Strategic Nonprofit Controller: Modernize Finance & Growth

Career Blazers Nonprofit Search; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with employer match

Paid time off and holidays

Tickets to performances

Job summary

Career Blazers Nonprofit Search seeks a seasoned Controller to lead all financial operations, ensuring accuracy, governance, and compliance for a high-profile Austin cultural organization.

Reporting to the CEO and collaborating with the Fractional CFO, you will build scalable finance processes, manage the finance team, and guide the organization through growth while strengthening internal controls and reporting cadence.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of progressive accounting experience, including at least 4 years in a Controller or senior accounting role.
• Experience with nonprofit fund accounting and a strong understanding of nonprofit GAAP.
• Proven experience managing annual audits, Form 990 preparation, and grant compliance.
• Experience leading accounting system evaluations, implementations, or migrations.
• CPA or equivalent professional credentials preferred.
• Demonstrated curiosity and comfort using AI tools, with an interest in integrating them into finance workflows.
• Experience in arts, culture, or other mission-driven organizations preferred.
• Familiarity with AFM collective bargaining agreements and/or union payroll preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee monthly and year-end close processes, including general ledger maintenance and account reconciliations.
• Manage accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash management, collections, and daily cash receipts.
• Ensure accurate recording of payments, pledges, grants, fund restrictions, and donor designations.
• Prepare timely financial reports for the CEO and Board committees; support budgeting, variance analysis, and cash flow forecasting.
• Lead the annual audit and serve as the primary liaison with external auditors.
• Oversee Form 990 preparation and all required regulatory and payroll tax filings.
• Maintain effective internal controls and ensure compliance with nonprofit accounting and reporting requirements.
• Reconcile and report on operating reserves and investment accounts.
• Manage day-to-day operations of the MIP fund accounting system and lead future system evaluations, migrations, and enhancements.
• Evaluate and implement finance technology improvements, including AP automation and payroll system enhancements.
• Develop and document finance processes, controls, and procedures to support organizational growth.
• Partner with the Fractional CFO and participate in Audit, Finance, and Investment Committee meetings.
• By the end of the first year, stabilize the monthly close process, establish a reliable financial reporting cadence, successfully lead the annual audit, and develop a comprehensive finance operations playbook covering close, AP, payroll, and internal controls

Skills

Nonprofit accounting

GAAP knowledge

Audit management

AI in finance

Leadership

Communication

Education

CPA or equivalent

Tools

MIP Fund Accounting

Job description

Career Blazers Nonprofit Search seeks a seasoned Controller to lead all financial operations, ensuring accuracy, governance, and compliance for a high-profile Austin cultural organization.

Reporting to the CEO and collaborating with the Fractional CFO, you will build scalable finance processes, manage the finance team, and guide the organization through growth while strengthening internal controls and reporting cadence.