Senior Financial Controller

Cherry Bekaert Recruiting & Staffing Services; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial management organization is seeking a Senior Financial Controller in Atlanta, Georgia. This key leadership role involves managing the finance team, overseeing financial operations and ensuring compliance with GAAP. The ideal candidate will have at least 10 years of leadership experience, a Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance, and nonprofit experience. Excellent communication skills are a must for this collaborative environment, and proficiency in accounting software like Sage Intacct is required.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of leadership experience in accounting and finance management.
• Experience with nonprofit or mission-based organizations required.
• CPA preferred.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to convey complex concepts.

Responsibilities

• Manage the finance team and oversee financial operations.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP and regulatory requirements.
• Lead the annual budgeting process in collaboration with departmental heads.
• Provide financial analysis and forecasting to support decision-making for leadership.

Skills

Leadership

Communication skills

Financial analysis

Nonprofit experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance

Tools

Sage Intacct

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

The Senior Financial Controller is a key leadership role responsible for managing the finance team and overseeing a mission-based (religious) organization’s financial operations, ensuring fiscal responsibility, transparency, and alignment with the mission and values. This role provides strategic financial guidance, directs day-to-day accounting, and ensures compliance with GAAP standards and other regulatory requirements. Collaborative workplace requiring daily interaction with executive leadership and member base.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement financial policies, procedures, and best practices to support the mission.
• Ensure timely and accurate closing of monthly, quarterly, and year-end financial processes.
• Review and provide oversight to the Finance team in preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and reports for internal use, the board, and other stakeholders.
• Establish, monitor, strengthen, and enforce internal financial controls to safeguard assets.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, tax laws, and regulatory requirements specific to non-profit organizations.
• Work with external auditors for annual audits and implement audit recommendations.
• Lead the annual budgeting process in collaboration with departmental heads, ensuring alignment with strategic goals.
• Provide financial analysis and forecasting to support decision-making for leadership.
• Manage cash flow projections and forecasting to support operational needs and departmental initiatives.
• Supervise, train, mentor, and develop the accounting/finance team, fostering a collaborative and mission-driven environment.
• Set performance goals for team members and provide ongoing mentorship and guidance.
• Maintain and improve financial management systems, leveraging technology to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
• Ensure proper documentation and record-keeping in accordance with organization and industry standards.
• Communicate financial information to staff, board, and membership as needed.
• Serve as a liaison with banks, auditors, donors, and other financial partners.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (CPA preferred).
• 10+ years of leadership experience in accounting and financial management.
• Experience with nonprofit/ mission-based organizations required.
• Proficiency in accounting software (e.g. Sage Intacct) and Microsoft Office Suite. Knowledge of GAAP, fund accounting, and relevant tax regulations.
• Willingness to invest in relationships with leadership, membership and the finance team - understands the importance of showing gratitude, welcoming feedback, and addressing pressing issues.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability and desire to convey complex financial concepts to non-financial audiences.
• Proven ability to lead and develop a finance team.
• Experience presenting before boards and/or finance committee.
• Ability to identify and manage one’s own emotions, as well as the emotions of others.
• Willingness to lead out the organization’s mission and values, with an understanding of the unique aspects of managing finances in a mission-based organization.