Job Description: Controller

POSITION TITLE: Controller

DEPARTMENT: Business Services

REPORTS TO: Chief Financial & Operating Officer

DIRECT REPORTS: 2

LOCATION: Columbus, OH

Position Summary

JewishColumbus seeks an experienced, mission-driven Controller to lead the organization’s accounting and financial reporting operations, ensuring accuracy, integrity, and compliance across all financial activities. As a senior member of the Finance team, the Controller supervises the Finance & Accounting Manager and the Fund Accounting Manager and helps lead a six-person team responsible for accounting, financial reporting, grants management, and compliance.

The Controller partners closely with the Development and Impact teams to ensure accurate revenue tracking, grant compliance, donor stewardship, and financial reporting that support sound decision-making and the continued growth of JewishColumbus.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Oversight

• Directly supervise the Finance & Accounting Manager and Fund Accounting Manager.
• Provide leadership, mentorship, and accountability for a team of six finance and accounting professionals.
• Build a collaborative, service-oriented culture, including strong working relationships with the Development and Impact teams.
• Coordinate workflow and team priorities to ensure timely financial support for organization-wide needs.
• Participate in Board and staff committee meetings as needed, delivering financial analysis, insight, and guidance to support informed decision-making.
• Serve as a strategic thought partner to the CFOO and leadership team on financial goals, departmental processes, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Financial Management & Reporting

• Oversee all daily accounting functions, including A/P, A/R, payroll, allocations, and monthly close.
• Collaborate with the Development team to ensure accurate recording of pledges, contributions, donor restrictions, and campaign revenue.
• Work with the Impact team to track program budgets, grant expenditures, outcomes, reporting requirements, and fund utilization.
• Produce accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP.
• Maintain the general ledger, chart of accounts, and accounting systems.
• Manage accounting for restricted/unrestricted funds, endowments, donor-advised funds, and grants.

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Support the CFOO in leading the annual budgeting process.
• Partner with department heads to develop and monitor program and campaign budgets.
• Provide regular variance analyses and financial insights to aid in decision-making.
• Contribute to multi-year forecasting, scenario planning, and long-term sustainability models.

Audit, Compliance & Internal Controls

• Serve as the primary liaison to external auditors and oversee the preparation of all audit schedules.
• Ensure compliance with IRS Form 990, state filings, and other regulatory requirements.
• Maintain strong financial policies and internal controls.
• Ensure proper grant tracking, documentation, and reporting in partnership with Development and Impact staff.

Systems, Processes & Oversight

• Manage financial systems and implement process improvements across the finance function.
• Assist the Finance & Accounting Manager in collaboration with Development staff on gift processing workflows, data alignment, and reconciliation between CRM and accounting systems.
• Support the CFOO with financial analysis and materials for Finance, Audit, and Investment Committees.

Cash & Investment Management

• Manage cash flow, banking relationships, and investment reporting.
• Maintain schedules and reporting for endowment funds, investment pools, and donor-advised funds in coordination with the Fund Accounting Manager.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field.
• 8-12 years of progressive nonprofit accounting experience, ideally within a Federation, Foundation, or complex multi-fund nonprofit.

o At least 5+ years in a supervisory or management role.

o At least 3+ years in nonprofit accounting (restricted funds, grants, audits)

• Strong working knowledge of GAAP and nonprofit fund accounting.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with Development, Impact, HR, and other cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated judgment and confidence in advising leaders to support informed decision-making.
• High proficiency with accounting systems and Microsoft Excel.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• CPA certification preferred (but not required)
• Experience with fund accounting software (e.g., Foundant)
• Experience with CRM software (e.g., Salesforce).
• Background working with grants, endowments, or donor-advised funds.
• Familiarity with Jewish communal organizations or Federations is a plus.

CRITICAL COMPETENCIES

• Demonstrated integrity and unwavering commitment to fiscal stewardship, compliance, and sound internal controls.
• Collaborative, team-oriented leader who builds strong cross-functional partnerships and operates proactively.
• Strategic, analytical thinker with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to translate complexity into clarity.
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities, meet high-pressure deadlines, and maintain accuracy in a fast-paced environment.
• Clear, confident communicator with strong written and verbal skills, able to engage internal and external stakeholders effectively.
• Track record of successfully managing, coaching, and developing high-performing finance and accounting professionals.
• Experience overseeing vendor relationships and designing, strengthening, and sustaining financial and operational control environments.
• Prior experience supporting Board or Finance Committee meetings, including preparation of financial materials and analysis.