting and restricted revenue.
• Experience preparing for and supporting annual financial statement audits.
• Demonstrated knowledge of GAAP and financial‑control practices.
• Demonstrated experience using enterprise accounting or financial management systems and advanced spreadsheet functionality.
• Strong analytical, communication, organizational, and problem‑solving capabilities.
• Lived expertise may be substituted for professional experience on a case‑by‑case basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA) designation.
• Master's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related discipline.
• Significant accounting leadership experience within a nonprofit, human‑services, healthcare, or other complex mission‑driven organization.
• Experience with federal, state, and local government grants and contracts.
• Experience with Medicaid, Head Start/Early Head Start, or similarly complex public reimbursement and funding environments.
• Experience working within a multi‑entity or affiliated organizational structure.
• Experience with a dispersed or statewide organization.
• Experience implementing or significantly improving an accounting or enterprise financial management system.
• Bilingual in Spanish or another language.

Work Environment & Flexibility

This position is primarily performed in a professional office environment and involves extended periods of computer work, moderate interruptions, and occasional travel to Akin locations throughout Washington State. Regular, predictable attendance is required.

Akin supports workplace flexibility where operationally appropriate. Hybrid work arrangements may be available depending on business needs and may be adjusted as organizational needs evolve.

Why Join Akin?

At Akin, your work will contribute to something bigger than financial statements and accounting processes.

You’ll Have The Opportunity To

• Make a meaningful impact: Support an organization dedicated to strengthening children, families, and communities across Washington State.
• Lead with purpose: Help shape financial operations and strengthen the infrastructure that supports essential programs and services.
• Build and develop a team: Create an environment where employees feel supported, accountable, and empowered to grow.
• Drive positive change: Identify opportunities to modernize systems, improve efficiency, and build sustainable financial practices.
• Collaborate across the organization: Work alongside dedicated professionals who are committed to Akin’s mission and the communities we serve.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you’re a thoughtful, collaborative accounting leader who enjoys solving complex challenges, developing people, and strengthening financial operations, we’d love to hear from you.

Join Akin and help build the financial foundation that supports stronger families and thriving communities.

Salary Range And Benefits

We provide a comprehensive benefits package, including competitive pay, medical, dental and retirement benefits and paid time off. As required by various pay transparency laws, we share a competitive range of compensation for candidates hired into each position.

The target starting pay for this position is $180,000 - $200,000, typically within the first half of these ranges. Actual offers will be based on individual qualifications relevant to the role and will not take an applicant’s pay history into account.

The range above allows our employees room for growth during their tenure in the position.