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Controller

Independence First
United States, Wisconsin, Milwaukee
540 South 1st Street (Show on map)
Jun 30, 2025
Job Description:

POSITION DESCRIPTION

I.
Position: Controller

II.
Status: Full time, Salaried

III.
Reports to: Chief Financial Officer

IV.
Position Expected Hours of Work:

This is a Full-Time, Salaried position. At
minimum, days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to
4:30 pm. However, there may be some variability in the weekly schedule
due to agency need. Occasional evenings and weekends.
Staff is expected to be able to work in the office, remotely, or a
hybrid of both, during regular business hours.

V.
Essential Functions of the Position:





    1. Ensure the accuracy and integrity of monthly, quarterly, and
      annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP and
      nonprofit standards. Lead the month-end close, strategic plan
      reporting, annual audit and preparation of the IRS Form 990.
    2. Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local
      regulations, including Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200). Administer
      internal controls, antifraud policies, and risk mitigation
      strategies across the organization. Promptly escalates issues
      directly to the President & CEO and COO when necessary.
    3. Manage the external audit process, coordinate supporting
      documentation, and oversee the preparation of government filings
      and registrations, including the financial section of the annual report.
    4. Collaborate with the CFO and program leaders to prepare and
      monitor the annual budget, multi-year forecasts, and
      grant-specific budgets. Provide tools and analysis to support
      department-level budget management.
    5. Oversee the allocation of payroll and shared costs to
      grants/contracts. Ensure expenditures align with funder
      requirements and maintain accurate tracking of restricted and
      unrestricted funding.
    6. Serve as administrator for financial systems, including
      accounting software, payroll, banking, and investment platforms.
      Maintain system integrity, user access, documentation, and
      vendor contact records
    7. Oversee reporting, reconciliation and day to day duties for IF
      and IFF LOC, investments, operational accounts, and related
      financial reporting. Monitor investment activity, monthly
      statements and coordinate with advisors, the IFF Board and IF
      Finance Committee to ensure alignment with organizational policies.
    8. Oversee all accounts and subsidiary ledgers, ensuring
      accuracy, proper coding, reconciliation, and compliance with
      GAAP and organizational requirements. Maintain oversight of the
      chart of accounts.
    9. Supervise the payroll process to ensure accuracy, compliance,
      and timely execution. Reconcile payroll accounts and coordinate
      with HR as needed
    10. Ensure proper authorization, documentation, coding, and timely
      payment of accounts payable and credit card transactions.
      Oversee all accounts payable tasks. Maintain related internal
      forms such as expense, spending, and check requests. Assist CFO
      with all tasks related to agency credit cards.
    11. Provide leadership and oversight of all agency accounts
      receivable processes, including the creation and issuance of
      invoices, billing across all funding sources and payors,
      reconciliation of receivables, and coordination of timely
      collection activities. Collaborate with program and operations
      staff to ensure accurate and consistent revenue tracking
    12. Record and track all fixed asset acquisitions and disposals.
      Determine depreciation schedules and reconcile subsidiary
      ledgers with accounting records. Oversee all tasks related to
      tenant activity and building ownership including, reporting,
      tenant billing, NNN lease reconciliation, tenant relations and
      tracking of lease-related expenses.
    13. Supervise and support the department accounting staff,
      fostering a collaborative, accountable, and mission-aligned
      department culture. Plays an active role in the leadership and
      overall morale of the accounting department, and is responsible
      for a variety of tasks associated with the operation of the
      accounting department and Independence First as a whole.
      Performs managerial responsibilities including but not limited
      to: training, mentoring, coaching and developing colleagues;
      interviewing, hiring, planning, assigning and directing work.
    14. Partner with leadership, operations, development, and program
      teams to provide financial insights and support strategic
      decision-making. Review and reconcile fund raising software to
      accounting software and ensure all events comply with dual
      control processes for all income received. Support the CFO in
      organizational planning and execution.
    15. Serve as liaison to the Board Treasurer, Finance Committee and
      the Board of Directors. Prepare reports and meeting materials,
      attend meetings, take notes, and ensure follow-up on financial matters.
    16. Proactively advocates for the rights and involvement of
      individuals with disabilities; provide advocacy and support for
      the Independent Living Philosophy. As a member of the agency's
      management team, will attend fundraising and other special
      events as requested and will interact with members of the Board
      of Directors

I.
Work Environment



  1. Work environment is generally performed in an office setting with
    minimal to moderate noise level.
  2. The work environment characteristics described here are
    representative of those an employee encounters while performing the
    essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be
    made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the
    essential functions.


Disclaimer:

The above statements reflect the general details necessary to
describe the principle functions of the occupation described and
shall not be construed as a detailed description of all the work
requirements that may be inherent in the occupation.

Experience and Skills:

I.
Professional Qualifications



  1. Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
    required; CPA or Master's degree strongly preferred.
  2. Minimum of 7 years of progressive accounting experience, including
    3+ years of supervisory experience.
  3. Nonprofit accounting experience required, including knowledge of
    GAAP, fund accounting, cost allocation, and Uniform Guidance.
    Experience with tenant lease management, investment reporting, and
    data analytics a plus.
  4. Familiarity with federal and state grant compliance requirements
    (e.g., OMB Uniform Guidance) as well as the ability to stay
    up-to-date of regulatory changes
  5. Demonstrated experience managing audits, financial reporting, and
    990 preparation.
  6. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business
    periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or
    government regulations. Ability to write reports, business
    correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively
    present information and respond to questions from managers, clients,
    the Board, or other sources.
  7. Experience using accounting and reporting software (e.g., MIP,
    QuickBooks, or similar); comfort with technology and data systems is essential.
  8. Strong analytical, interpersonal, organizational, and
    communication skills.
  9. Proven strong leadership skills, time management skills, and
    ability to problem solve and use critical thinking skills required
  10. Excellent communication skills including speaking, writing,
    listening, mentoring and relationship building.
  11. Passion for promoting ethical behavior and a culture of integrity
    within an organization; including the ability to keep high-level
    information confidential.
  12. Must have a firm belief in consumer control, the independent
    living philosophy, and our agency's Vision Statement
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