Controller - Nonprofit

Norstrem Associates - Executive Recruiters; Saint Petersburg (FL); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Norstrem Associates - Executive Recruiters seeks a nonprofit Controller in St. Petersburg for hands-on accounting leadership. You will manage AP/AR, payroll allocations, reconciliations, and month-end closes while ensuring GAAP compliance and strong internal controls.

Responsibilities include audit coordination, grants reporting, budgeting, and collaboration with leadership to support program finance and donor reporting in a hybrid, local office setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance required; MBA, CPA, CMA strongly preferred.
• 6–10 years of progressive accounting or finance experience in a nonprofit.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, nonprofit accounting, grants management, and restricted/unrestricted revenue.
• Experience managing full-cycle accounting, audits, and budgets.
• High proficiency in nonprofit systems Abila/MIP and Raiser's Edge; Excel proficiency a must.
• Highly analytical and detail-oriented with strong organizational skills and ability to manage priorities in a remote, fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform accounting activities including AP/AR, vendor payments, payroll allocations, and reconciliations.
• Oversee general ledger, month-end/quarter-end/year-end close, and financial reporting.
• Lead annual audit preparation, tax filings, and regulatory compliance.
• Manage grants accounting, reporting, and restricted/unrestricted revenue tracking.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and variance analyses for leadership and programs.

Skills

Financial accounting

GAAP knowledge

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance

MBA / CPA / CMA preferred

Tools

Abila/MIP

Raiser's Edge

Excel

Job description

Position Summary

Our client, an established St Petersburg nonprofit has asked for our support in recruiting a Controller. The Controller is responsible for the day-to-day accounting and financial operations. This is a hands-on role that includes direct responsibility for core accounting tasks, such as accounts payable processing & grant accounting, while ensuring accurate financial records, appropriate internal controls, and compliance with nonprofit accounting standards. This is a hybrid role requiring minimum 3 days per week in office in downtown St Petersburg.

The Controller manages financial reporting, audits, accounting systems, grants compliance, and financial activity. The role also supports leadership with budgeting and forecasting. This position is ideal for a Controller who enjoys being closely involved in the details of the work while maintaining reliable and well-run financial operations.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Operations & Accounting

• Perform accounting activities, including processing accounts payable and receivable, vendor payments, staff reimbursements, payroll allocation entries, and bank and credit card reconciliations
• Process and manage accounts payable and accounts receivable transactions, including coding, approvals, invoicing, electronic payments, and collections
• Manage the expense management platform, ensuring proper coding, documentation, and reconciliation of corporate credit cards; research and resolve discrepancies
• Oversee all general ledger activity, ensuring accurate, complete, and timely financial records
• Perform monthly reconciliations for all balance sheet accounts and prepare and review recurring and non-recurring journal entries
• Manage month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes
• Oversee accounting, reporting, and consolidation for the organization ensuring accurate and compliant financial reporting
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, nonprofit accounting standards, and internal financial policies; maintain strong internal controls and financial procedures

Audit, Compliance, & Governance Support

• Lead preparation for annual audit, including schedules, documentation, and auditor coordination
• Support preparation of tax filings, 1099s, and regulatory reports
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local financial regulations
• Partner with external compliance partner to manage charitable solicitation registrations, renewals, fundraising licensing, and state filings.

Reporting & Analysis

• Prepare monthly financial statements (income statement, balance sheet, cash flow) for leadership review
• Develop and monitor budgets, forecasts, and variance analyses
• Support program and department leaders with financial reporting and budget tracking
• Assist with cash flow forecasting and liquidity management
• Assist the Chief Compliance Officer and CEO with Board-level financial reporting and committee materials
• Produce ad hoc financial analyses and reports as needed

Grants, Revenue, & Development Partnership

• Oversee grant accounting, reporting, and compliance, including tracking and reporting on restricted research funds
• Partner with Development and Fundraising Events teams to ensure accurate revenue recognition and tracking of donor restrictions
• Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance required; MBA, CPA, or CMA strongly preferred
• 6–10 years of progressive accounting or finance experience in a nonprofit organization;
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, nonprofit accounting, grants management, and restricted/unrestricted revenue mandatory
• Experience managing full-cycle accounting, audits, and budgets
• High proficiency in nonprofit accounting systems – specifically Abila/MIP and Raiser’s Edge. Excel proficiency a must;
• Highly analytical and detail-oriented, with strong organizational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities with sound judgment
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, take full ownership of accounting and finance functions, and operate effectively in a remote, fast-paced environment
• Mission-driven, collaborative, and comfortable partnering across teams

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Please note that due to the high number of unrelated resumes we receive, only local candidates meeting the above-mentioned specific requirements will be contacted for interview for this role.