Strategic Nonprofit Controller & Finance Leader

Chicago Urban League; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental & Vision

FSA

401K

Life Insurance

Disability

Flexible PTO

Parental Leave

Holidays

Job summary

Chicago Urban League seeks a Controller to lead all finance, accounting, and reporting activities as the number-two to the CFO. You will supervise staff, manage budgets of about $13 million, and ensure robust internal controls and timely financial reporting.

You will collaborate with program leaders to align expenditures with grants, coordinate audits, and drive strategic financial planning. Strong nonprofit experience and CPA/MBA are preferred.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years accounting and finance experience.
• Experience in a complex nonprofit with multiple programs.
• CPA and/or MBA preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all accounts, ledgers, and reporting systems ensuring GAAP compliance.
• Maintain internal controls for revenue, costs, and budgets.
• Coordinate audit activity.
• Present monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and communicate status to senior leadership.
• Prepare monthly financial reports and upload to affiliate data portal.
• Assist budgeting and planning; compare budgets to actual results and explain variances.
• Support CFO in engagement with board audit and finance committees.
• Oversee grants accounting and ensure expenditures align with grant budgets.
• Forecast cash flow in partnership with program VPs; review expenses with department heads.
• Manage invested assets per policy and investment guidelines.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Audit coordination

Budgeting & forecasting

Financial reporting

Grants management

Team leadership

Internal controls

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

CPA or MBA preferred

Tools

Accounting software

Payroll software

Job description

Chicago Urban League seeks a Controller to lead all finance, accounting, and reporting activities as the number-two to the CFO. You will supervise staff, manage budgets of about $13 million, and ensure robust internal controls and timely financial reporting.

You will collaborate with program leaders to align expenditures with grants, coordinate audits, and drive strategic financial planning. Strong nonprofit experience and CPA/MBA are preferred.