Controller - Nonprofit Organization

GHJ Search and Staffing; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

GHJ Search and Staffing seeks a mission-driven Controller to oversee financial operations for a respected nonprofit in Atlanta, GA. The role expects strong leadership over accounting, budgeting, internal controls, and audit coordination to ensure accurate financial records and regulatory compliance.

The Controller will manage day-to-day accounting, support strategic planning, and partner with program managers to monitor grants and budgets, delivering reliable financial reporting for governance

Qualifications

• 5+ years of accounting or finance experience, preferably in nonprofit settings.
• Knowledge of GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards.

Responsibilities

• Oversee general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and cash management.
• Prepare timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Coordinate annual audits and Form 990 preparation support.
• Develop and maintain internal controls and financial policies.
• Provide budgeting, variance analysis, and financial forecasting to leadership.
• Support board and finance committee reporting.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or related field

Job description

GHJ Search and Staffing serves as the recruitment division of GHJ, a prominent national accounting and advisory firm. Our team provides qualified Accounting and Finance professionals on a temporary and permanent basis across a broad range of industries. GHJ's relationship with our Global Advisory and Accounting Network provides the resources needed to better understand client’s needs, attract a higher caliber of candidates and assess candidate potential.

We are seeking a mission-driven Controller to oversee the financial & accounting operations of a highly-respected nonprofit organization in Atlanta, GA.

The Controller is responsible for overseeing the financial operations of the nonprofit organization, including accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, compliance, internal controls, and audit coordination. This role ensures the accuracy and integrity of financial records while supporting the organization’s mission through sound financial management and strategic guidance.

The Controller manages day-to-day accounting functions and helps ensure compliance with nonprofit accounting standards and applicable laws and regulations.

Responsibilities

Financial Management & Accounting

• Oversee all accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and cash management.
• Prepare timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Maintain the integrity of the organization’s financial records and accounting systems.
• Ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and nonprofit accounting standards.
• Monitor and reconcile bank accounts and investment activity.

Budgeting & Financial Planning

• Assist with the development and management of the annual operating budget.
• Provide budget-to-actual variance analysis and financial forecasting.
• Support leadership with financial analysis and recommendations.
• Collaborate with department leaders to monitor program and grant budgets.

Audit & Internal Controls

• Coordinate annual financial audits and tax filings, including Form 990 preparation support.
• Develop and maintain effective internal controls and financial policies.
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies and procedures.
• Recommend process improvements to enhance efficiency and accuracy.

Leadership & Administration

• Supervise and mentor accounting and finance staff, as applicable.
• Serve as a financial resource to leadership and program managers.
• Participate in strategic planning and organizational initiatives.
• Support board and finance committee reporting requirements.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of accounting or finance experience preferably within the nonprofit space
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or related field

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.