Nonprofit Controller: GAAP, Grants & Financial Ops Lead

Community Workforce Solutions; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Dental & Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

403(b) Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Community Workforce Solutions in Raleigh, NC seeks a detail-oriented Controller to manage day-to-day accounting operations and financial reporting for a mission-driven nonprofit.

You will oversee close processes, ensure GAAP nonprofit compliance, and lead a small accounting team while collaborating across departments to support program funding and grants.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 4–6 years progressive accounting experience with at least 2 years in a supervisory role.
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles and practices.
• Proficiency with accounting software and Excel.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong communication skills, with ability to explain financial information to non-financial staff.
• Flexible, roll-up-your-sleeves mindset and mission-driven work ethic.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day accounting operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, general ledger, retirement plan, benefits review, and reconciliations.
• Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Prepare financial statements and reports in accordance with GAAP nonprofit accounting standards.
• Reconcile bank accounts, credit cards, and balance sheet accounts.
• Manage cash flow tracking and reporting.
• Maintain chart of accounts and ensure proper coding of transactions for restricted and unrestricted funds.
• Review contracts, leases, etc.
• Support preparation for annual audits and liaise with external auditors.
• Ensure compliance with grant and contract financial reporting requirements.
• Assist with Form 990 and other regulatory filings.
• Maintain internal controls and accounting policies.
• Track and report on restricted grant funds.

Skills

Accounting knowledge

Supervisory experience

Strong communication

Excellent organization

Roll-up mindset

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

Accounting software

Excel

Job description

Controller

About CWS
CWS is a mission-driven nonprofit organization committed to serving individuals with disabilities. We are a lean, collaborative team where every staff member contributes beyond their job title to advance our shared mission.

Position Summary
CWS is seeking a detail-oriented and hands-on Controller to manage the organization's day-to-day accounting operations and financial reporting. This role is the backbone of our financial infrastructure—ensuring accuracy, compliance, and efficiency across all accounting functions. As with every role at CWS, the Controller is expected to pitch in wherever needed, regardless of title or department, to support the organization's mission and team.

Key Responsibilities
Accounting & Financial Operations

• Manage day-to-day accounting operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, general ledger, retirement plan, benefits review, and reconciliations
• Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, ensuring accuracy and timeliness
• Prepare financial statements and reports in accordance with GAAP/FASB nonprofit accounting standards
• Reconcile bank accounts, credit cards, and balance sheet accounts
• Manage cash flow tracking and reporting
• Maintain the chart of accounts and ensure proper coding of transactions, including restricted and unrestricted funds
• Review contract, leases, etc.

Compliance Oversight

• Support preparation for annual audits and serve as a key liaison with external auditors
• Ensure compliance with grant and contract financial reporting requirements
• Assist with preparation of Form 990 and other regulatory filings
• Maintain and strengthen internal controls and accounting policies
• Track and report on restricted grant funds to ensure compliance with funder requirements

Budgeting & Analysis

• Develop the annual budget and periodic forecasts
• Prepare budget-to-actual reports and variance analysis for department and program leads
• Provide financial data and analysis to support grant proposals and reporting

Team & Systems

• Supervise accounting staff, bookkeepers, or contractors as applicable
• Maintain and improve accounting systems, processes, and documentation
• Train non-finance staff on financial procedures (expense reports, purchase requests, etc.) as needed
• Be hands-on and supervise the facilities maintenance team

Organizational Citizenship

• Lend a hand wherever needed—this is a nonprofit, and every team member pitches in beyond their formal job description when the organization needs it, whether that's helping at an event, answering phones, or supporting a colleague in another department
• Contribute to a collaborative, mission-first team culture
• Take on special projects and other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required
• Minimum of 4–6years of progressive accounting experience with a minimum of 2 years in a supervisory role
• Strong knowledge of accounting
• Proficiency with accounting software and Excel
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain financial information to non-financial staff
• A flexible, roll-up-your-sleeves mindset and genuine enthusiasm for mission-driven work

Benefits
Full-time, permanent employees are eligible for:

• Paid Time Off
• Health Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Dental & Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• 403(b) Retirement Plan

Community Workforce Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, religion, gender identity, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or lived experiences.

We are proud to be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).

Join our caring team and help build brighter futures today!