Controller

Secure Community Network

Secure Community Network

Accounting & Finance

Chicago, IL, USA

USD 165k-175k / year

Posted on Apr 28, 2026

We are Secure Community Network (SCN), a nonprofit 501(c)(3) serving as the official safety and security organization of the Jewish community in North America. Here at SCN, we deeply value the team of people that work diligently to commit their lives to action for a better tomorrow and we are excited to add an Controller to our organization.

The Controller plays a vital hands-on role in the financial management and stewardship of the organization, with responsibility for the integrity of the general ledger, accounting operations, and compliance. Working collaboratively as a member of the team, the Controller is a key player in the upgrade and transformation of the finance and accounting function toward best-in-class performance.

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

  • Oversee all Finance functions including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, billing, corporate credit cards, expense reimbursements, and fixed assets, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and adherence to policy.
  • Maintain the integrity of the general ledger, ensuring accurate coding of all transactions by fund, department, program, and account.
  • Supervise the Accounting Manager, including providing support and professional development as well as reviewing and approving journal entries and key transactions.
  • Actively manage month-end and year-end close processes, including reconciliations, accruals, and preparation of adjusting journal entries, ensuring accuracy and timeliness of financial reporting and driving process improvements to shorten close timelines.
  • Develop, implement, document, and maintain internal control procedures to safeguard assets, ensuring accuracy of financial records and compliance with policies and regulations.
  • Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and filings, including preparation of Form 990 and state and federal payroll obligations.
  • Coordinate with external auditors on successful completion of the annual financial plan audit including preparation of Functional Expense and Net Asset Roll Forward schedules and any other relevant audit activity.
  • Facilitate the annual budgeting process, collaborating cross-functionally to develop accurate and comprehensive budgets, as well as monitoring budget and rolling forecast performance throughout the year, identifying variances, and recommending corrective actions as needed.
  • Lead administration of the organization's 403(b) plan, including employee contributions, employer match, and compliance reporting, in coordination with Human Resources (HR).
  • Partner with HR on all relevant aspects of employee compensation and benefits, time off accruals, and payroll administration, including supplying reports and ensuring data alignment.
  • Oversee accounting for donations, grants, and other contributions, coordinating with Financial Resource Development (FRD) to ensure proper recognition, tracking, and reconciliation of revenue, pledges, and restricted funds, and supporting donor and Board reporting.
  • Manage cash disbursements, including review and submission of weekly payment runs and banking files, ensuring proper authorization and controls.
  • Maintain balance sheet integrity through timely reconciliations and supporting schedules, including fixed assets, capital expenditures, and key audit schedules.
  • Oversee financial systems and processes, including gateway payment platforms and merchant services, ensuring reliability, security, and efficiency.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives, including utilization of software applications, system enhancements, automation, and process optimization across the finance function.
  • Produce regular and ad hoc financial analyses, dashboards, and KPIs to support decision-making.
  • Serve as an internal resource to SCN staff on financial policies, procedures, and best practices.
  • Other duties, tasks, and projects as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in accounting, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Minimum of seven years of progressive experience in nonprofit financial management, with demonstrated skill in accounting operations, financial reporting, audit, budgeting, and regulatory compliance.
  • Strong knowledge of fund accounting, nonprofit accounting principles and practices, regulations and statutory compliance requirements.
  • Experience working with Foundations and other not-for-profit organizations in managing grants, donations, and other payments.
  • Certified Nonprofit Accounting Professional (CNAP) or CPA designation preferred.
  • Public accounting experience with nonprofit clients a plus.
  • Effective written and oral communication, interpersonal, and collaboration skills.
  • Advanced proficiency in MS Excel.
  • Experience using MS PowerPoint and MS Word to create executive-level presentations and comprehensive written materials.
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret financial data and provide actionable insights and recommend solutions.
  • Ability to think critically and exercise good judgment in nuanced situations.
  • Agile and able to adapt to changing priorities, managing multiple tasks simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
  • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
  • Demonstrated team engagement capabilities, with a commitment to fostering a positive work environment and meeting shared goals and objectives.
  • Experience with Excel-based business intelligence and FP&A software solutions a plus.
  • Experience with migration and implementation of integrated accounting system software systems a plus.

ABOUT SCN

The Secure Community Network (SCN), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is the official homeland safety and security organization of the Jewish community in North America. Founded in 2004 under the auspices of The Jewish Federations of North America and the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, SCN serves as the central organization dedicated exclusively to the safety and security of the American Jewish community, working across 146 federations, 50 partner organizations, over 300 independent communities, and other partners in the public, private, nonprofit, and academic sectors. SCN is dedicated to ensuring that Jewish organizations, communities, life, and culture can not only exist safely and securely but flourish. Learn more at securecommunitynetwork.org.

The target annual salary range for this position is $165,000-$175,000. Final annual salary offered will be determined through a thorough assessment of multiple factors and criteria which may include candidate experience and qualifications, available market data, internal salary equity, and budget considerations.

SCN offers a comprehensive benefits package to all full time employees which includes Medical, Dental, Vision, Short and Long Term Disability, and Life and AD&D Insurance, as well as a 403(b) Retirement Plan with match, Flexible Spending Accounts for pre-tax Healthcare, Dependent Care, and Commuter Benefits, Accident and Critical Illness Insurance, Norton LifeLock, and an Employee Assistance Program. We provide paid time off including Vacation, Sick Leave, and paid Holidays.

Secure Community Network is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of religion, race, color, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

SCN has long been a committed leader in adopting, modeling, and encouraging adherence to Jewish values, including advocating for approaches that address issues related to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA). Please review our DEIA statement here.