Controller

LHH is partnering with a mission-driven nonprofit organization in the Greater Phoenix area to hire an experienced Controller. Reporting to the CFO, this individual will lead accounting operations, financial reporting, audit and compliance, restricted fund accounting, internal controls, cash flow reporting, and the development of the accounting team.

This is a hands-on leadership position for someone who can maintain strong financial controls while also improving processes, developing staff, and providing meaningful financial information to executive leadership.

Responsibilities:

• Lead all accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll accounting, fixed assets, cash management, and related financial functions
• Own monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes
• Prepare and review accurate financial statements, account reconciliations, journal entries, and supporting schedules
• Maintain the integrity of the general ledger, chart of accounts, and financial reporting structure
• Manage annual financial statement and compliance audits and serve as the primary liaison with external auditors
• Oversee accounting and reporting for restricted funds, grants, and other designated resources
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, FASB standards, applicable regulations, and organizational policies
• Oversee required tax and regulatory filings
• Develop and enhance accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls
• Prepare cash flow forecasts and monitor organizational liquidity
• Partner with the CFO on annual budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning
• Analyze actual performance against budget and forecast, identifying significant trends, risks, and opportunities
• Prepare financial analyses, management reporting, and KPIs for leadership
• Identify opportunities for process improvement, automation, and better utilization of financial systems
• Lead, mentor, and develop the accounting and finance team
• Partner cross-functionally with organizational leadership and operational departments

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field
• 7+ years of progressive accounting and financial management experience
• 3+ years of supervisory or leadership experience
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, FASB, and financial reporting standards
• Experience preparing financial statements and managing external audits
• Experience with nonprofit, fund accounting, higher education, public sector, governmental, or similarly regulated environments
• Knowledge of restricted fund and grant accounting
• Strong internal controls and compliance experience
• Experience with ERP/financial management systems and advanced Excel
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to partner effectively with executive leadership

Preferred Experience:

• Restricted, endowed, or designated fund accounting
• Grant accounting and compliance
• Uniform Guidance or Single Audit exposure
• Federal and state tax filings applicable to nonprofit organizations
• Financial systems implementations, integrations, or process automation
• Budgeting, forecasting, cash flow analysis, and management reporting