Controller

The Rome Group; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

SouthSide Early Childhood Center in Missouri seeks a Controller to lead accounting and financial management. Reporting to the Executive Director, this hands-on role oversees A/P, A/R, payroll, general ledger, and close processes.

You will prepare reports for the Board and leadership, manage budgets and forecasts, monitor cash flow and restricted funds, and coordinate audits with external auditors. The ideal candidate brings nonprofit accounting experience and strong communication across

Qualifications

• Experience in nonprofit accounting and financial management, including responsibility for financial reporting and budgeting.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP principles and restricted-fund accounting.
• Experience coordinating audits and preparing supporting schedules and documentation.
• Proficiency with accounting software and Microsoft Excel, with the ability to analyze financial data.
• Clear communication skills and the ability to collaborate across departments.

Responsibilities

• Oversee accounting operations including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, general ledger, and reconciliations.
• Lead monthly and year-end close processes and ensure timely financial statements.
• Prepare financial reports for the Executive Director, leadership, Finance Committee, and Board, including variances and trends.
• Lead annual budget development and maintain forecasts reflecting revenue, staffing, and program needs.
• Monitor cash flow, operating reserves, and restricted funding; ensure strong internal controls.
• Coordinate grant budgeting, tracking expenditures, and funder reporting requirements.
• Coordinate audit preparation and serve as primary contact for external auditors.

Skills

Nonprofit accounting

Financial management

GAAP knowledge

Excel proficiency

Communication skills

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Accounting software

Job description

Controller

About SouthSide

SouthSide Early Childhood Center creates equitable and inclusive learning opportunities and support services for children and families. We work alongside families to eliminate bias and actively strive for an antiracist approach across our practices, programs, and policies.

We are seeking a Controller who brings strong nonprofit accounting expertise, a collaborative approach, and a commitment to helping children and families thrive. This is an opportunity to strengthen the financial systems that sustain our programs and help leadership make informed decisions about SouthSide's future.

About the Position

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Controller will lead SouthSide's accounting and financial management functions. This hands-on role combines oversight of daily financial operations with budgeting, forecasting, grant accounting, and financial analysis.

The Controller will work closely with leadership, program staff, development staff, external accounting partners, and the Board's Finance Committee. The successful candidate will provide accurate, timely reporting and translate financial information into practical guidance for colleagues with varying levels of financial experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee accounting operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, general ledger maintenance, and account reconciliations.
• Manage the monthly and year-end close processes, ensuring accurate records and timely financial statements.
• Prepare financial reports for the Executive Director, leadership team, Finance Committee, and Board, including explanations of significant variances and emerging trends.
• Lead annual budget development in partnership with department leaders and maintain forecasts that reflect changes in revenue, staffing, and program needs.
• Monitor cash flow, operating reserves, receivables, and payment obligations to support sound financial planning.
• Maintain accurate accounting for restricted contributions, grants, government contracts, and program revenue.
• Coordinate cost allocations and financial reporting across programs and funding sources.
• Partner with development and program staff to prepare grant budgets, track expenditures, and meet funder reporting requirements.
• Maintain and strengthen internal controls, financial procedures, and documentation.
• Coordinate audit preparation and serve as a primary contact for external auditors.
• Identify opportunities to improve financial processes, reporting tools, and operational efficiency.
• Support leadership in evaluating financial risks, proposed investments, and organizational sustainability.

Qualifications

• Experience in nonprofit accounting and financial management, including responsibility for financial reporting and budgeting.
• Strong knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles, restricted-fund accounting, grant accounting, and internal controls.
• Experience coordinating audits and preparing supporting schedules and documentation.
• Proficiency with accounting software and Microsoft Excel, including the ability to organize, analyze, and explain financial data.
• Strong attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to manage deadlines and competing priorities.
• Clear communication skills and the ability to build productive working relationships across departments.
• A proactive approach to solving problems, improving systems, and following through on commitments.
• Commitment to confidentiality, ethical financial practices, and SouthSide's mission.

Experience with government-funded programs, early childhood education, or other organizations with multiple restricted funding sources is especially valuable.

Why Join SouthSide?

At SouthSide, financial leadership directly supports the people and programs serving our community. As Controller, you will help build reliable systems, strengthen financial transparency, and guide decisions that sustain high-quality early childhood education and family support. We welcome candidates who value collaboration, accountability, and the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to a mission-driven organization.