Controller

Aston Carter; Wisconsin; On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Aston Carter is seeking a Finance Controller to lead accounting and financial operations for a mission-driven nonprofit. The role oversees budgeting, audits, treasury management, compliance, and daily accounting while guiding a small finance team.

The ideal candidate will have 3+ years in accounting/controllership, hands-on budgeting, and strong internal controls, with CPA preferred. This position offers growth into senior finance leadership and a values-based environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3+ years of experience in accounting, finance, or controllership roles.
• At least 1 year of leadership, supervisory, or team management experience.
• Hands-on experience with budgeting, financial reporting, audits, internal controls, and compliance.
• Proficiency in accounting and financial reporting, including preparation and analysis of financial statements.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day accounting and finance operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll coordination, cash management, and financial reporting.
• Supervise, mentor, and develop a finance team consisting of Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable staff.
• Ensure timely and accurate month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes.
• Maintain strong internal controls and accounting procedures to safeguard organizational assets.
• Prepare and present accurate financial statements and management reports for internal and external stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Financial reporting

Internal controls

Communication

Problem solving

Analytical thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Strategic advising

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

QuickBooks Online

Salesforce

Paycom HRIS

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Job Description

Job Description

Finance Controller

Job Description

The Finance Controller leads accounting and financial operations for a mission-driven nonprofit organization. This role oversees financial reporting, budgeting, audits, treasury management, regulatory compliance, and daily accounting activities while guiding a small finance team. The Finance Controller serves as a strategic partner to leadership, ensuring operational excellence, strong internal controls, and long-term financial sustainability. This position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a values-based organization and provides strong growth potential into a future senior finance leadership role.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day accounting and finance operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll coordination, cash management, and financial reporting.
• Supervise, mentor, and develop a finance team consisting of Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable staff.
• Ensure timely and accurate month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes.
• Maintain strong internal controls and accounting procedures to safeguard organizational assets.
• Review and approve account reconciliations, including banking, investments, restricted funds, and designated reserves.
• Ensure compliance with nonprofit accounting standards and donor restrictions.
• Prepare and present accurate financial statements and management reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Analyze financial performance and provide clear, actionable recommendations to leadership.
• Monitor budgets, perform variance analysis, and highlight key trends and risks.
• Support financial forecasting and long-range planning initiatives to inform strategic decisions.
• Coordinate annual budgeting processes in collaboration with department leaders.
• Serve as the primary contact for external auditors, tax professionals, and financial consultants.
• Support audits, tax filings, grant reporting, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Ensure adherence to applicable federal, state, and nonprofit accounting regulations.
• Monitor cash flow, liquidity, and organizational reserves to support operational needs and long-term stability.
• Develop and maintain cash flow forecasts and financial projections.
• Manage banking relationships, cash transfers, and investment accounts.
• Reconcile investment activity and ensure accurate and complete financial records.
• Serve as a trusted financial advisor to executive leadership on financial strategy and risk management.
• Prepare financial materials and reports for board and committee meetings.
• Promote a culture of accountability, transparency, and sound stewardship of financial resources.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with other departments to improve financial processes, systems, and reporting.
• Identify and implement opportunities for process improvement across finance and operational systems.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3+ years of experience in accounting, finance, or controllership roles.
• At least 1 year of leadership, supervisory, or team management experience.
• Hands-on experience with budgeting, financial reporting, audits, internal controls, and compliance.
• Proficiency in accounting and financial reporting, including preparation and analysis of financial statements.
• Experience with month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret financial data and provide insights.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Effective problem-solving skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to communicate financial information clearly and effectively to non-financial stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience in roles such as Controller, senior Accountant, Accounting Manager, Cost Accountant, or similar finance positions.
• Alignment with a Christian faith-based mission and organizational values.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• CPA, CMA, or equivalent professional certification is preferred.
• Experience in nonprofit accounting and financial management is highly desirable.
• Experience with QuickBooks Online or similar accounting software.
• Familiarity with Salesforce or other customer relationship management systems.
• Experience with Paycom HRIS or similar human resources information systems.
• Background in cost accounting or financial analysis is beneficial.