Cornerstone Fund Controller

United Church of Christ; Cleveland (OH); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid schedule

Job summary

The Cornerstone Fund Controller at United Church of Christ oversees day-to-day accounting operations, GAAP compliance, month-end close, and financial reporting for the Cornerstone Fund.

Reporting to the CFO, this role manages general ledger, budgeting support, restricted/unrestricted funds, audits, internal controls, cash flow, and grant accounting while serving as a key finance partner across the organization in a hybrid Cleveland, OH work environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field is required.
• 3-5 years of progressively responsible accounting experience; nonprofit or fund accounting experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and nonprofit fund accounting.
• Experience preparing for and supporting an annual independent audit with supporting schedules.
• Experience managing restricted grants and contracts is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day accounting operations including A/P, A/R, cash management, and GL maintenance.
• Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual close; prepare journal entries and reconciliations.
• Prepare internal financial reports for CFO/Executive Director and Finance & Loan Committee; include variance analysis.
• Support budgeting process with CFO and program leaders; monitor results vs. budget and flag variances.
• Manage restricted and unrestricted fund accounting; track net assets per donor terms.
• Serve as primary contact for annual independent audit; provide documents and respond to requests.
• Support internal audit functions; review reconciliations and financial reports for accuracy.
• Maintain robust internal controls and accounting policies to safeguard assets.
• Monitor cash flow and liquidity; track reserves and lines of credit.
• Oversee grant and contract accounting; track spend-down and reporting to funders.
• Act as contact for banking relationships and third-party financial services.
• Recommend improvements to accounting systems and processes.
• Assist CFO in preparing materials for Board and Finance & Loan Committee meetings.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Fund accounting

Excel proficiency

Audit support

Verbal communication

Written communication

Independent & collaborative

ERP software experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

Trinergy

Blackbaud Financial Edge

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Cornerstone Fund Controller, Application Close: August 28, 2026

Ministry Team UCC Cornerstone Fund

Reports To Chief Financial Officer

FLSA Status Exempt

Salary Grade 9

Full-Time/Part-Time Full-Time

Category Cornerstone Fund UCC

Starting Salary $80,000-$85,000

Description

GENERAL PURPOSE OF POSITION:

The Cornerstone Fund Controller is responsible for the day-to-day management of the organization's accounting operations and for the accuracy, timeliness, and integrity of its financial records and reporting. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Controller manages the general ledger, month-end and year-end close, internal financial reporting, budgeting support, and compliance with GAAP, donor restrictions, and grant requirements. The Controller also plays a key role in maintaining strong internal controls and supporting the annual independent audit, ensuring the organization's financial operations run efficiently and in support of its mission. This is an individual-contributor role with no direct reports.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage day-to-day accounting operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash management, and general ledger maintenance, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Oversee the monthly, quarterly, and annual close process, including preparation and review of journal entries, account reconciliations, and financial statements in accordance with GAAP and, where applicable, fund accounting principles.
• Prepare timely and accurate internal financial reports for the CFO/Executive Director and Finance & Loan Committee, including variance analysis against budget.
• Support the annual budgeting process in partnership with the CFO and program/department leaders; monitor actual results against budget throughout the year and flag variances.
• Manage restricted and unrestricted fund accounting, ensuring proper tracking, allocation, and release of net assets in compliance with donor restrictions and grant terms.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for the annual independent audit: provide audit-related documents and support schedules, prepare footnotes, and respond to auditor requests in a timely manner.
• Provide support for internal audit functions by reviewing account reconciliations, financial reports, and underlying records for completeness and accuracy, and assist in preparing financial statements for Finance Committee and Board meetings.
• Maintain a robust system of internal controls and accounting policies and procedures to safeguard organizational assets and ensure the integrity of financial data.
• Monitor cash flow and liquidity, including tracking of operating reserves and any lines of credit.
• Administer and reconcile grant and contract accounting, including tracking of spend-down schedules, reimbursement requests, and financial reporting to funders.
• Serve as the organization's point of contact for banking relationships, insurance renewals, and other third-party financial service providers.
• Evaluate and recommend improvements to accounting systems, software, and processes to increase efficiency and reporting capability.
• Support the CFO in preparing materials for Board and Finance & Loan Committee meetings, and attend such meetings as requested to present financial information.
• Act as a reliable backup to the CFO on financial matters as needed, taking on additional duties to ensure the smooth operation of financial processes.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Chief Financial Officer.

Position Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required to perform successfully in this position.

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field is required.
• A minimum of 3-5 years of progressively responsible accounting experience; nonprofit or fund accounting experience preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and nonprofit fund accounting.
• Experience preparing for and supporting an annual independent audit, including preparation of schedules and supporting documentation.
• Experience managing restricted grants and contracts is a plus.
• Proficiency with accounting software/ERP systems (e.g., Trinergy, Blackbaud Financial Edge, or similar) and advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel. A strong willingness to become a super-user of software.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with high attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain financial information clearly to non-financial staff, board members, and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively across departments in a small-team environment.
• Commitment to the mission and values of the organization, and the ability to work effectively within a diverse, mission-driven environment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

This position typically operates in a standard office environment. Occasional evening or weekend hours may be required around board meetings, audit fieldwork, or fiscal year-end. Some local travel may be required; the position is based in Cleveland, OH and is eligible for a hybrid schedule.

This job description is not intended to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required for the position and is subject to review and change at any time in accordance with the needs of the organization. Since no job description can detail all duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time in the performance of a position, duties and responsibilities that may be inherent in a position shall also be considered part of the position holder's responsibility.

The UCC Cornerstone Fund is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other status protected by law.

About the Cornerstone Fund

Founded in 1993, the United Church of Christ Cornerstone Fund’s mission is joining together in faith to invest in and build community. The Cornerstone Fund is a non-profit financial institution that offers investments for individuals, churches, and faith-based non-profit organizations. The Cornerstone Fund then loans those funds directly to other churches and faith-based non-profit organizations for projects that create change in their communities.

TheUnited Church of Christ Cornerstone Fundisanaffiliated ministry of the United Church of Christ (UCC).

Application Deadline August 28, 2026

About the Organization The United Church of Christ

Our faith is 2000 years old. Our thinking is not.

We believe in God's Continuing Testament.

We believe in Extravagant Welcome

We believe the church's mission is to Change Lives

EOE Statement The United Church of Christ National Setting celebrates diversity and an inclusive environment for all employees. We are committed to a workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the broad spectrum of our diverse society. We endeavor to recruit employees from backgrounds that vary by race, color, national origin, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, genetic information, past, present or future service in the uniformed services, religion, or any other legally protected characteristic under applicable federal, state or local law. We are proud to be a multicultural, multiracial, open and affirming, accessible to all, equal opportunity employer.

This position is currently accepting applications.