Strategic Nonprofit Controller & Finance Lead

Friendly House; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 112,000; Full time

Job summary

Friendly House in Phoenix, AZ seeks a Controller to lead daily accounting operations and ensure GAAP-compliant financial reporting for a nonprofit. You will oversee grant accounting, audits, and internal controls while guiding ERP and HRIS/payroll implementations to support growth and compliance.

You will collaborate with the CFO and leadership team to optimize budgeting, forecasting, and financial strategy, ensuring timely, accurate reporting and strong fiscal stewardship.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, related field, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum seven years of progressively responsible accounting experience.
• Minimum five years of nonprofit accounting experience.
• Demonstrated experience managing federal, state, and private grants, including Uniform Guidance, Single Audit requirements, and federal cost principles.
• Experience leading accounting software conversions or ERP implementations.
• Experience leading HRIS and payroll system implementations and financial integrations.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills including Pivot Tables, XLOOKUP/VLOOKUP, Power Query, and financial modeling preferred.
• Experience with major accounting software packages (Dynamics GP, Sage Intacct, MIP, Blackbaud, NetSuite).
• Ability to analyze financial information and communicate complex issues clearly to both financial and non-financial staff.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day accounting operations of the organization, ensuring the accuracy, completeness, and integrity of all financial records.
• Maintain the general ledger and ensure all financial transactions are recorded in accordance with GAAP and nonprofit standards.
• Coordinate monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, including journal entries, reconciliations, and schedules.
• Prepare timely financial statements and management reports for leadership and Board.
• Monitor cash flow and assist with treasury management to ensure liquidity.
• Oversee grant and fund accounting to comply with Uniform Guidance and Single Audit requirements.
• Lead accounting systems implementations and HRIS/payroll integrations.
• Develop and improve accounting policies and internal controls; automate processes where possible.

Skills

GAAP

Nonprofit accounting

Grant management

ERP implementations

Excel proficiency

HRIS/payroll integration

Budgeting & forecasting

Financial analysis

Internal controls

Financial reporting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting/finance

Master’s degree (preferred)

CPA (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Dynamics GP

Sage Intacct

MIP

Blackbaud

NetSuite

Job description

Friendly House in Phoenix, AZ seeks a Controller to lead daily accounting operations and ensure GAAP-compliant financial reporting for a nonprofit. You will oversee grant accounting, audits, and internal controls while guiding ERP and HRIS/payroll implementations to support growth and compliance.

You will collaborate with the CFO and leadership team to optimize budgeting, forecasting, and financial strategy, ensuring timely, accurate reporting and strong fiscal stewardship.