Controller - Nonprofit

CFS; Portland (OR); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

CFS in SE Portland seeks a Controller to lead financial integrity, internal controls, and reporting for a community-focused nonprofit. The role reports to the CEO and oversees internal accounting staff, coordinates with an external bookkeeping firm, and administers payroll and key benefits, ensuring grant compliance and audit readiness.

The Controller acts as a strategic advisor to leadership and the Board, guiding budgeting, cash management, and systems optimization in a hybrid, full-time

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or related field.
• 10+ years of progressively responsible accounting experience in nonprofit or similar sized org.
• GAAP and nonprofit fund accounting knowledge; strong controls and audits.
• Experience with payroll administration and external bookkeeping coordination.
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration abilities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee financial records, GL accounts, assets, liabilities, and reporting.
• Supervise accounting staff and coordinate with external bookkeeping partners.
• Manage grants, cost allocations, AR reconciliations, and grant audits.
• Administer payroll and benefits; serve as Plan Administrator for retirement/HSAs.
• Monitor cash flow, banking, AP cash disbursements, and liquidity.
• Lead annual audits, IRS 990, and state/federal regulatory filings.
• Collaborate on annual budgets and optimize accounting systems.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Non-profit experience

Financial reporting

Communication skills

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

ADP

Accounting software

Job description

Controller

Location: SE Portland - Hybrid flexibility after training

Salary: $120,000 - $145,000

About The Role

This position serves as the primary financial leader for a community-focused non-profit organization located in Southeast Portland. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the Controller assumes total accountability for financial integrity, internal controls, cash flow management, regulatory compliance, and audit oversight. In addition to managing the internal accounting staff and coordinating with an external bookkeeping firm, the Controller administers payroll and key benefits, ensures strict adherence to government grant regulations, and serves as a strategic advisor to executive leadership and the Board of Directors.

Key Responsibilities

• Financial Oversight & Reporting: Maintain complete accuracy of all financial records, general ledger accounts, assets, and liabilities; prepare monthly and custom financial reports for executive leadership, board members, and grantors.
• Team Supervision & External Partners: Direct and supervise internal accounting staff while managing relationships and workflows with external bookkeeping partners.
• Grants Management & Cost Allocation: Develop and maintain cost allocation methodologies compliant with federal, state, and local government grant requirements; manage accounts receivable reconciliations and grant audit schedules.
• Payroll & Benefits Administration: Manage full-cycle payroll processing using a third-party platform (ADP); fulfill fiduciary responsibilities as Plan Administrator for retirement plans and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) in collaboration with HR.
• Cash Management & Banking: Monitor bank accounts, track daily cash balances, authorize accounts payable disbursements, and ensure operational liquidity.
• Audits, Taxes & Compliance: Lead the annual independent financial audit, manage government grant audits, and ensure timely filing of IRS Form 990, state reporting (Oregon CT-12), and payroll tax documents.
• Budgeting & Systems Strategy: Collaborate with the executive team to create annual operational budgets; lead the evaluation, implementation, and ongoing optimization of accounting software and financial systems.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressively responsible accounting and financial management experience within a non-profit organization or a business with 20+ employees.
• In-depth knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and non-profit fund accounting standards.
• Hands-on experience administering accounting software and financial information systems.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a proven ability to present financial data clearly to leadership, staff, and external partners.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse communities.
• Location requirement: Full-time role based on-site/hybrid in SE Portland, Oregon.
• Prior experience managing federal, state, and local government grant compliance and cost allocations.