Controller at West Side Federation for Senior and Supportive Housing

On-Ramps; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

On-Ramps is seeking a Controller to oversee all financial operations including audits, compliance, and team leadership. This position entails a focus on nonprofit financial management with an emphasis on detail and leadership. The ideal candidate will have at least 10 years of experience in accounting, particularly in nonprofit settings, and possess a bachelor's degree. Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office and accounting software is essential for success in this position.

This role requires four days in the office with one day remote, offering an opportunity to lead a dedicated finance team.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years nonprofit accounting experience.
• Experience managing financials for organizations with at least $20M budget.
• Bachelor's degree required, CPA preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage all accounting leadership aspects including audits and reports.
• Oversee payroll tax filings and compliance standards.
• Improve effectiveness of finance department through systems implementations.

Skills

Nonprofit accounting experience

Financial management of multiple entities

Attention to detail

Effective communication skills

Team management experience

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Proficiency in Sage MIP Fund Accounting

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

Relevant master's degree

Tools

Sage MIP Fund Accounting

Adobe Acrobat Professional

Job description

What You'll Do

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Controller is responsible for managing all aspects of financial leadership including ensuring the accurate and timely closing of all accounting books, preparing financial reports, monthly account reconciliations and analysis, overseeing the preparation and analysis of cashflow variances, directing all activities with external auditors and tax preparation, and providing financial guidance to the Finance Team. This role has direct oversight of the Accounts Payable, Payroll, and Budget departments including management of staff, and an operating budget of $85M per year.

Key Responsibilities

General Accounting and Reporting

• Responsible for the annual consolidated audit and Limited Partnership audit process and related tax filings.
• Perform annual close‑out activities and assist multiple audits by regulatory agencies and year‑end annual audits.
• Manage and direct the quarterly close process to ensure accurate and timely completion aligned with GAAP.
• Present quarterly Budget to Actual & Balance Sheet reports.
• Conduct monthly review of all financial activities: identify and resolve accounting discrepancies, reconcile inter‑company accounts, and approve journal entries.
• Monitor financial activities for new projects and developments including preparation of initial audit, cost certification and compliance reporting.
• Review weekly cash flow reports and related transfers.

Audit, Tax Filing & Compliance

• Lead the annual audit process and act as the key liaison with WSFSSH's external auditors.
• Oversee payroll tax filings, union filings, and all government mandated tax and compliance filings.

Systems Implementation and Improvement

• Develop and/or enhance, implement and enforce the organization’s policies and procedures by way of systems that will improve the overall operation and effectiveness of the Finance Team.
• Identify and implement changes to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the departments overseen by the Controller. This includes the adoption of new systems where appropriate.
• Play a lead role in the accounting and Payroll system conversions.

Organizational and Team Leadership

• Plan, develop, organize, implement, direct and evaluate the organization’s accounting function and performance.
• Work with team to continuously improve the quality of work on the team; provide training, direction, motivation, and opportunities for skills development.
• Oversee the Accounts Payable function and ensure timely and effective cashflow management.
• Oversee the Payroll department.

Who You’ll Work With

You will report to the Chief Financial Officer.

You will supervise the Payroll Manager, Accounts Payable Manager, Budget Manager, and a total team of 11. The three sub‑teams are Payroll, AP Accounting and Budget, and Internal Audit.

Required Skills and Experience

• Minimum of 10+ years of nonprofit accounting experience at an organization with at least $20M operating budget.
• Experience with financial management of multiple entities required (10 preferred).
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is required; relevant master's degree is preferred. CPA preferred but not required.
• Experience in affordable housing preferred.
• Expert knowledge of NYC, NYS and Federal Government fiscal management preferred.
• At least 5 years of experience as a people manager of teams.
• Strong attention to detail as well as solid organization/time management skills.
• Must have effective verbal and written communication skills and an ability to manage and fulfil tight deadlines.
• Must be an enthusiastic, positive team player who is willing to help and who works well with colleagues.
• Able to work in a fast‑paced environment and handle multiple tasks concurrently.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and Adobe Acrobat Professional.
• Proficiency in Sage MIP Fund Accounting and Real Page would be an advantage.
• Must be able to tolerate prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer and must be able to lift or push up to 10 pounds at a time.
• Commitment to keeping updated on industry specific knowledge.

Additional Details

This role requires four days in person with one day remote. The office is located in Midtown near Port Authority but will change in 2027 to the Upper West Side. Travel expectations to local sites is minimal (1-2 days a quarter for audits and/or staff training).

Equal Employment Opportunity

WSFSSH is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO); employment is based on qualifications, without discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, citizenship status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, or any other protected characteristics as established by law.